Symbol group Spar is to bring its Eurospar format to mainland Britain after buying 11 Somerfield stores from the Co-op.

The Eurospar format differs from a traditional Spar in that the shops are larger, ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 sq ft, and are set up for shoppers who want to do a full shop, as well as those intending to do a convenience shop. There are already around 30 Eurospars in Northern Ireland.

Spar managing director Jerry Marwood said: “We see good growth for Eurospar on mainland Britain and once we get a couple up and running we will look for further growth and are looking at some of the Woolworths stores.”

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