Scottish group Barry’s Stores joins SPAR 

Barry’s Stores, a group of four stores run by father and son Barry and Steven Oujla, has joined the SPAR symbol group.

The independent retailers have been operating since 1981 and today have four stores in the south of Glasgow and Paisley, employing thirty people.

“We are delighted to welcome Barry’s Stores to SPAR. Barry and Steven are great retailers offering their local customers a good range of food to go and fresh foods,” Colin McLean, chief executive of CJ Lang & Son Ltd, the SPAR symbol operator for Scotland, said.

“They are firmly part of their local community with over 40 years’ experience in the convenience sector. It’s fantastic to see Steven working alongside his father as the next generation of independent retailing. The longevity of a family business is important.

“We have exciting plans for the stores. SPAR Clarkston has already been refitted and their other three stores will be fully refitted in the coming months. SPAR Giffnock will be extended into the unit next door to create more space for fresh and a beer cave. SPAR Cathcart will receive a modernised shop front, whilst SPAR Paisley will be given a new exterior and refit inside.

“We look forward to supporting the family as they grow and develop their business over the years.”

Barry Oujla said: “We are very pleased with our decision to join SPAR. We wanted a strong brand with a well-developed own label range to take us forward. We are looking to expand our business and were looking for a partner to support us with our ambitions. The team at CJ Lang with the SPAR brand have been providing us with a huge amount of business support and we are impressed with the business development plans in place. We are excited about our future with SPAR.”