In the world of convenience retailing, the person behind the till often sets the tone and theme. And in family-run stores, that tone echoes through generations.
In Stafford, a convenience store was functioning in the community for more than three decades but was lacking in characteristic tone and personal touch. But when the Taylor-Green family stepped in, they didn’t just restock the shelves and breathed life back into the aisles, but they also gave the community a cornerstone to rely upon, be it for supplies, support or even for a good laugh.
Today, with its wide range of fresh produce, full shelves and a wholesome range of goods to suit all budgets, SPAR Western Downs in Cape Avenue in Stafford has re-established its position as a one-stop solution for the community.
Speaking with Asian Trader, second-generation retailer Chloe Taylor-Green, daughter of seasoned celebrated retailer Julian and Jackie Taylor-Green, gave a sneak peek what goes behind the scenes of a retail business.
She said, “Our store has been part of the community for around 35 years, changing hands a few times over the decades.
“Before we took it on, it had been closed for about 18 months. We stepped in during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic just before the first lockdown, so it was very much a case of sink or swim.”
Considering the delicate timing, it was no easy feat. But with a trusted store manager who has been there since day one, the family managed to sail through, innovating and adapting the store whenever needed.
Today, SPAR Western Downs isn’t just a convenience store, rather it’s a lifeline. It’s a community hub that embodies Taylor-Green family’s hands-on, customer-first ethos.
Retailing runs deep in Chloe’s family.
For 25 years, her parents operated a store in Hampshire, expanding it over time before deciding to return to the Midlands.
“As my sister and I grew up and started our own careers, my parents decided to return to the Midlands and took on this store in Stafford through an opportunity with AF Blakemore SPAR,” she said.
“We have always been hands-on, community-minded retailers, and this store gave us the perfect chance to bring that ethos to a new area.”
Now after five years, SPAR Western Downs isn’t just a place to shop; it’s a place to connect.
Chloe shared, “As an independent, family-run store, we have a lot more flexibility in how we run things.
“We regularly host in-store brand activations, support multiple local charities, and take pride in really knowing our customers. Our customers are our extended family, and we work hard to reflect that every day.”
When it comes to the product range, SPAR Western Downs keeps it closer to home.
Beyond the standard staples, the store goes big on locally sourced goods from Staffordshire oatcakes and fresh sandwiches to seasonal local goods like pasties and sausage rolls to fruits and vegetables sourced directly from Doles nearby warehouse.
It’s a product mix that reflects the community’s tastes and preferences, sourced from a blend of five mainstream and local suppliers.
Beyond food and household essentials, the store also offers an extensive pet food and homeware range. It also provides key services like lottery, bill payments, parcel collections, and much more.
Chloe gives a lot of credit of the store’s success to its symbol group.
“Working with AF Blakemore and SPAR has been a really positive experience,” she said.
“They have supported us with branding, supply chain logistics, promotions, and store development. The relationship has allowed us to maintain our independence while benefiting from the scale and structure of a larger group.”
SPAR Western Downs is not only about business and trade.
From sponsoring local football and rugby clubs to hosting annual Christmas toy drives and summer community fun days, Chloe and her team have made it their mission to give back.
A particularly heartfelt initiative is the school library they funded in memory of their late assistant manager.
“We also support school Easter raffles and run an annual Christmas toy drive. Mental health initiatives are also important to us; we have backed men mental health campaigns and other local causes.
“Every summer, we host a community fun day outside the store to bring people together,” she said.
While SPAR Western Downs holds onto its family-run roots, it’s not shy about embracing tech.
The store employs advanced systems like Glory for cash handling, MyCheckr for AI-driven age verification, and CHIRP tagging to monitor high-value goods. Quail digital headsets facilitate seamless team communication, while the Catch a Thief system provides immediate incident reporting to local police.
Additionally, the store is rolling out Kelsius to digitise compliance checks and temperature logs, ensuring operational efficiency and safety.
During the pandemic, home delivery offered by the store emerged as a lifeline for many customers.
“Despite the home delivery option, many of our regulars now prefer coming into the store in person. Even if they don't need anything in particular, they often pop in just for a chat and that social interaction is something we really value and encourage.”
Looking ahead, Chloe is focused on strengthening SPAR Western Downs’ role in the community.
Plans include expanding the product range, enhancing tech-enabled services, and continuing to foster local ties.
“We see the store as more than just a shop. It's a place where people feel connected. We are here for the long haul,” Chloe said.
Rooted in tradition yet forward-focused, SPAR Western Downs is perfectly balancing old-school charm with modern retailing. And as Stafford’s residents walk through those familiar doors, they are not just running errands, they are witnessing a family’s legacy in motion.
