An insight-driven programme on the future of convenience retail will be the focus of SPAR wholesaler James Hall & Co’s annual retailer event.
Branded ‘SPAR Inspire’, it will be held on 10 April at Harrogate Convention Centre, bringing together current and prospective SPAR independent retailers with James Hall & Co’s G&E Murgatroyd company-stores division to share ideas and initiatives.
Keynote speakers include Andrew and Dominic Hall, joint managing directors of James Hall & Co, and recently appointed managing director of SPAR UK, Michael Fletcher, who will discuss SPAR’s focus areas in the UK market.
Retailers will also be able to engage with 58 leading brand suppliers at a tradeshow, and James Hall & Co will also exhibit its brands. In addition, SPAR brand products will be on show.
There will be an ‘Inspiration Hub’ where retailers can catch up, and the day will close with an informal social evening of food, drinks and entertainment.
Peter Dodding, sales director and chairman of the SPAR Northern Guild, said: “Last year’s retailer event set the bar high for 2025, but we feel we have risen to the challenge with SPAR Inspire to showcase our outstanding community retailing, wholesaling and manufacturing.
“We have an insight-rich agenda across a range of category areas for retailers to take inspiration from, with a tradeshow following on which is 30% larger than last year and full of brands and products that thrive in the convenience sector.”
