A new partnership has been formed between national bakery giant Greggs and Spar’s south west wholesaler, Appleby Westward.
As part of a recent regeneration of its Bemerton Heath store in Salisbury, Appleby Westward has installed a Greggs franchise to offer its customers a wider range of popular and affordable takeaway food.
Opening on 16 February 2023, Greggs and Appleby Westward will distribute money-saving vouchers to properties surrounding the store in the days prior to the grand opening, giving the local community the chance to get four weeks of savings, including a free coffee during the first week and a free sausage roll during week four. There will also be a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the franchise.
This is the first of its kind in a company-owned store, and Appleby Westward hopes to grow the partnership to introduce Greggs counters in more Spar stores across the south west. This will be part of a wider strategy to expand its in-store brand offering through complementary partnerships.
The addition of a Greggs bakery has created ten jobs for the local community, on top of the existing Spar store team.
Adam Welsford, food services manager at Appleby Westward, said: “I’m delighted that Appleby Westward is progressing with Greggs and has plans to partner with other complementary brands. Each partnership will create even more jobs for local communities and will also give our customers a wider variety of products at an affordable price, all under one roof.
“Bemerton Heath is a real community store, so it’s great to be able to begin the Greggs partnership in this particular store and I can’t wait to see how it progresses.”
The Bemerton Heath store closed its doors in December to update its fixtures, fittings, external signage and product lines. As well as updating its flooring and chillers, the store has updated its format to give customers a smoother shopping experience. Customers can also benefit from a Coca Cola Ice Blast machine, Smokin’ Bean coffee station and a f’real milkshake and smoothie machine.
Existing in-store services include an ATM and National Lottery facilities, alongside a wide selection of wines, spirits and beers, fresh fruit and vegetables, household essentials, chilled and frozen food, snacks, soft drinks, baby supplies and much more. Customers can park free of charge directly outside the store.
The in-store Greggs counter will be open every day between 07:00 and 17:00, while the Spar store will be open between 07:00 and 22:00 Monday to Saturday, and between 08:00 and 22:00 on Sundays.