A.F. Blakemore Relaunches First Company-owned SPAR as Flagship Store

September 09, 2019

A.F. Blakemore has relocated its inaugural company-owned SPAR store in Bentley to a new forecourt site in Willenhall. 

The brand new 2,163 sq ft store on Wolverhampton Road West was opened on 6th September by A.F. Blakemore Chairman Peter Blakemore and family members Tom and Liz Blakemore.

The SPAR has relocated to a forecourt site next door and now provides petrol services to customers. 

The BP petrol site houses eight standard pumps and two HGV pumps and operates 24 hours a day.

The store features brand-new Subway and Greggs departments, providing customers with a one-stop convenience, restaurant and takeaway solution. 

A.F. Blakemore first acquired the store in 1985 as a part of its retail division, and it played a key role in the company’s support of SPAR’s Eight Till Late concept.

At the launch, Peter Blakemore was joined by friend and ex-colleague Elwyn Davies, whom he opened the store with back in 1985, to recreate the iconic photo from the company’s archives of the original launch.

Nearly 35 years on and the company is still investing in the local community and ensuring that its customers continue to receive the best service.

The new Bentley SPAR houses the 50th Subway department to open in partnership with Blakemore Retail. The Subway is the first to operate 24 hours a day.

With the store’s relocation and additional food-to-go outlets, the company has created 18 new jobs within the local area. 

Blakemore Retail Managing Director Matt Teague commented: “Bentley is a major investment for Blakemore Retail and will be the largest flagship store we open this year.

“Its trading characteristics reflect our store development strategy perfectly. The new store provides wider food choices to local residents with the addition of high-profile brands in Greggs and Subway.”  

As is standard with all new Blakemore Retail stores, Bentley has been fitted with energy-saving lighting and refrigeration.

A defibrillator has been installed at the entrance to the store for any future emergencies.

The SPAR also offers CollectPlus, PayPoint and National Lottery services as well as a free cash machine.

To celebrate, the company held community fun days over the launch weekend, giving away free goodie bags and running promotional offers.

Customers were also invited to take part in golden ticket and “lucky pump” competitions with exciting prizes.

The SPAR store operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 
 

The brand new SPAR Bentley forecourt site on Wolverhampton Road West

A photo from the company's archives of Peter Blakemore with Elwyn Davies shortly after SPAR Bentley's original launch back in 1985

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