Stan and Judith Foster have owned and run their store in Silloth, Cumbria for the past 25 years.
The shop was originally a cinema, owned by Stan’s father, before he and his wife set up business there. Since then, there have been a few changes. One of the latest has been a complete refurbishment and extension, courtesy of Spar.
The Fosters have moved food preparation and storage areas into an adjacent property they have just snapped up.
Consequently, they have been able to boost the size of the existing fresh meat, deli, fresh produce and salad bar sections.
They have also used the extra space to create a large walk-in chilled room for beers and white wine. Their focus on chilled food and alcohol ties in with independent retailers’ intense interest in these areas as they battle to compete with larger chains.
At the same time, the couple
took the opportunity to update the internal look of the store. Stan Foster says: “Our principal objective is to offer the very best in store standards, with new flooring, lighting, a complete range of the latest refrigeration, and improved service.”
Along with the other changes, they have installed a cash machine to drive footfall.
Transforming the store was no easy task, forcing the Fosters to close their shop for 10 weeks.
But the couple is adamant that it was worth the slog.
“We have always prided ourselves on our helpful, friendly staff,” says Foster.
“And that, we believe, coupled with our new refurbishment, makes Silloth Spar as good as it gets.”
After all their hard work, the couple are taking a well-deserved holiday while the rest of their staff enjoy the early fruits of their labours.

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