SPAR North of England has welcomed new independent retailer Zain Hussain from County Durham into the symbol group.
Zain, age 23, has taken on increased responsibility for the family store in the Shield Row area of Stanley in recent years as his dad Taz has moved into a background role.
The popular store located in Rodham Terrace has undergone a transformed appearance externally with a new fascia and window vinyls, with a comprehensive changeover of stock in-store supplied by James Hall & Co. Ltd, including an enhanced range of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Zain, who has ambitions to maximise the store’s potential, marked the exciting development by hosting the SPAR mascot and Spinner Winner activity on launch day offering customers the chance to spin the wheel for free prizes.
Zain said: “I am very happy to become a SPAR retailer. It is a renowned brand and one that people recognise for quality. To have the SPAR logo above the door is a proud moment for me and a new chapter for the store.
“Although it was a big decision to change symbol, it did not take me that long to come to a decision when I saw the proposal on the table from James Hall. SPAR is a brand I have long admired as there is consistently good availability and a strong range.
“There are multiple reasons why I have joined SPAR, and I think the biggest factor is the Price Locked initiative and the value it offers. I think there is a very good package of own brand SPAR products within that, and it is what customers are seeking in the current climate.
“The structured promotional cycle is something I was keen to adopt too, keeping things new and updated for my customers. I think this is something the store has been missing. With SPAR Rewards now offered, a lot of customers have already been signing up for the scheme.
“I would also add that the fresh and frozen range is spot on, with the bonus of fresh deliveries six days a week. The SPAR sandwiches are great, and they are important in the £4.50 Meal Deal I have in store. You can see the quality in the fridges and freezers and the feedback from customers has been fantastic.”
Peter Dodding, Sales Director at James Hall & Co. Ltd and Chairman of the SPAR Northern Guild, said: “I would like to welcome the Hussain family to the SPAR family, and I am delighted that we have been able to launch SPAR Shield Row after many months in the planning.
“Although a small store, Zain’s offer really is excellent, and we are confident that with James Hall & Co. Ltd as his wholesale partner, we can work together and deliver growth in sales and profit for the family’s business.”
James Hall & Co. Ltd is a fifth-generation family business which serves a network of independent SPAR retailers and company-owned SPAR stores across Northern England six days a week from its base at Bowland View in Preston.