Talking Retail Grocery and product news for independent retailers
The business told more than 250 suppliers that it is building a programme that will look to achieve better engagement with existing and new customers; improve brand awareness, launch new model stores and invest in-store formats, range development, and developing its home delivery service with Snappy Shopper.
Other future initiatives include:
- Investing in a new IT programme, testing and trialling new ways of working, such as electronic shelf-edge labels in selected stores.
- A new website is already live and to support its retailer recruitment drive an independent retailer website and integrated app will launch later in the year.
- The company is continuing its store execution and supporting with TV advertising scheduled throughout 2021/22.
- Spar Scotland is launching its second Community Cashback campaign in March to giveaway a further £30,000 to community groups and charities.
Spar Scotland chief executive, Colin McLean, said: “Our strategy is committed to long term profitable growth. Growing sales and our retailer network and attracting more customers continues to play a key role as we operate at the heart of communities. As a result we are looking to work with the support of suppliers to maximise our ambition.”
The company said that Covid-19 has brought shopper behaviour changes. Footfall has dropped, basket spend has increased and the pattern is set to continue until normal trading resumes. Over the past year, Spar Scotland stores have seen footfall drop by around 16%, but basket spend has increased by more than 35%, the company said.
