Stakesby’s SPAR store has reopened following a complete refurbishment and extension, offering Whitby residents a brand new shopping experience on their doorstep.
The popular community SPAR and Shell service station now includes a Graham Eyes butchers and a Clayton Park Deli.
The Mayor of Whitby Cllr Linda Wild cut the ribbon to declare the store officially reopen, and the first 50 customers through the door received a bag with ‘Tonight’s Tea for Free’.
One of those was store regular Maureen Laidlaw who won £100 of SPAR vouchers found in her bag as a crowd of eager local residents keenly queued up to explore the new offer.
The Clayton Park Deli’s range includes everything from pizzas to salads and jacket potatoes to cream cakes. Adjacent to it is a hot ‘grab and go’ counter offering breakfast solutions, lunchtime sandwiches, sausage rolls, and pies.
SPAR Stakesby’s refreshment options have also been enhanced with a Cheeky Coffee unit sitting alongside popular Fanta Frozen and Tango Ice Blast machines, and Hershey’s and Reese’s chocolate shakes.
The Graham Eyes butchers’ counter is undergoing its final touches and will open separately in the coming weeks, however customers can already indulge in the large offer of pre-packed meats in the self-serve section. In addition the store’s offer is comprehensive to include food to go, fresh groceries, major branded products, and an extensive beers, wines, and spirits section.
Seasonal tourists visiting Whitby and the wider North Yorkshire area will also reap the benefits of the improved store and shopping experience, and new energy-efficient refrigeration and LED lighting have been added too.
Outside the store, a new SPAR fascia brightens up the exterior, and the popular Shell forecourt has had a makeover for those seeking to fill up their vehicles as well as shop.
Raymond Newton, who lives nearby, said: “The SPAR store has had a wonderful refurbishment and I really hope it’s a success. I really missed the petrol station when it was closed, so it’s good to see it back open with good prices.”
Another local resident, Eric Matthew, said: “I used to come into the SPAR before and I’m amazed at the change – it’s absolutely brilliant. The butchers’ meat is really good value and quality. The layout is very impressive, and there isn’t anything else like it in Whitby. It’s got a lovely friendly environment about it too.”
The community has been put at the heart of the SPAR Stakesby reopening, and in the build-up to the launch day, SPAR agreed to a donation to the RNLI, supporting the charity’s running costs in keeping people safe along the North Yorkshire coastline.
SPAR Stakesby is owned and serviced by James Hall & Co. Ltd, SPAR UK’s primary wholesaler and distributor for the North of England.
“SPAR Stakesby is now fit for 21st century convenience shopping and I’m thrilled the community has been so happy with the refurbishment and the new additions to the store,” Fiona Drummond, company stores director at James Hall, said.
“The relaunch day had such a warm feel to it, and the transformation of SPAR Stakesby demonstrates just what an asset SPAR stores are for communities.
“We have served local residents and seasonal visitors to Whitby for almost two decades, and we are now in a position to provide for them for another 20 years.”
