Spar Parkfoot in Kent scooped Convenience Retailer of the Year 2014 at last night’s Convenience Retail awards, run by The Grocer and Convenience Store magazine.
The shop, which is owned by David and Ann Charman, picked up the top accolade after judges felt it had successfully shattered the perception that forecourts stores are little more than a petrol and snack stop, instead redefining it as a destination store with high-quality produce and excellent standards.
Spar Parkfoot was rebuilt and extended last year with the sole purpose of becoming the destination food store in the area. Since the refit, sales have surged 60%, despite intense competition from the multiples in the local area.
The store stocks a vast array of fresh and local produce from around 60 premium suppliers. There is a butcher in store and bread is imported from France. Customers can also fill their own olive oil canisters from in-store units.
“David and Ann took a huge risk investing in the store and have made a tremendous commitment to quality with their in-store butchery, outstanding range of fresh produce, and delicious specialist and local produce,” said Convenience Store editor David Rees.
“Their vision has paid off with an outstanding local convenience store, which thoroughly deserves the accolade of being named the best of its type in the country.”
In addition, judges were impressed with the store’s energy-saving credentials. Chillers with doors have been installed to maintain a low carbon footprint and the site even has its own borehole, enabling it to be completely self-sufficient in water.
The full list of award winners can be found on the Convenience Retail Awards website.
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