SPAR Manchester store reaping benefits of refits

SPAR independent retailers Cleary family are reaping the rewards of a £180,000 investment into their Victoria Avenue store.

Located in Higher Blackley, Greater Manchester, the SPAR store is much improved after the introduction of more than 200 product lines into his range and a comprehensive refit.

The SPAR at Victoria Avenue has also had a complete reconfiguration of the floorspace on the 25th anniversary of the Cleary’s ownership of the store.

Changes have seen new refrigeration units added, an expanded fresh range, new hot food products, and a new coffee machine introduced to develop the store’s offer. The investment has been welcomed by the community in the area and sales are up by 25 per cent on average from previous levels, increasing to 35% higher in a strong week.

Mark Cleary, who is a member of SPAR’s Northern Guild Committee and National Guild Board, operates seven SPAR stores together with his son, Ben.

The stores are located across Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire, and are serviced by James Hall & Co. Ltd, SPAR UK’s primary wholesaler and distributor for the North of England.

Mark said: “We are really happy with the look and feel of Victoria Avenue following the refurbishment. The store’s range now better serves the local community we feel, and we are beginning to see the returns on that investment which is very pleasing.

“We are ambitious and feel that there is more to come from the store in terms of performance, in addition to the progress we have already made, and this is encouraging. We are also exploring improvements at other SPAR stores in our portfolio, so it is an exciting time for the business.”

Peter Dodding, Sales Director at James Hall & Co. Ltd and Chairman of the SPAR Northern Guild Committee, said: “The Cleary family are longstanding SPAR retailers through association with James Hall and they play a key role in shaping how we operate and support our independents.

“The Victoria Avenue SPAR store is much improved, and we look forward to working closely with the Cleary family in the future on developing and enhancing other SPAR stores that they operate.”