A convenience store in a small Devon town on the edge of Dartmoor, which had fallen into disrepair, has been given a complete makeover and re-opened as a modern SPAR store serving the local community. The former Solo Stores in Fore Street, Chudleigh has been acquired by SPAR store operator Gillett’s (Callington) Limited and been the subject of a major refurbishment for several weeks. “We bought the store from a receiver,” said Managing Director Mark Gillett. “It was formerly a Wilkies store but the premises had fallen into a state of disrepair over a number of years and we have totally refurbished it, starting with the very basics through to a comprehensive refit.” The store was refurbished in a joint investment scheme with Appleby Westward, creating a new shop front, increasing the off licence range by 200%, introducing food-to-go and increasing the area for chilled products threefold. The chilled section is distinguished by all cabinets having retro fit energy-saving doors installed, creating a distinctive eye-catching effect along one whole aisle. “The store was fully merchandised, using the plans available from Appleby Westward,” said Mark. “As we were starting with a complete new range, it did make life a lot easier and helped ensure we had the correct range for the shelving configurations within each section. “We are very positive about the store, and it has been exceedingly well received by the locals,” he added. Gillett’s purchased its first store in 1984 and has steadily grown with regular strategic acquisitions of businesses in rural locations. The company now operates 61 SPAR stores throughout the south west.  Gillett’s recently signed a new five year exclusivity contract with Appleby Westward, which Mark Gillett described as “a reflection of the confidence we have in the relationship and opportunities with Appleby Westward and SPAR.” [img src="http://catf.me/photos/b7e04a284afd700912de4fa6dd35fc52.jpg" width="585" height="420"]

Redevelopment Shows Increase In Sale [img src="http://catf.me/photos/b74aa2efa5c6e935dbf40397c81509b8.jpg" width="585" height="420"] A redevelopment scheme at a Dorset SPAR store has expanded selling space by one third to enhance the convenience offer for customers. Olly Andrews, who runs Maiden Newton Service Station in partnership with his mother Melody, undertook the development as part of an overall improvement programme including the Texaco fuel station and workshops. In a co-investment project with Appleby Westward, the SPAR store has been increased to nearly 1,200 sq. ft. to develop space for chilled produce, beers wines and spirits and frozen food. Olly became involved in the business 18 months ago when his father Mike died, having previously been involved in business management in electronics. His parents had run the service station for 40 years, and the shop had been with SPAR for the last ten. "We regard our SPAR business as a convenience store with a forecourt, rather than a forecourt store," said Olly. "Our customer base is very much local people from the village and nearby who use us for convenience shopping, and so we decided to expand the store to meet their needs even better." Chilled space has been increased from three to four bays, the beers, wines and spirits section from two to three bays, and frozen food from a single chest freezer to a 2 x 2 door upright, providing better display and availability. Sales in January were up on the previous January by £6,000, and up on December 2012. "Each section that we expanded has shown an increase in sales," said Olly. "We are very happy with the overall refit and delighted with the results – it has completely opened up the store to display the whole range and gives a warm and friendly feel to our customers." Article Source:  [link url="http://www.swspar.com/about/newspage.php?newsid=85"] Related Articles: [link url="http://www.swspar.com"]