About Us
SPAR is the world's largest food retail chain, trading through 20,000 stores in 30 countries across five continents. SPAR originated in the Netherlands in 1932. It was decided that the symbol for the company would be the firtree, for which the word is de Spar.
The original concept of SPAR was to bring independent retailers together and allow them to benefit from increased buying power and a strong brand. This core concept has become increasingly relevant in today's highly competitive retail marketplace.
In the 1950's, five wholesalers applied to SPAR International for the franchise to run SPAR in the UK. The proposal was accepted and in September, 1957, SPAR UK was officially launched.
SPAR UK
SPAR UK currently consists of six regional distribution centres, which supply goods and service to more than 2700 stores throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd supply stores in a zone known as the Central Meridian Guild. This covers a stretch of land from North Wales to East Anglia. It also reaches up to Lincolnshire and spreads as far south as the Thames Estuary.
Each distribution centre is supported by SPAR Central Office. This provides national marketing and buying services for the whole group to ensure the best deals for customers.
The success of SPAR in the convenience market, as well as the strength of the brand, means that it can be extended to work with other types of business. Examples of this include newsagent chains or petrol stations.
SPAR aims to provide quality, value for money and products with an emphasis on fresh foods. Stores are designed and laid-out with customers needs in mind to make the shopping experience both pleasant and relaxed.
SPAR Central Office
SPAR Central Office is situated in Harrow, Middlesex. The main function of the central office is to ensure that all the administrive work of SPAR UK is carried out as agreed by the membership.
SPAR Central Office is mainly responsible for:
- Negotiations with suppliers
- Specification, supply and pricing of SPAR brand goods
- Negotiations of SPAR promotions
Awards
SPAR has won the coveted Symbol Group Retailer of the Year award in 2002, 2003 and 2004. As well as a host of other awards for both the group and individual retailers.
SPAR owners have won no fewer than 80 major industry awards in the past 4 years. These awards include the highly commended Forecourt Trader of the Year 2004, the Asian Trader Award and the Most Outstanding Sales Assistant of the year 2004, to name but a few. SPAR has also been awarded the highly coveted Convenience Store of the Year 3 years in a row, which also makes us the only convenience store chain to have won the award so far