Spar retailers in the south and west have been urged to improve their record on own-label products.
Delegates to the Spar Wessex Guild’s convention in Amsterdam were told that they had the worst record for participation in Spar own-brand products in the UK.
John Hart, marketing director of Spar’s regional distribution centre Appleby Westward, told the conference that take-up by Wessex Guild stores of Spar’s new own label sandwiches was only 46%, compared with the top guild – Scotland – with 76%.
In addition, only one third of Wessex Guild stores stock ready meals, less than half stock one hero line, and a mere 36% have two hero lines.
He told delegates that issues like this were quick fixes that retailers could sort out now to turn on sales. “Don’t go back to your stores and do nothing,” he urged. “Time is short – the competition is moving at a phenomenal rate and you have to respond quickly.
“Look at the customers around you, understand your local market. Research shows that the consumer wants better value. Go away and prepare the ground for that now.”
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- 27 November, 2008
FWD Annual Dinner & Gold Medal Awards
