Long-serving SPAR independent retailers Nigel and Sue Masters are retiring after 44 years in convenience retail, bringing to a close four decades at the helm of SPAR Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire.
The couple, who first joined the SPAR network through James Hall & Co. Ltd in 1982, have sold the business to fellow SPAR retailer Phil Bridge, who already operates stores in Blackburn and Clitheroe.
Nigel and Sue acquired their first SPAR store in Clayton-le-Moors after selling an independent shop in Nelson before opening SPAR Oswaldtwistle in 1986. What began as a single unit in a parade of shops has gradually expanded over the past 40 years into a 3,000 sq ft convenience store occupying the entire building.
The store has built a strong reputation within the local community, offering a wide range of fresh food, grocery and beers, wines and spirits, alongside a Post Office counter, parcel hub, hot food-to-go and Cheeky Coffee machine.
The store is well placed among the town’s housing estates while located on Thwaites Road, a busy throughfare which connects both of Oswaldtwistle’s main roads. Always keen to move with the times, Nigel and Sue’s approach to retail has been to consistently balance supporting local people with capturing passing trade.
There is a strong presence of Clayton Park Bakery products – playing to a home audience with the bakery’s home of Accrington a stone’s throw away – while passing trade is catered for by a hot food to go unit and Cheeky Coffee machine, the latest development installed this year.
Over the years, the couple have also supported numerous local causes, sponsoring football teams, school events, Oswaldtwistle Carnival and a range of charities.
Their fundraising for Marie Curie has made SPAR Oswaldtwistle the highest fundraising independent SPAR North of England store since the charity partnership began in 2017. Nigel and Sue have also taken part in fundraising challenges including the Yorkshire Three Peaks trek in 2024 and a Hadrian's Wall challenge earlier this year.
Reflecting on his career, Nigel Masters said: “It has been one hell of a ride, and this week is one of mixed emotions. I don't think there is a word to properly define how we both feel. Retail is in our blood, and it has been my life since I was 17.”
He said the industry had changed dramatically during his career, recalling pricing products by hand with a label gun and making early morning trips to Preston wholesale market for fresh produce.
“We now have fresh deliveries six days a week, an air-conditioned store, home deliveries, and modern store technology – we have seen it all. We are proud to have been part of it every step of the way,” he said.
Masters also thanked James Hall & Co. Ltd for its support over more than four decades.
“Over the years we have seen competition intensify in the area with big name competitors and countless independent retailers. Despite those challenges, SPAR has continued to help us adapt, grow and increase our turnover. That says a lot about the strength of the SPAR brand, the people behind it, and the partnerships we have built together,” he said.
Bridge described taking on the business as “a proud day” and said he plans to invest in the store while maintaining continuity for customers.
“I wish Nigel and Sue well in their retirement and congratulate them for an outstanding 44 years in retail, and 40 years at SPAR Oswaldtwistle. It is a proud day for me to take on this much-loved community store, and I am delighted to take it forward into the future,” he said.
“My family have been with SPAR for a similar length of time to Nigel and Sue and we previously had more stores than the two I currently operate in Blackburn and Clitheroe. SPAR Oswaldtwistle is a perfect fit to increase my store portfolio to three, and I cannot wait to get started.”
Bridge said a new SPAR fascia and electronic shelf-edge labels would be installed immediately, with a full store refurbishment planned in the near future.