The stores in the David Sands Group – three David’s Kitchen stores and Pinkie Farm Convenience Store – are now trading as Spar Market stores.
It was announced last autumn that the group was joining the Spar Scotland family.
Dundee-based Spar Scotland wholesaler and retailer CJ Lang has been supplying all four stores and in recent months has been working with the David Sands Group on the overall design, look and feel of the stores. A huge amount of work has been done on store layouts and the overall product range available, including an increased range of Spar own label-products.
The David’s Kitchen stores – in Glenrothes, Falkirk and Kirkcaldy – focus on freshly made food, ready for immediate consumption, or to take home. Each store has its own kitchen, and as much as 40% of sales come from freshly prepared products.
On moving to Spar Scotland, David Sands said: “It is really important to us that we exceed the needs of our customers every day. It is also hugely beneficial to have the Dundee depot in such close proximity to us, as supplies into our stores are now much more reliable.
“The recent re-branding looks fantastic, and it is only the first step. We will be doing lots more with promotions and the range of fresh foods so we can remain ahead of the competition.”
Keith Fernie, the Managing Director of David’s Kitchen, described the transition as “relatively seamless” and credited the CJ Lang team for its exceptional support.
He said: “The jewel in the crown for us has been service. Deliveries and communication have been excellent, we have not had one cancelled delivery and as all retailers are aware, it’s all about getting stock, when we need it.”
Pinkie Farm convenience store is located in Musselburgh and puts a strong emphasis on fresh foods and kitchen products. A new sub-brand, Carla’s Kitchen, has been created and is incorporated into the in-store food-to-go area and also features on the external store design.
Dan Brown, the store’s boss and former Scottish Local Retailer of the Year, said the Spar brand has been well received by customers.
He added: “In transitioning across to Spar, we have been able to maintain and grow a strong range of chill and fresh, and have benefitted from some great promotions and NPD. The store design team have done a great job in bringing all of our points of difference to life, and we look forward to building upon these further in the future.”
