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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.

Isle of Wight SPAR stores operator, Hunnyhill Stores Group, has been fundraising again for a local good cause on the island. Last year, the company raised more than £4,500 for the Donkey Sanctuary in Wroxall as a result of its role as major sponsor of a music festival on the Isle of Wight. Now, the company has begun a fundraising programme for the Ventnor Paddling Pool Fund after funding was withdrawn by the Isle of Wight Council, responsibility for which has now been taken over by the town council. The programme started with a Pancake Day event at its Victoria Street, Ventnor store, involving a race and pancake tossing with the chance for customers to win SPAR vouchers. All profits will go towards the paddling pool fund. The Ventnor store is one of 13 operated by the company throughout the island. Hunnyhill opened its first store on the Isle of Wight in 2000 and has been instrumental in providing a major boost to the SPAR brand there ever since. It has other stores in East Cowes, Lake, Newport, Ryde, Sandown, Wootton, and Wroxall and employs more than 120 people throughout the island. In this corner: Two Managers From Appleby Westward Group Limited Present To Students At Plymouth City College Refurbished From Top To Bottom. A New SPAR Store Opens In Yetminster Store Re Opens in Boscastle