Spar wholesaler Appleby Westward Group has reassured retailers that operations will remain unchanged and that the business remains committed to customers, Spar retailers and suppliers while seeking a new owner.
Speaking at the South West Tradeshow and Conference, on 3 July at the Riviera International Centre, Torquay, managing director Mike Boardman addressed recent headlines about the business.
“Appleby Westward is a strong and attractive business for a new owner, with great people, a robust wholesale and logistics infrastructure servicing more than 300 Spar stores across the South West,” Boardman said. “Our focus remains firmly on supporting our retailers and driving forward together.”
This comes following confirmation from Spar Group South Africa that the process was underway to find a new owner for Appleby Westward Group.
This year’s South West Tradeshow and Conference was a move to a larger venue, featuring more than 140 independent Spar retailers and more than 100 supplier stands.
“Our conference reinforces a commitment to building lasting relationships between independent Spar retailers, suppliers and community partnerships,” added Boardman. “It’s about recognising success, exploring new opportunities and shaping the future of convenience retail together.”
Elsewhere, Joe Dooley (right), trading director at AWG, presented core strategic category pillars including off licence, impulse, food to go, fresh foods and flowers and vaping. “It’s a challenging trading environment, but by working with our supply partners we can deliver our growth through marginal gains that add up to stronger sales and profitability across Spar South West stores,” he said.
Steve Thomas, interim sales and recruitment director, called on retailers to embrace the collaborative Spar family model - wholesaler, supplier and retailer working as one. He also stressed the importance of stocking the full depot range, activating marketing campaigns and boosting Spar brand visibility.
A new quarterly promotional campaign was also launched, reducing wholesale costs on around 100 lines across all categories. These prices will be held for 12 weeks, with the range evolving seasonally, it announced.
This year’s event raised funds for Spar’s national charity partner, Marie Curie, and AWG’s regional partner, FareShare South West. “Every penny we raise for Marie Curie makes a difference and touches every one of our communities,” said Thomas. “We’re incredibly proud of the support our retailers, customers and colleagues continue to give such vital causes.”
“The energy at this year’s event has been outstanding,” concluded Boardman. “Whether it’s new product innovation, store investment or the strength of our retailer relationships, everything we’re doing is about building a stronger, more sustainable future for Spar in the South West.”
sustainable future for Spar in the South West.”
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