Spar Scotland retailer Dan Brown is revamping his store with healthier and fresh food to go. It comes amid wider plans from parent company CJ Lang to refresh the network.
Brown, of Pinkie Farm Stores in Musselburgh, told Better Retailing the change was part of a strategy to update the store since taking full ownership at the end of last year.
These changes include rebranding the food-to-go section from David’s Kitchen to Carla’s Kitchen. A range of protein-packed ready meals will be freshly prepared on site.
Brown said each individual meal is priced at £4.99, or three-for-£12. He added: “It’s been going really well since we launched this year, and we’ve got an extensive range of healthier options focusing on giving customers more protein.
“Options include macaroni & cheese, barbecue chicken, noodles and curries, which are all made in store. Customers also have the option of fresh sandwiches and baguettes.
“We go to a market in Glasgow every morning to get fresh fruit and vegetables, which is a new service. It’s about giving our customers a wider choice of healthier meal options with fewer calories.
“We’re following a convenience model similar to one that has been adopted by stores across Ireland.”
What other changes have been made to Pinkie Farm Stores?
Other additions include fresh fish supplied by nearby fishmonger J K Thomson, helping to fill a gap left by near-by supermarkets that have removed their fish counters.
Last year, Brown became one of the first Spar stores to replace his Costa Coffee machine with Barista Bar – a concept developed by Ireland Spar wholesaler Henderson Group.
Brown told Better Retailing the switch helped to boost coffee sales and generate more margin per cup sold.
Read more of our store profiles where we visit independent convenience retailers to showcase their fresh ideas and unique insights
CJ Lang has since decided to roll the concept out to more Spar Scotland stores following Brown’s success.
Brown’s revamp comes as Spar Scotland wholesaler CJ Lang has embarked on a refresh of its network, following the relaunch of a store in Glasgow this month.
The company said: “The relaunch marks the latest milestone in Spar Scotland’s commitment to providing high-quality, local convenience retailing across the country.
“The refitted store features a refreshed shopfront with updated signage, a modern store layout and an expanded range of product categories.
“The store has introduced a new food-to-go counter offering hot pies, meals, pastries, cakes, breakfast options and Rollover hot dogs, alongside a new Barista Bar coffee station serving a wide selection of teas and coffees.
“The Snappy Shopper home delivery service is also available, offering local shoppers even more convenience.”
Read more Spar news
Comments
This article doesn't have any comments yet, be the first!