Symbol groups
Success for Steve Bassett’s new Simply Fresh store
Steve Bassett opened a new Simply Fresh supplied by Sainsbury’s store in February and has already seen strong growth.
Fascia & franchise: Are you getting the right support?
C-Store speaks to five retailers about the support their franchise and symbol groups provide them and how they have worked through the challenges of 2020.
A.F. Blakemore launches new Spar model
A.F. Blakemore has launched a new commission operator Spar store model with the first store now open.
Win incredible prizes via The Convenience Conference networking hubs
A series of networking hubs are available offering supplier advice and reader competitions.
Are you being pushed in the right direction on shop refits?
Dear Jac investigates if symbol group reps are playing fair on refits following a retailer query.
CJ Lang CEO Colin McLean explains how coronavirus has propelled the group forward
COVID-19 has seen the firm strengthen its supply chain by embracing digital and improving communications
Spar MD Louise Hoste on keeping shelves stocked through the coronavirus pandemic
Spar UK managing director Louise Hoste explains how the group supported retailers in the early days of the lockdown and how it’s adapting its offer to meet changing shopper missions
Senior shake-up at Simply Fresh
Simply Fresh has appointed Michael O’Loughlin as its new chief operating officer, effective 31 August.
Co-investment project creates flagship Spar forecourt store in Dorset
Spar retailer Olly Andrews and distributor Appleby Westward are enjoying the success of a flagship forecourt development in Maiden Newton, Dorset.
Nisa claims recruitment success in first half of year
Nisa Retail has signed up 242 new stores in the first five months of the year, the distributor has stated.
Costcutter raises minimum order levels and amends rebates
Costcutter Supermarkets Group (CSG) has amended its delivery terms and conditions, increasing the minimum order quantities and introducing a penalty charge for retailers who don’t use their allocated slot.
Wessex Retail grows further with Keynsham store acquisition
Wessex Retail has added to its growing portfolio of stores with the acquisition of the Avon Gold Premier Store in Keynsham, Somerset.
Spar retailers outraged by review of Sunday trading hours
Spar retailers have added their voices to those opposing any changes to Sunday trading legislation.
Spar extends vulnerable shopping support to more volunteers
Spar in England and Wales has extended the number of charities it is working with to support volunteers shopping on behalf of vulnerable customers.
Penrith forecourt store refurbished under KeyStore More format
Davidsons Garage in Penrith has become the first forecourt in the north of England to open under the KeyStore More format, supplied by Glasgow wholesaler Filshill.
Costcutter back in the black after “outstanding year”
Costcutter Supermarkets Group (CSG) has returned to profit on the back of a strong year of sales, according to results filed at Companies House this week.
Sainsbury’s supply trial with Simply Fresh thrives during lockdown
Simply Fresh’s trial supply deal with Sainsbury’s “continues to go well” despite the lockdown, the symbol group’s chief operating officer Kash Khera told C-Store.
Simply Fresh expands home delivery options with Deliveroo deal
Simply Fresh has started working with Deliveroo to expand the options for home delivery from member stores.
Coronavirus: 700+ Spar stores join NHS Volunteer Responders programme
More than 700 Spar stores across England have signed up to the NHS Volunteer Responders programme, which enables volunteers to support vulnerable people who have been referred by health professionals and local authorities.
Parfetts planning for more growth from Go Local programme
Parfetts is aiming to recruit a further 150 stores into its symbol and retail club operations this year as it continues to grow its footprint into new geographical areas.
Jamie Davison heads up new recruitment drive for Costcutter
Costcutter Supermarkets Group (CSG) is embarking on a major recruitment drive focused on explaining the key benefits of joining the symbol group through member and shopper testimonials.
BWG grows c-store sales in Ireland, but Appleby Westward falls back
Irish Spar wholesaler BWG grew turnover by 6.2% to €1.5bn in the past year, according to financial results published by South African parent company The Spar Group (TSG).
Bestway adds premium coffee to Best-one own labels
The Best-one and Best-one Inspired own label ranges have been extended with the launch of five premium coffee variants.
Bestway Retail poised to leverage key demographic mapping data
Bestway Retail has completed its UK-wide demographic mapping exercise, allowing its franchise and symbol group retailers to leverage key insights into which ranges, promotions and operational models offer the best fit for specific postcode locations.
Redevelopment fuels sales uplift at Cheshire Nisa store
A Nisa Local store in Cheshire is enjoying growing sales, following the completion of a takeover and redevelopment last year.
Simply Fresh unveils ‘unpacked’ design to encourage plastic reduction
Simply Fresh has launched an initiative that aims to remove all packaging from the front of its stores.
Nisa store reopens at University of York following makeover
A Nisa store at the University of York has reopened following the completion of a makeover in time for autumn.
Co-op Group invests £2.75m in two stores in north Wales
The Co-operative Group is set to reopen two food stores in north Wales as part of a £2.75m investment.
Central England Co-op announces “steady” first half results
Central England Co-operative has announced a 1.6% increase in sales in the face of a “highly challenging” market in its interim first half trading results.
Spar and Scottish FA extend women’s football partnership deal
Spar has announced a new partnership with the Scottish FA, which will see further support for girls’ and women’s grassroots football across the nation.