SPAR UK saw its like-for-like retail sales increase by 2.6% over the four weeks to 29 December, with the symbol group attributing the robust performance to its focus on fresh food and availability.
During the last week of period, SPAR stores saw like-for-like sales surge 7% as more shoppers topped up locally.
Louise Hoste, SPAR UK Managing Director, said: “Our performance over the festive period shows that we are responding well to shopper demands, with excellent marketing initiatives, and communication of the role our stores play in local communities. This has driven sales and the results prove that convenience is still key for shoppers at Christmas.”
She stated that the good performance had continued into January and that recent investment in supplying fresh and chilled foods was paying off.
“Convenience is our business and by constantly tailoring our offer to local customer needs and developing categories like food-to-go, we will continue to maximise sales,” said Hoste.
“As we start 2020, our focus is on converting those Christmas emergency shoppers into more loyal everyday shoppers, while at the same time developing our store formats ensuring we provide the most convenient and best proposition in the UK.”
NAM Implications:
- In a flatline market, any exception needs our attention.
- Time to reassess the role of SPAR in our trade strategies…
- …and where necessary, increase our trade investment.
