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Blakemore Retail News
Unique in-store SPAR campaign returns with a Christmas twist
November 22, 2024
In true festive spirit, A.F. Blakemore, has announced their summer campaign is returning again for Christmas but bigger and better! Summer hit, SPARaoke returns, this time with a festive flavour. The Campaign celebrates the BIG DEALS of Christmas by working with someone who is a BIG DEAL at Christmas. Roy Wood of Wizzard, signs on to lead the campaign.SPAR BIG Deals of Christmas returns for 2024
November 15, 2024
SPAR’s national brand campaign, BIG Deals of Christmas, is back and bigger than ever for 2024. Launching in SPAR stores in England and Wales from 31st October, this year’s campaign promises even more incredible promotional offers.SPAR launches new 1kg bag of Pick ‘n’ Mix sweets with Uniflex
October 29, 2024
SPAR stores across England, Scotland and Wales are excited to launch an exclusive new 1kg bag of Pick 'n' Mix sweets, available in selected stores from Uniflex from 31st October 2024. This latest addition brings a fun, nostalgic twist to the classic sweet treat, offering everyone’s favourite sweets in an extra-large, shareable bag.SPAR becomes first to market with new range of freeze-dried sweets from Bebeto
October 21, 2024
SPAR is announcing the launch of a new range of freeze-dried sweets, making it the first retailer in the convenience sector to introduce this innovative snack.Ballygally school boy’s sweet idea becomes new product sold in SPAR stores across UK
September 04, 2024
9 year old Archie Barr has become Ballygally’s youngest product designer, after his imaginary packet of sweets has been made a reality by his local SPAR retailer.SPAR OPENS NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART STORE IN TON PENTRE
August 19, 2024
New Store Features GREGGS and an Extended Range of Fresh and Local ProduceNSPCC thanks Blakemore Retail for raising over £5 million for the charity in 18-year partnership
July 24, 2024
AFBA.F. Blakemore celebrates partnership success at SRS24
July 12, 2024
A.F. Blakemore, one of the UK’s largest privately owned family businesses, retailer and wholesaler for SPAR stores in Wales, Central and South East England, held its annual 2024 SPAR Retail Show (SRS24) at Telford International Centre on Thursday 13th June, with over 1,300 guests attending the conference, tradeshow, gala dinner and awards evening.SPAR becomes Official Partner of Glamorgan Cricket
May 31, 2024
A.F. Blakemore, one of the UK’s largest privately owned family businesses and wholesaler for SPAR stores in Wales, Central and South East England, is proud to announce its new partnership with Glamorgan Cricket as an Official back-of-shirt Partner for the next two cricket seasons – 2024 and 2025.SPAR introduces new value own label wine collection
May 22, 2024
SPAR UK, the leading symbol group, is announcing the release of its latest collection of value own label wines.Paralympic legend opens Llandaff SPAR following £500k Refurbishment
May 17, 2024
The new-look SPAR Market opened its doors on Friday 3 May, showcasing Cardiff’s first Philpotts concession with a FREE celebratory barista coffee for all customers.SPAR £100k Community Cashback returns
April 09, 2024
The SPAR Community Cashback is back for the third year in a row.A F Blakemore Appoints Nicola McIntosh as New Chief People Officer
April 03, 2024
AF Blakemore, one of the UK’s largest privately owned family businesses, today announced the appointment of Nicola McIntosh as its new Chief People Officer, effective May 20th, 2024.Top Industry Convenience Leaders Gather at Sun City, South Africa for SPAR UK 2024 Conference
April 02, 2024
The vibrant setting of Sun City in South Africa played host to the SPAR UK 2024 Conference, where 480 independent SPAR retailers and families, national account customers, company owned store colleagues, suppliers, RDC and central office leaders attended the highly anticipated business event between 12-16 March 2024.Ready, Set, Go With SPAR School Sports Day Grants
February 05, 2024
Following the huge success of last year’s school sports day grants campaign, leading symbol group SPAR UK is offering another £50,000 to support schools in their local communities across the UK.January value at only £1.25 available from SPAR
January 04, 2024
