A.F. Blakemore has launched a new commission operator SPAR store model for self-employed retailers who are seeking to operate their own businesses but with the support of a retail partner.
The model will see A.F. Blakemore provide company-owned SPAR stores to retailers to manage under the symbol group’s branding. A.F. Blakemore will still own the business, with the commission operators responsible for developing sales and profitability within their stores.
SPAR Leominster in Herefordshire became the first SPAR store across the company’s estate to be run by a commission operator after relaunching last month. Formerly operated by Blakemore Retail, A.F. Blakemore’s company-owned store division, the site is now being run by MIH Traders Ltd, owned by Dasitha Gamage and Janaka Watowita.
Louis Drake, Sales Director At Blakemore Trade Partners, said: “We are delighted to be embarking on this new partnership with Dasitha and Janaka and working alongside them to grow and develop their business.
“A.F. Blakemore’s new commission operator trading model will enable entrepreneurial independent retailers to operate their own businesses and will provide a platform for growth and expansion in the coming years by broadening our scope of retail outlets.
“The model will provide us with new opportunities to acquire sites that would not have fitted our previous trading models and therefore will bring us greater flexibility.”
The SPAR Leominster store is due to undergo redevelopment to enhance the existing FTG offer.
Dasitha Gamage commented: “A.F. Blakemore’s new commission operator store model is a great opportunity for retailers like us who want independence but extensive backing from a big business.
“Not only are we benefitting from the well-known SPAR brand, a dedicated business development manager and training, marketing and supply chain support, but as a commission operator, we are also benefitting from A.F. Blakemore’s site investment.
A.F. Blakemore will now have three SPAR trading models: independent, commission operator, and company-owned. The company’s estate currently consists of 277 company-owned stores and 689 independently run stores.
A.F. Blakemore said plans are being developed for further commission operator stores in the near future.
NAM Implications:
- Key will be the advantage of not having asset ownership distractions.
- i.e. being able to focus and benefit from sales development and growth.
- i.e. all that ‘owner’ drive and energy with access to the resulting profits.
- A no-brainer and a pointer for all…
