South West Spar stores that have signed up to Appleby Westward’s retailer club - which offers rebates on own brand and free-from products - have seen an average sales uplift of 36% since its launch in August.

The Spar retailer club offers members who order a specially-selected range of Spar brand products a 35p rebate per case. In addition, stocking a selection of free-from and protein range products yields retailers a 50p rebate per case ordered.

Latest figures to November show 75 stores signed up to the Spar distributor’s initiative.

Appleby head of sales Steve Thomas said: “There’s been a solid uplift from all stores with the majority working the range into the correct layout according to Appleby Westward’s small planograms.

“It’s allowing stores to remain market leading and highly competitive in our sector.”

Appleby Westward is investing £600,000 to support Spar brand products and new sales opportunities over the next year.

“Membership of the Club will yield some real benefits to retailers,” said Thomas. “The total gain for the average store in a year could be as much as £7,200, based on current average rate of sale.”