Symbol groups
Focusing on the future with Nisa
A record number of retailers moved to Nisa Retail in 2020, with those investing in new and upgraded stores enjoying average sales uplifts of 11%.
Parfetts appoints Steve Moore as new head of retail
Moore was previously at Costcutter where he was responsible for sales and recruitment.
Fascia & Franchise: strong ties
We speak to a selection of retailers about the support they’ve received from their symbol and franchise groups over the past year and where they would like to see improvements.
Costcutter uses shopper insights to create lifelong loyalty
With Costcutter now part of the Bestway family, it is better placed than ever to champion and support independent retailers.
What does the next year look like for One Stop Franchise?
One Stop Franchise has experienced major developments in recent months, with this trend set to continue as it pursues ambitious goals for the future. The business is looking to recruit a lot more stores and has exciting plans to enhance its partnership model, as One Stop explains.
Southern Co-op franchise extends its appeal to new partners
With more than 50 franchise stores now operating across the south of England, Southern Co-op’s partners are proving that community is just as important as product offering.
SPAR backs independent retailers with tailored support
As lockdown eases and life returns to the old normal, SPAR is looking forward to a steady stream of independent retailers joining its ranks.
Best-one offers the service and support that retailers need
Started by shopkeepers for shopkeepers, Best-one’s credo is to provide the necessary service and support to build sustainable and profitable independent businesses
What convenience retailers need in a symbol partner
The Covid-19 pandemic has been a unique test for convenience retailers, who have returned to the centre of community life as people have stayed at home and shopped locally. Symbol groups have used their collaborative advantages to adapt quickly, an edge that will prove useful as restrictions ease, as SPAR ...
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.