Spar Scotland wholesaler strengthens partnerships
BOSSES at Spar Scotland wholesaler CJ Lang & Son have highlighted the opportunities for more than 200 supplier partners during virtual business updates.
Key developments included the fact that the business is outperforming the market and a rollout of Iceland frozen foods is taking place within Spar Scotland.
There are also plans for a new quick commerce platform, called Spar Dash, as well as new campaigns following the massive success of the Spin Into Spring gaming marketing initiative.
Chief executive Colin McLean told suppliers at the online gathering that while the market was challenging, in part due to uncertainty over the impact of the Middle East conflict, there were still good opportunities to grow business in the months ahead, such as the Fifa World Cup.
He said CJ Lang/Spar Scotland was outperforming the Scottish convenience store market for footfall and retail sales, and was ahead of other UK mainland regional distribution centres.
McLean pointed to the latest Advantage Survey that showed the company was rated as No.1 in convenience and No.2 in wholesale by suppliers.
Value propositions such as the Spar Scotland and Barista Bar £3.49 breakfast deal was driving footfall, with the food-to-go offering providing a major point of difference from the multiples.
Announcing the Iceland frozen foods deal, he said 60 lines had been trialled in 20 company-owned stores.
Its offer will now be put across the company estate, with independent Spar Scotland retailers able to take advantage of the tie-up from the summer.
The meeting heard how shoppers buying Iceland products had an average basket spend of £18 – double the normal amount.
To boost online sales and home delivery, the Spar Dash platform will run alongside the existing Snappy Shopper relationship and a new partnership with Just Eat.
Further to this, a Barista Bar app is currently being trialled in 10 stores, suppliers were told.
CJ Lang’s partnership with SocioLocal to strengthen hyper-local Facebook marketing across the network of Spar Scotland retailers was also highlighted as a way of better connecting to shoppers while also providing store-level insights to suppliers.
The importance of NPDs, particularly for top-up and food to go missions, and supplier help with deals was also stressed.
Upcoming campaigns will include Dream Big With Scotland This World Cup and the Great Big Giveaway, while there are also plans to capitalise on Spar UK’s 70th birthday this year.
Reminding suppliers of the Spar Scotland tradeshow at Aviemore on 24 September, McLean said: “We’re keen to drive the market north of the Border.”
Spar Scotland trading director Josie Cattermoul added: “There has never been a more important time for collaboration.
“By working closely with our suppliers, focusing on innovation through NPD and delivering consistently for customers, we are confident in driving sustainable growth together.”
