We give store managers the freedom to make every SPAR the perfect fit for their community.
Welcome to SPAR
Being the world's largest food store chain gives us a huge sense of pride. And, of course, a knowledge and expertise of the sector that’s second to none. As a symbol group, we give store managers the freedom to make every SPAR the perfect fit for their community, while enjoying the benefits of collective buying and the marketing power of a major brand.
We’ve been in the UK since 1957. That’s nearly 60 years of being there for leading independent British retailers in all areas of operation – delivering the right brands, prices, promotions, tools and store formats to help them grow sales and maximise their profitability.
We’ve been in the UK since 1957. That’s nearly 60 years of being there for leading independent British retailers.
Why SPAR?
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Store Development
You want the best possible return on your investment. We want the best possible store for that location. Which is why SPAR offers a complete store development service.
We’ve a range of award-winning store formats designed around customer shopping missions, plus a macro/micro space planning model to help us make decisions about the best allocation of space. When you’re ready to start shaping your store, we’ll be there for you. -
Business Support
Every retailer who joins SPAR gets their own specialist business development advisor, ready to identify new growth opportunities and offer support for, well, everything.
They’ll concentrate on improving your sales, helping you achieve sustainable growth. They’ll visit you on a regular basis to talk about focus areas like staff training and store development. They’ll help build a plan that works for you. -
Training & Development
Recruiting, retaining and motivating store teams is vital to the success of every business. As a SPAR retailer, you’ll have access to the online SPAR Guild Training Academy.
The Academy’s curriculum includes induction and legislative training, operational excellence and Retail Management accredited qualifications. SPAR retailers who have implemented our award-winning training have seen improvements in sales of up to 12%. -
Marketing Excellence
SPAR retailers have all the tools they need to make their store a local success, with an extensive marketing package and support plan.
This includes a toolkit that ranges from leaflets, in-store POS to live radio. And award winning campaigns that include extensive national PR, social media, a consumer magazine, national TV advertising and sponsorship of popular TV programmes. -
EPOS Systems
Our latest, easy-to-use EPOS platform gives you more time to focus on your customers, and more data to help you understand what works, and what doesn’t.
It’s pretty comprehensive, but some of the top features include digital delivery notes for goods receipts and stock updates, price updates and information on new lines and deals. You can also submit orders, look up invoices, promotions and product details. -
World Class Distribution
The best warehousing and distribution solution is one that’s efficient for everyone in our network of stores. And, for us, one with a low environmental impact.
Our approach was recognised when we won a Contribution to Environmental Improvement Award at The European Supply Chain Excellence Awards. Since then, we’ve worked to build on our work in the field, and continue to see delivered service levels of 98% or higher. -
Promotions & Value
As the seasons change, we offer promotions at regular periods to boost your sales. They go in cycles. Each cycle features 150 refreshed national promotions, alongside weekly and local activity.
We’re also dedicated to providing value for money. So, SPAR currently offer 100's of products at £1 right across the store, including fresh produce. And of course, our selection of more than 1000 own brand products. -
Quality Own Brand
Our extensive, award-winning own brand range is made up of over 1000 products on an international, national and local level. And we’re improving and developing new products all the time.
Each one is rigorously checked and tested to offer customers great quality at competitive prices. In short, if we wouldn’t buy it ourselves we don’t sell it. And it’s not just the sales figures that tell us we’re getting this right: we won over 100 awards in 2014. -
Forecourts
It’s not a fact most people can reel off, but with over 800 sites SPAR is the largest symbol forecourt operator in the UK.
Thanks to successful partnerships with several fuel companies, we’re able to give our retailers flexibility on fuel, as well as all the support of a symbol group. And more importantly, we’re giving customers quality retail when they stop to refuel.
As your trusted retail partner, SPAR will be there for you every step of the way!
Retailer Testimonials
James Brundle
SPAR Walthamstow & Hackney
“We chose SPAR because we wanted a symbol group who would offer us value and convenience and give us a brand that customers knew and trusted.”
"SPAR has exceeded our expectations: giving us the flexibility to add our own things to our store and would allowing us to use smaller, lesser known suppliers. And they’re massively helpful too: if ever there is a problem, they sort it out.
Customers trust SPAR and we feel very comfortable working with the group. It’s vital a business has an image that people can recognise and trust. The minute we put SPAR over the door our whole operation took off!"
David Charman
SPAR Parkfoot
“I have been with SPAR for the last 11 years and continue to be impressed by the flexibility, innovation and excellent support that comes as part of the package.”
"Customer perception of SPAR is strong and this, together with the right product price points and excellent value promotions, continues to drive my business."
Kevin Hunt
SPAR Penwortham
“By working with SPAR my business has seen significant growth in sales, customer transactions and fresh foods.”
"I encourage all retailers to find out more about what SPAR can do to help your business compete and grow in the dynamic marketplace we are in."
Paul Stone
Multi-store SPAR operator, Manchester
“Being a SPAR retailer has improved the customer perception of my business...”
...and has enabled me to be more professional, more profitable and to grow my business dramatically over the last few years."