Symbol group Spar opened its flagship Eurospar store in Broomhill, Sheffield, today as the company revealed gross sales in the year to April 30 jumped 11.6 per cent.

With about 30 Eurospar stores in Northern Ireland, the first English Eurospar – which is a larger format than a traditional Spar – opened in Nottingham last month.

The retailer is targeting further growth of both fascias through its acquisition of Somerfield stores and, potentially, Woolworths stores.

The retailer will launch a TV campaign in July to promote a relaunch of its own-label. Spar managing director Jerry Marwood said: “It’s a big departure for us, with the focus on quality and fresh food.”