A.F. Blakemore has launched a brand-new commission operator store model for their SPAR shops.

The Leominster SPAR in Herefordshire became the first store across the company’s estate to be run by a commission operator after relaunching on 7th September.

Formerly operated by Blakemore Retail, A.F. Blakemore’s company-owned store division, the site is now being run by MIH Traders Ltd, owned by Dasitha Gamage and Janaka Watowita.

A.F. Blakemore’s commission operators will be self-employed entrepreneurial retailers who are seeking to operate their own businesses supported by a successful retail partner.

Trade partners sales director for Blakemore, Louis Drake commented: “We are delighted to be embarking on this new partnership with Dasitha and Janaka and working alongside them to grow and develop their business.

“A.F. Blakemore’s new commission operator trading model will enable entrepreneurial independent retailers to operate their own businesses and will provide a platform for growth and expansion in the coming years by broadening our scope of retail outlets.

“The model will provide us with new opportunities to acquire sites that would not have fitted our previous trading models and therefore will bring us greater flexibility.”

The store is about to undergo redevelopment, which will enhance the existing FTG proposition and enable the operators to build on the sales growth achieved over the last six months of trading.

Dasitha Gamage commented: “A.F. Blakemore’s new commission operator store model is a great opportunity for retailers like us who want independence but extensive backing from a big business.

“Not only are we benefitting from the well-known SPAR brand, a dedicated business development manager and training, marketing and supply chain support, but as a commission operator, we are also benefitting from A.F. Blakemore’s site investment.

“AFB has a flexible approach to working in partnership and has provided us with all the support we need to drive our business forward and make it a success.”

A.F. Blakemore will now have three SPAR trading models: independent, commission operator and company owned.

The company’s SPAR estate currently consists of 277 company-owned stores and 689 independently run stores.

Plans are being developed for further commission operator stores in the near future.