SPAR Scotland event highlighted growth, investment and resilience

The SPAR Scotland annual tradeshow and conference, held in Aviemore on 26 September, attracted more than 800 guests.

ColinMcLean: ‘We have done an excellent job, but we cannot rest on our laurels. We will stick to our plan and keep doing what we do – serving the Scottish market with the best of SPAR.’

The event brought together store owners, managers and employees; colleagues from SPAR across the UK and internationally; and more than 200 suppliers.

This year’s conference offered delegates insight into successes of the last 12 months including retail technological innovations, best practices, store acquisitions and investments, and emerging trends in SPAR stores. The event also included the SPAR Scotland Awards, where numerous SPAR stores and individuals, as well as suppliers, were recognised for being exceptional throughout the year.

SPAR Scotland CEO Colin McLean said: “We have delivered robust growth over the last 12 months and another year of record sales and profits, but looking ahead the outlook presents challenges that we must be prepared for.

“Rising operational costs, inflationary pressures, changing consumer habits, and supply chain unpredictability are critical factors that will shape the year ahead.

“Despite these pressures, we have shown incredible resilience and innovation, and as a symbol group we are committed to working even harder to remain agile and proactive in addressing these issues.”

The recent transformation of SPAR Scotland has put the business in great shape to face any challenge that lies ahead, added McLean. Supported by its strong leadership team, the company is about to embark on the second phase of its project to ‘take SPAR Scotland back to where it belongs’.

“We have done an excellent job, but we cannot rest on our laurels. As our journey continues, we will stick to our plan and keep doing what we do – serving the Scottish market with the best of SPAR,” said McLean.

In addition to the acquisition of nine Scotfresh stores and three Eddy’s Food Station stores, the business is now focused on consolidation and improving existing sites.

McLean explained: “We have an ambitious programme in place that includes adding digital electronic shelf-edge labels (ESELs) to all stores, a busy schedule of major store refits, the rolling out of our Barista Bar coffee offer and the addition of the latest version of our food-to-go offer into more stores. This follows its successful trial in our SPAR Garthamlock store.”

In the background, the business has made a big investment into a fleet of vehicles, equipment, and systems and processes. Relex Solutions is delivering integrated store and distribution centre forecasting and replenishment as well as providing improved allocations, promotional estimating, order accuracy and forecast sharing.

SPAR Scotland also continues to invest in a programme of marketing, advertising and digital campaigns. So far this year activities have included advertising on STV, a ‘Win with Every Goal’ digital campaign with fellow SPAR distributer James Hall & Co, and an ongoing high-profile partnership with the Scottish FA.

“These initiatives have awarded us with a number of highly acclaimed industry awards, which we are proud of, but as we move into 2025, we do so with cautious optimism. SPAR has proven repeatedly that we can overcome challenges – through collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning – to ensure continued success and growth. We aim to reinforce that spirit and look forward to what the future holds,” concluded McLean.

Supporting local charities and groups is important to SPAR Scotland, with their stores operating in the heart of communities across the country. Over the last 12 months, £165,957 has been donated to a substantial number of local causes. The event at Aviemore continued this charitable focus: Aviemore & Glenmore Community Trust and Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team charities each received a donation of £2,000, while SPAR’s national charity partner Marie Curie and industry charity GroceryAid receive a donation of £3,000 each.

The SPAR Scotland annual trade show and conference will be back again in Aviemore on 25 September 2025.