SPAR is helping shoppers through the month of January by offering great value deals on a range of store cupboard staples from just £1.25.Blakemore Retail unveils SPAR store in Warren Wood, Gainsborough – A hub of convenience and sustainability
December 12, 2023
Blakemore Retail is delighted to announce the grand opening of its latest SPAR store in Warren Wood, Gainsborough.A.F. Blakemore appoints Lawrence Shirazian as Managing Director of Foodservice Business Unit
December 01, 2023
A.F. Blakemore, one of the UK’s largest privately owned family businesses, is pleased to announce that Lawrence Shirazian will join as Managing Director of their newly formed Foodservice Business Unit on 4th December 2023.Blakemore Retail acquires Hockmeyer Motors Limited
November 23, 2023
The UK’s largest SPAR Retail Distribution Company A.F. Blakemore and Son Limited has expanded its operation in Sleaford, Lincolnshire after agreeing a deal to purchase Hockmeyer Motors Limited.Spinner Winner proves a huge success with SPAR shoppers
November 14, 2023
SPAR presents MrBeast Feastables campaign winners with grand prizes - Spinner Winner, an online consumer competition campaign launched during the summer to support the convenience partnership between MrBeast Feastables chocolates and SPAR, has proven to be a huge success with SPAR shoppers.SPAR UK ANNOUNCES THREE NEW DIRECTOR APPOINTMENTS
November 14, 2023
Leading symbol group SPAR UK Ltd has announced three new Director appointments at Central Office in Harrow.SPAR UK celebrates raising £3m for Marie Curie
October 24, 2023
Leading convenience store group SPAR is celebrating a huge fundraising milestone by raising £3 million for its national charity partner Marie Curie.SPAR is making a BIG Deal of Christmas
October 04, 2023
This October sees leading symbol group SPAR UK launch its largest national brand campaign to date.A.F. Blakemore and Inenco Shortlisted for Prestigious Energy Efficient Partnership of the Year Award
September 26, 2023
A.F. Blakemore in collaboration with energy and sustainability specialists Inenco has been officially shortlisted for the esteemed Energy Efficient Partnership of the Year by The Energy Awards.Star Studded Performance From SPAR At 2023 Retail Industry Awards
September 25, 2023
The 2023 Retail Industry Awards night took place on 19 September at The Brewery, Chiswell Street, London, hosted by the excellent Paul Sinha.SPAR partners with FareShare to launch their first Giving One Million Meals campaign
September 21, 2023
SPAR is partnering with FareShare, the UK’s biggest charity fighting hunger and tackling food waste, to provide the equivalent of one million meals through local charities in cities, towns and villages across the UK, as part of the Giving One Million Meals | SPAR project.A.F. Blakemore & Son Reports Robust Financial Performance, Championed by SPAR Retail Estate
September 18, 2023
A.F. Blakemore & Son, one of the UK's foremost family-owned businesses, has reported strong financial results for its food retail, foodservice and wholesale business for the financial year ending on 30 April 2023.A.F. Blakemore announce new structure to leverage retail strength
September 12, 2023
A.F. Blakemore has announced changes to the leadership team to consolidate retail knowledge across its SPAR portfolio.SPAR launches exciting Spinner Winner campaign in collaboration with YouTuber MrBeast and exclusive Feastables chocolate bars
July 26, 2023
Leading symbol group SPAR has launched its highly anticipated summer campaign, Spinner Winner, in collaboration with the renowned internet personality and philanthropist, MrBeast.SPAR announces winners of the 2023 UK £100k Community Cashback scheme
July 25, 2023
Leading convenience symbol group SPAR has announced the winners of its second £100,000 Community Cashback scheme launched in January this year.SPAR Phoenix Park opens in Nottingham
July 21, 2023
Locals and commuters alike can delight in the brand new £1.5 million SPAR store that’s just opened in the Phoenix Park area of Nottingham. That’s because alongside an extensive range of convenience products, shoppers will find a Greggs and a Subway franchise.SPAR grows its own label ambient dessert range
July 20, 2023
Leading symbol group SPAR is introducing its own brand tins of rice pudding and custard.SPAR goes yellow to support Marie Curie 75th celebrations
July 20, 2023
Marie Curie, the SPAR national charity partner, is celebrating its 75th birthday and in acknowledgment, SPAR alongside seven leading FMCG grocery brands have pledged to donate £35,000 in total to a new campaign, called Go Yellow, in support of Marie Curie’s special birthday anniversary.Tipton scores with new SPAR store
