Symbol group aims to set a new level in 2024
‘RAISING the Bar’ will be the theme of the 2024 Spar Scotland annual trade show and conference.
The major convenience retailing event will take place on 26 September – returning to Aviemore for the third year.
Details were announced as Spar celebrated the reopening of a company-owned store and attracting a leading independent retailer to the symbol.
More than 200 FMCG exhibitors and 850 delegates are expected to throng to the trade show at the MacDonald Hotel and Resort.
It will feature speakers from wholesaler CJ Lang, Spar UK and Spar International, highlight new products and identify future opportunities with Spar.
Chief executive Colin McLean said: “Once again, we will have a few surprises in store for those attending. Our trade show will be supported by business presentations, where we will share future plans for our continued growth.”
The deadline for supplier registrations is 29 February and McLean added: “We expect demand to be high, so we are urging everyone to register as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, 23-year-old independent retailer Daniall Nadeem, who has a 2,500sq ft store in Bellshill, has moved to Spar after five years with Nisa.
He said: “I’m genuinely impressed by the strong family atmosphere and the superb support offered by the entire team – all working seamlessly to ensure our success and growth.
“I was looking to make the change because I felt Spar could help me develop my business for the future.”
Elsewhere, residents in Erskine are benefiting from a refurbished company-owned Spar store.
It has an improved range of fresh foods and an large food-to-go offer. As well as having a fun relaunch with giveaways for shoppers, three local charities each received £500.
Sands comes on board
INDEPENDENT retailer David Sands has been appointed as the new vice-chair of the Spar Scottish Guild and will represent the Scottish retailers on the National Guild Board of Spar.
Sands takes over from award-winning retailer Saleem Sadiq, who served as the guild board director for Scotland since 2016.
On his appointment, Sands said: “I am delighted to be taking up the role of vice-chair of the guild. I have been an independent retailer all my working life and I am committed to seeing our sector flourish.”
The Spar regional guild and board system, which is made up of retailers and wholesaler representatives oversees Spar central office decisions and plans on areas such as marketing, retail and own-label.
Brian Straiton, independent sales director for CJ Lang & Son and chair of the Scottish Guild, said: “Our Guild system is a brilliant addition to our business. We thank Saleem for the work he has done representing the Scottish Guild over the last seven years and welcome David to the role of vice-chair.”
