Spar looks to fill supermarket gaps

Symbol group Spar aims to test a new store-type, twice as big as its average outlet, to offer an extended top-up range for UK shoppers.

Managing director Jerry Marwood said the store group will look to open stores of between 370 sq m and 740 sq m as an in-fill option where the major supermarkets do not have a presence, and where consumers require a bigger range than that of a typical c-store.

Marwood visited Northern Ireland a few days ago to look at the larger Eurospar stores there, but said he is not sure if the new store-type will trade under that name.