The People’s Supermarket in Spar tie-up

Under the partnership agreement A.F Blakemore Spar will become the main wholesale grocery supplier for The People’s Supermarket, alongside a development plan that will include a new shop layout, new refrigeration, upgraded IT and till systems, as well as training and marketing support.

The retailer, which has one flagship store on Lamb’s Conduit Street in London, will begin work on the store in the next few days, with the intention that work is complete in time for the Olympic Games,

The new partnership ends TPS’ current supply deal with Nisa.

TPS said it will continue to be a member-owned and member-run co-operative, and the partnership would allow it to build on its range of products from small, local and independent suppliers.

The retailer recorded sales of £1.2m in the year ending March 2012 and is in the process of finalising its transition to an IPS Community Benefit Society after facing extinction earlier this year.

TPS chief executive Kate Bull said: “Working with A F Blakemore gives us the opportunity to not only secure our future in Holborn but also develop a new form of social franchising, which should enable us to work with other communities and create new People’s Supermarkets across the country.“

Nisa group sales director Andrew Mouse said: “We have enjoyed our working relationship and regret that it has come to an end but we must always act in the best interests of our membership and respect The People’s Supermarket’s decision to ensure the future of its company.”