The Uppal family, who have been Spar independent retailers for over 25 years, have just opened their seventh Spar store on Barnsley’s Kendray estate - and are thrilled with the outcome.
“When we are presented with superb development opportunities, my approach to business expansion is like Jim Carrey in Yes Man,” said Terry Uppal (below left).
It’s a first step across the Pennines into South Yorkshire for the Uppal family whose six other convenience stores are in Greater Manchester and Cheshire, and all serviced by James Hall & Co. Ltd.
However, the opportunity to breathe new life into the modern unit that formerly housed a Poundland Local in Birk Avenue was too good to turn down. Terry said: “My mindset is one of being open to expansion opportunities and growing our family business. Our previous launch in Rochdale was two years ago and our Spar there has been very successful.
“The Kendray estate is huge. Of course there are other stores, but we’re very well positioned and we’ve got a superb convenience offer.
“There have been other great opportunities since Rochdale we have said yes to but then lost out on the site, but that is the competitiveness of convenience retail. We will keep on exploring.
The new, 2,300 sq.ft. store is home to a Cheeky Coffee machine and Clayton Park Bakery hot food counter adjacent to chilled food and soft drinks fridges, a confectionery section and a snacking area.
Terry added: “We had a fantastic launch day with the community coming out to support us, and we’ve traded strongly in the days since.
“We’re still getting to know the community, but I think our customers are as happy as we are with the look and feel of the store and the range we’ve stocked.”
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