Retail sales grow at the double after refits boost shopper appeal at Spar outlets

A revamp has taken place at his town centre store in Boutport Street with additional chilling capacity installed.

The updated store also has a bigger emphasis on meal deals and an enlarged range of chilled products for shoppers who now can also use a more convenient counter which has been moved nearer the entrance.

Another boost for shoppers is the arrival of a Smokin Beans coffee machine which has boosted sales well ahead of expectations.

“We undertook the refit just prior to lockdown, and for weeks there was no one in town, but since restrictions were eased, we have recovered completely and now business is up on last year.”

Tim also undertook a recent refit at his store in the town’s Newport Road, reconfiguring the layout and introducing new freezers and alcohol refrigeration, which has increased wine sales. “The new 5.5 metre alcohol chiller really has the ‘wow’ factor and customers love it.”

The two stores in Barnstaple have been updated in co-investment schemes with Appleby Westward, the regional distribution company for Spar in the south west. Roberts joined Spar 15 years ago when he gave up his job at a travel company and bought the Newport Road store.

After successfully developing the business, he bought a second store with the acquisition of a Londis site in Boutport Street before reopening it as a Spar five years ago.