Ready for increased volumes, CJ Lang says

As a national shortage of drivers has disrupted wholesale deliveries in the recent days, CJ Lang said they are managing the increased volumes and even ready for more.

The wholesaler for SPAR Scotland, which serves over 300 independent and company-owned Spar stores, said they have recruited new drivers and warehouse operatives in recent weeks, besides investing in a driver apprenticeship scheme, to meet the growing demand, particularly as the Euro 2020 tournament kicked off.

“The team are working very hard and showing great commitment to keep deliveries moving and getting stock into stores. The Spar tartan army is ready to roll out its support for Scotland’s football team,” Colin Chapman, distribution director at CJ Lang & Son, said.

He said the logistics team have been busy preparing to ensure stores will be fit to support customers during the Euro 2020 championship since the men’s Scottish football team qualified for the delayed Euro 2020 competition.

“Over the last 12 months we have seen record volumes go through our depot in Dundee. At times it has been a challenge to keep stock flowing but we are very excited to have everything in place to support our independent Spar retailers and stores during the Euro 2020 championships,” Chapman said.

“There are a significant number of in-store activities and promotions planned for the next four weeks and with the addition of new stores, the current good spell of weather and football fans looking to watch the matches from home, we will be working around the clock to ensure availability and delivery to Spar stores.”

He said the depot volume was significantly up on forecast overall in the first week of this month. “We can see customers continue to use their local convenience Spar stores. Ambient volumes are up 20 per cent and frozen volumes are up 90 per cent on the same week two years ago and very close to last year’s record week.”

Spar Scotland is currently running a campaign supporting the Scottish football team. Lasting until the end of the tournament on 11 July, the ‘We’re the Team to Beat this Summer’ campaign involves TV advertising, marketing, digital and in-store activity.