Blakemore Retail launches first Spar Market store

Blakemore Retail has launched its first Spar Market store in Gwynedd, Wales.

The Spar Market format is designed especially for larger convenience stores, with a focus on fresh foods catering for customers on ‘making a meal’ or ‘grab and eat’ missions.

The business re-launched its store in Bala last month under the fascia following a complete refurbishment. The store boasts an improved selection of products across fresh, frozen and grocery categories, alongside A.F. Blakemore’s County Bridge fresh meat range, perfect for either a daily top up or weekly shop.

The store also features an extensive range of fresh produce and food from local suppliers, including Ellis Eggs, Edwards of Conwy, Blas y Fwyd, Village Bakery and Henllan Bakery.

A new Daily Deli hot service counter offers delicious ready-to-eat food from breakfast through to the evening, and the food to go section also features a self-serve Philpotts coffee machine, Tango Ice Blast frozen slush machine and F’real shakes and smoothies bar.

“Spar Market is an exciting new format for Blakemore Retail that will help differentiate our Bala store for the location and market,” Matt Teague, Blakemore Retail managing director, commented. “All of the new features have been designed with the customer in mind and offer something for everyone.”

Self-scan checkouts have been introduced to the shop for the first time. Colleague headsets are also helping to drive efficient operations by improving communication among staff members. Home delivery is available via the Snappy Shopper app.

For customers looking for more sustainable shopping solutions, the store features a Spar Natural refill station for dried goods.

With all staff members living within a mile of the shop, Spar Bala prides itself on being a real community store. Since opening, it has raised more than £7,000 for local communities and over the last 18 months, the store has supported many charities and organisations with monetary and goods donations, including Meithrinfa Akroyds Creche, Awel y Coleg and Snowdon Food Bank.