Appleby Westward, the SPAR south-west wholesaler that services almost 300 symbol retailers, has broken with tradition by not staging its annual trade show.

Instead, it is holding three ‘mini’ events across the region, with presentations to retailers by company executives and suppliers.

At the first, in Exeter, managing director Mike Boardman announced that like-for-like sales rose by 5.2% in the half year to the end of March.

He attributed the increase to store improvements and remerchandising, as well as Appleby Westward’s price reductions and promotions.

“Clearly, if our retailers are buying more from us, they are selling more,” he told over 130 retailers and suppliers at the Exeter show,  branded DeSPAR (Delivering Sales, Profits and Results).

In addition to business presentations, the Exeter show featured workshops hosted by 20 of the delivered wholesaler’s key suppliers.

Similar events are to be held in other parts of the region (venues still to be announced) on 27-28 June and 12-13 September.