July 19, 2023
Wolves FC legend, Steve Bull MBE, officially opened the new £1.1m SPAR store in Tipton recently.SPAR launches own label raspberry flavoured vodka
July 12, 2023
Leading symbol group SPAR is entering the flavoured spirits market and has launched a brand new own label raspberry flavoured vodka spirit.A.F. Blakemore launches the new Plant & Win App
April 27, 2023
Leading SPAR wholesaler and convenience store retailer, A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, has launched a new app called Plant & Win, where SPAR shoppers in Wales, central England and the Southeast can play to plant trees and win a host of exciting prizes.Disability Sport Wales and SPAR extended partnership
March 27, 2023
Disability Sport Wales are delighted to announce that SPAR, the leading convenience store brand, will continue as the national Community Partner for the next three years.A.F. Blakemore launches ‘Short Supportive Stories’ book to recognise their ‘Women In Blakemore’
March 13, 2023
A F Blakemore, one of the UK’s largest independently owned businesses, has the announced the winners of their first Women in Blakemore Awards, via a story book. The book launch amalgamates the stories of the winners and their nominees.SPAR launches its second UK wide £100,000 Community Cashback Scheme
February 06, 2023
Following the enormous success of last year’s £100,000 Community Cashback Scheme, leading convenience symbol group SPAR is launching a second £100,000 Community Cashback Scheme this February, giving away grants to local voluntary or community organisations and charities.SPAR Shopper Wins Ultimate Christmas in Competition Giveaway
February 06, 2023
A convenience store shopper from Scunthorpe has won the ultimate Christmas after entering a SPAR competition.SPAR Shopper Wins Fuel for a Year in Competition Giveaway
February 06, 2023
A convenience store shopper from Welshampton has won free fuel for a year after entering a SPAR Christmas competition.SPAR Shopper Wins Energy for a Year in Competition Giveaway
February 06, 2023
A convenience store shopper from Worcester has won free energy for a year after entering a SPAR Christmas competition.SPAR Customer Wins Shopping for a Year in Competition Giveaway
February 06, 2023
A convenience store customer from Peterborough has won free shopping at SPAR for a year after entering a SPAR Christmas competition.AF Blakemore appoints Carol Welch as new CEO
February 02, 2023
AF Blakemore, one of the UK’s largest privately owned family businesses, is pleased to announce that Carol Welch will join as Chief Executive in April, succeeding Jerry Marwood who is leaving to focus more time on his non-executive directorships and consultancy roles.Tremendous Success for A.F. Blakemore’s SPAR Christmas Campaign
February 02, 2023
A.F. Blakemore & Son launched a SPAR Christmas campaign in December giving away up to £100,000 worth of prizes.Donations Worth £65,000 Awarded to Good Causes at Christmas
December 23, 2022
The Blakemore Foundation awards donations worth circa £65,000 to more than 1,300 activities and events in communities this ChristmasBlakemore Retail Support Team Shortlisted for Head Office Heroes Award
December 23, 2022
Blakemore Retail’s Operations Support team makes the shortlist for a Head Office Heroes award at the Retail Week AwardsSPAR Alsager Relaunches with New Food to Go
December 22, 2022
Blakemore Retail's Alsager SPAR store relaunches with a delicious new food-to-go offerA.F. Blakemore Christmas Campaign to Give Away up to £100,000 Worth of Prizes
December 08, 2022
A.F. Blakemore launches a SPAR Christmas campaign giving away up to £100,000 worth of prizesMachynlleth SPAR and Post Office Relaunches with New Greggs
December 07, 2022
Machynlleth SPAR and Post Office reopens with a new Greggs bakery after undergoing a refurbishmentQuay Road SPAR and Post Office Celebrates Relaunch
December 07, 2022
Blakemore Retail's Quay Road SPAR and Post Office reopens after undergoing a refitLocal MP Launches New Post Office at SPAR Chipping Sodbury
October 25, 2022
Blakemore Retail’s Chipping Sodbury store celebrates the opening of a brand-new post office with a visit from a local MPLlanharry SPAR and Post Office Relaunches After Fire
September 29, 2022
