Talking Retail Grocery and product news for independent retailers
From 19-26 April, AF Blakemore is encouraging convenience retailers to ‘do as Raj would do’ by donating goods, supplies, and products to the charities, organisations or individuals most in need within their communities.
Retailers will be invited to talk about what they are doing in Aggarwal’s honour on social media, using the hashtags #SPARdoasRAJwoulddo or #doasRAJwoulddo to help inspire others.
AF Blakemore’s charitable trust, the Blakemore Foundation, is also offering to match charitable donations from independent Spar retailers across the Meridian & Welsh Guild up to the value of £200.
Aggarwal, who owned Spar stores in Wigston, Leicester, and Hackenthorpe, near Sheffield, passed away from Covid-19 in April 2020 at the age of just 51.
Blakemore, the Spar community and Raj’s wife Sunita want to recognise and remember him for his commitment to helping others.
Sunita said: “Raj was always doing things for other people, and he would love to know that he is still continuing to help others now.
“Please help keep his memory alive by supporting this campaign, supporting your community and making a difference to those who really need it.”
AF Blakemore Group commercial managing director, Jerry Marwood, added: “The feeling of sadness that has overwhelmed our team since hearing of Raj’s passing is testament to the role that he played in the life of our business.
“Whether as a Guild Board representative, a customer or friend, Raj was ever-present in the world of Spar and convenience retailing. To say that he is missed by all of us is an understatement of massive proportion.
“Please help continue Raj’s legacy by showing our neighbourhoods that convenience retailers truly do make a difference in the communities they serve.”
More information on the #SPARdoasRAJwoulddo and #doasRAJwoulddo campaign is available at www.afblakemore.com/spar/do-as-raj-would-do.
