Blakemore conference focuses on Spar ’mission battle’

Independent Spar retailers can thrive by focusing on their point of difference in the marketplace and the unique position that they are in to win the “mission battle”.

That was the key message from this year’s Blakemore Trade Partners Spar Retail Show, entitled “Mission Possible”, on September 16th - 17th, which was attended by over 1,000 delegates.

The event comprised an annual conference, guild dinner and trade show, with leading Spar stores showcasing their success alongside suppliers, industry experts and retailers interested in becoming part of Blakemore Trade Partners.

Delegates were given an understanding of core shopping missions and best in class in-store delivery, from hot or cold food-to-go to tonight’s tea via Spar own label.

Blakemore Trade Partners managing director Jerry Marwood told the conference: “We need to win the mission battle with our customers each and every day, that’s why our product range, pricing strategy and format development is built on consumer insight.

“Blakemore Trade Partners works on a daily basis in partnership with our retailers to create a business model that enables them to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

“Working in collaboration provides the flexibility to build a range and format that is specific to a retailer’s core customers – from transient bus station customers in Northampton, to value focused top-up shoppers in Wales, or an aspirational foodie looking for a tonight’s tea solution in Hackney.”

Blakemore Trade Partners sales director Neil Mercer commented: “Investing in wholesale and retail price has been a cornerstone of our strategic planning, further enhanced by tactical initiatives such as the Payday deals promotion we have launched, investing a further £500,000 to provide our retailers with best in market prices to drive footfall and grow basket spend.

“With a record number of retailers joining Blakemore Trade Partners this year, we are confident that our long-term vision is delivering exactly what independent retailers need.”

He said Blakemore Trade Partners had already set aside £2m to co-invest in its independent retailer store estate, invested £400,000 for retail IT development and thanks to its Retail Partners Scheme had saved its Spar retailers nearly £5m.