Blakemore Retail’s Llanharry SPAR and Post Office reopens after extensive fire and water damage forced it to close in AprilLisa James Crowned Sales Colleague of the Year
September 27, 2022
SPAR Beddau Supervisor Lisa James wins Sales Colleague of the Year at The Convenience AwardsFive Colleagues Cycle London to Paris for GroceryAid
September 13, 2022
Five A.F. Blakemore colleagues complete an epic bike ride from London to Paris in aid of charity GroceryAidSPAR UK Awards £100,000 to Good Causes Via Community Cashback Scheme
July 12, 2022
SPAR UK awards £100,000 to good causes across the UK via its Community Cashback schemeSPAR Launches New Partnership with Deliveroo
June 22, 2022
SPAR UK signes a new partnership deal with Deliveroo covering all 2,160 SPAR stores in England, Scotland and WalesBlakemore Retail Spring Ball Raises £40,000 for NSPCC
June 22, 2022
Blakemore Retail raises more than £40,000 for the NSPCC at its fourth charity ballSPAR Own Label Expands for Summer BBQs
May 09, 2022
SPAR launches a variety of own label products to maximise this summer’s great opportunityBlakemore Retail Opens New Purpose-Built SPAR in Spalding
May 04, 2022
Blakemore Retail launches a brand-new SPAR convenience store in the town of Spalding, LincolnshireSPAR Aberavon Relaunches with New and Improved Food to Go
April 22, 2022
SPAR Aberavon relaunches with a new and improved hot food counter serving delicious food to goA.F. Blakemore to Launch SPAR Augmented Reality Game App
April 05, 2022
A.F. Blakemore is set to launch an interactive augmented reality (AR) game app that offers customers the chance to win prizes at SPAR storesBlakemore Retail Unveils New Concept Store at SPAR Aberystwyth
February 18, 2022
Blakemore Retail launches a brand-new concept store at SPAR AberystwythSPAR Launches New Brand Positioning
January 12, 2022
SPAR unveils new UK-wide brand positioning that celebrates the unique characteristics of SPAR convenience storesSPAR Becomes First Grocer in UK to Launch 100% Vegan Own-label Wine Range
January 06, 2022
SPAR makes its full range of own-label wines suitable for vegansBlakemore Retail and NSPCC Win at Corporate Engagement Awards
November 15, 2021
Blakemore Retail’s charity partnership with the NSPCC wins bronze at the Corporate Engagement Awards 2021Blakemore Retail Goes Purple for Purple Tuesday
November 05, 2021
Blakemore Retail colleagues dress up and decorate their stores in purple for disability awareness event Purple TuesdayBlakemore Retail Opens New Store in Broughton Astley
October 15, 2021
Blakemore Retail opens a new SPAR store in the village of Broughton Astley, LeicestershireBlakemore Retail to Host Big Bank Holiday Fundraiser for NSPCC
August 20, 2021
Blakemore Retail colleagues are set to go on a fundraising drive for the NSPCC this August bank holiday with their annual PANTS WeekendSPAR Stores Across Wales to Celebrate Welsh Food Fortnight
July 23, 2021
SPAR stores across Wales will be taking part in a Welsh Food Fortnight campaign next monthBlakemore Retail Reaches £4 Million Fundraising Milestone for NSPCC
July 23, 2021
Blakemore Retail reaches a £4 million fundraising milestone for the NSPCC through its 16-year partnership with the charityBlakemore Retail Teams Up with NSPCC for Home or Out Alone Campaign
July 09, 2021
Blakemore Retail teams up with the NSPCC to help parents decide if their children are ready to stay home or go out aloneBlakemore Retail Launches First SPAR Market Store
June 24, 2021
Blakemore Retail relaunches its store in Bala under the SPAR Market fascia following a complete refurbishmentBlakemore Retail Birthday Parties Raise More Than £35,000 for NSPCC
June 11, 2021
Blakemore Retail raises £35,212 for the NSPCC by hosting 16th birthday parties across its SPAR estate to celebrate the start of its 16th year of partnership with the charitySPAR UK Conference 2021: The Future of Convenience is with SPAR
May 27, 2021
The SPAR symbol group is determined to maintain its lead in the convenience market by investing £125 million in the business over the next 12 monthsColleagues Celebrate GroceryAid Awareness Day
March 05, 2021
Colleagues across A.F. Blakemore help the company raise awareness of GroceryAid as it marks GroceryAid Awareness DayBlakemore Retail Extends Partnership with Too Good To Go to 275 Stores
February 24, 2021
Blakemore Retail signs up all 275 of its SPAR convenience stores to the Too Good To Go appStore Manager Linda Carrington Receives New Year Honour
December 31, 2020
