Devon store rebrands to Spar

White Rock Convenience Store and Post Office in Goodrington Road in Paignton, Devon, had been trading as a Premier for the past six years, but the couple decided they wanted to develop a stronger emphasis on food retailing and sought a new supplier.

Tony Kirby said: “We have Aldi, Lidl and Sainsbury’s nearby and wanted to improve our food offer. We talked to Appleby Westward and were impressed with the Spar range, and we are very pleased to have made the change.”

The switch to Spar was due to have taken place in March, but the pandemic intervened. Tony Kirby added: “There have been a few humps and bumps along the way. We were hoping to take over the shop next door but after lockdown that didn’t work out. But we have moved from a somewhat dated look to a new shopfront for the 2020s, with an automated door and disabled ramp, and a refitted store with new refrigeration, double the freezer capacity, three metres of beers, wines and spirits, and six metres of space for chilled foods, milk and drinks.”

The 800sq ft store is also the main post office, with a two-position counter at the back, and a combi in the centre of the store.

Tony Kirby said: “Customers say the greatest change they have seen is that the store looks much bigger. In fact, it isn’t, it just looks that way because of things like the new chillers, overhead décor and lighter aspect.”