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SPAR stores taking part in a new merchandising programme instigated by Appleby Westward have already seen a positive impact on sales. One store in the Cornwall area run by Gordon and Karen Green has enjoyed an uplift in weekly sales. Before the project took place weekly sales in store were £8,677 and an uplift of 29% now see's last week's sales at £11,236 respectively, while Howard Toms' store in Southsea, Portsmouth has seen a sales boost of 11% and 6.6% year on year. Head of Sales Vince Brown said the merchandising programme was taking part in 32 nominated stores throughout the region until the end of this year. "Appleby Westward is more than simply a delivered wholesaler - we are partners in growth with our retailers," he said. "Our added services like merchandising are designed to help grow their businesses." Appleby Westward has been focussing considerable effort on space planning, regularly updating its suite of planograms to make sure its stores have the best range and opportunity in the convenience marketplace. Regional sales managers discussed the project and the benefits of implementing planograms with their stores. As a result, they nominated 32 shops where they believed significant benefits could be achieved by reviewing the amount of space allocated to products and their location on the fixtures. "As well as creating extra sales, it was felt the stores would also achieve improvements to range and choice, availability, shop standards and overall customer perception," said Vince. "At the same time, it would allow them the opportunity for better stock management." Nominated retailers are being visited by merchandising team Helen Holmes, Becky Tremain and Christina Smith, who identify the opportunity to de-list slow sellers in preparation to review the space and implement the planograms.

Geoffrey Cox, MP for Torridge and West Devon, cut the ribbon to officially open a newly redeveloped SPAR store and Post Office in Tavistock. The store, in Abbey Place, has been the subject of a redevelopment in order to accommodate an expanded Post Office service within the retail area. The Post Office has introduced a Combi Counter, installed alongside the SPAR tills, enabling staff to serve both retail and Post Office transactions. Extended opening hours from 7.00am-10.00pm, plus the ability to use the service on a Saturday afternoon and Sunday, mean customers will be able to enjoy extended Post Office services. Customers can buy stamps and other everyday postal items if the Post Office is closed. For more info go visit: Appleby Westward Group Limited