SPAR Store Manager Linda Carrington receives a British Empire Medal in The Queen’s New Year HonoursShawbirch Store Relaunched after Major Refit
December 09, 2020
Blakemore Retail relaunches its Shawbirch store in Telford after carrying out a major refitBlakemore Retail Buy One, Get One for a Penny Campaign Now Live
September 17, 2020
Blakemore Retail’s ‘Buy One, Get One for a Penny’ campaign is now live across its SPAR estateBlakemore Retail PANTS Day Raises £31,453
September 11, 2020
Blakemore Retail PANTS Weekend raises an incredible £31,453Blakemore Retail Recognises Top Fundraising Stores
September 08, 2020
Blakemore Retail recognises its top fundraising stores after raising more than £252,000 for the NSPCC during its last fundraising yearBlakemore Retail Launches New Flagship Store in North Wales
August 24, 2020
Blakemore Retail launches a brand-new flagship SPAR store in Bodelwyddan, North WalesNon-uniform Weekend Raises £25,000 for NSPCC
July 29, 2020
Blakemore Retail SPAR stores across England and Wales raise £25,000 for the NSPCC with a ‘Dress Up or Dress Down’ fundraising weekendBlakemore Retail Trials Self-service Checkouts
July 23, 2020
Blakemore Retail is trialling three card-only self-service checkouts at its Bannerbrook storeBlakemore Retail Invests in Delivery Vans to Meet Snappy Shopper Demand
June 25, 2020
Blakemore Retail invests in new delivery vans to keep up with demand for Snappy Shopper home deliveriesSPAR Removes 300 Tonnes of Plastic from Own-label Packaging in One Year
June 11, 2020
SPAR removes nearly 300 tonnes of virgin plastic from 53 own-label productsSPAR Extends Shopping Support to National Charities
June 11, 2020
More than 700 SPAR stores in England and Wales sign up to support volunteers for three additional national charities in order to support more vulnerable peopleBlakemore Retail Launches Home Delivery Website
April 30, 2020
Blakemore Retail launches an online ordering website to make it easier for customers to browse products from SPAR stores offering home deliveriesA.F. Blakemore Colleagues Donate Over £25,000 During Coronavirus Crisis
April 21, 2020
Colleagues from across A.F. Blakemore donate more than £25,000 to local communities during the coronavirus crisisA.F. Blakemore Partners with Royal Voluntary Service
April 15, 2020
A.F. Blakemore partners with the Royal Voluntary Service to help vulnerable people and NHS workers during the coronavirus crisisSPAR Partners with Royal Voluntary Service
April 08, 2020
SPAR stores in England are to be the first convenience retailer to partner with Royal Voluntary Service on its NHS Volunteer Responders programmeBlakemore Retail Launches Standalone Greggs and Subway
March 04, 2020
Blakemore Retail launches its first standalone Greggs and Subway store as part of its strategy to expand retail spaces across the businessA.F. Blakemore Partners with Disability Sport Wales
February 03, 2020
A.F. Blakemore becomes the national community partner of Disability Sport WalesBlakemore Retail Trials Food Waste Fighting App
January 24, 2020
Blakemore Retail has become the latest convenience store retailer to trial the food waste fighting app Too Good to GoA.F. Blakemore Signs Up to Refill Campaign
December 04, 2019
A.F. Blakemore has become the first convenience retailer to join the Refill campaign to help reduce plastic wasteSPAR Bentley Relaunches at New Forecourt Site
September 06, 2019
Blakemore Retail relocates its Bentley SPAR store to a larger forecourt site in WalsallBlakemore Retail Achieves Investors in People Gold Accreditation
June 06, 2019
Blakemore Retail’s commitment to developing colleagues is recognised with the highly prestigious Investors in People Gold accoladeA.F. Blakemore Acquires Philpotts Store Chain
February 27, 2019
A.F. Blakemore has acquired the Philpotts chain of prepared-food stores, adding an additional 22 stores to the company’s retail estateBlakemore Retail Colleagues’ Daring Deeds Raise Over £200k for NSPCC
January 28, 2019
Colleagues from Blakemore Retail SPAR stores went above and beyond during the latter half of 2018 to raise more than £200k for the children’s charityStore Locator
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Blakemore Retail News
November 22, 2024
Unique in-store SPAR campaign returns with a Christmas twist
November 15, 2024
SPAR BIG Deals of Christmas returns for 2024
October 29, 2024
SPAR launches new 1kg bag of Pick ‘n’ Mix sweets with Uniflex
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