58 ASIAN TRADER 19 SEPTEMBER 2025
INTRODUCTION
SYMBOL, FRANCHISE & FASCIA SUPPLEMENT
of SPAR is a sense of family – a
collaborative culture that
connects retailers, wholesalers
and suppliers across the UK and
beyond.
Jamie Davison points out that
Bestway Retail has over 4000
stores across the UK and is
regarded as one of the nation’s
fastest-growing symbol estates,
which means retailers get the
benefits of scale when they join
any one of fascias.
“Bestway prides itself on
being the most supportive brand
in the convenience store sector,”
he says, “and it’s becoming the
symbol of choice for retailers
wishing to take their stores to the
next level, renowned for value,
range, and affordability.”
Bestway Retail’s USP is that it
offers one of the most attractive
reward programmes in
independent retail, where
committed members can earn up
to five per cent rebate on their
purchases through My Rewards,
while Costcutter offers up to six
per cent rebate, which can then
be re-invested in store
development.
Own-label USPs
Symbols often aim to stand out,
and this can take the form of
having their own label products
as a big selling point and
customer magnet.
SPAR Scotland’s Brian
Straiton says, “Our own label
range continues to be a key
point of difference. With over
750 carefully developed lines
across ambient, chilled, frozen
and licensed categories, we are
constantly evolving our offer,
launching new products and
refreshing existing ones. The
range combines internationally
sourced, nationally available
and locally relevant products,
offering customers quality, value
and choice while helping retailers
build loyalty and grow basket
spend.”
Bestway has just inked a new
deal with Co-op Wholesale to
continue stocking its enormous
range of own-label lines in
Costcutter (“We have access to
over 2,000 Co-op own-label
products including the Honest
Value range for Costcutter stores
– which we know consumers love
and enjoy,” says Davison), and in
its best-one stores, there is the
pure own-label Best-in own-
brand range, as he explains:
“In 2024 we launched our new
and prized ‘Best-in’ own label
range, previously known as
‘Best-one’. The new range has
been specially designed for its
quality and value – targeting
value offer within our partner
C-stores. Consumers are looking
for great value alternatives due to
inflation driving them to opt out
of categories or reduce frequency
of purchase across branded lines.”
The aim was to have a brand
that is more agnostic and
recognises the diverse market
and breadth of the Bestway retail
businesses – which also includes
Bargain Booze and Costcutter.
Within the range, over 160 new
products have been launched
covering key ambient grocery
categories including Impulse and
“core” Grocery.
“There are exciting new
product development lines
within the new Best-in range
such as award-winning sweets,
soft drinks and Cold Coffee as
well as laundry items,” says
Davison, adding that the new
range is a mix of new products as
well as reformulated and
repackaged existing lines.
“The Best-in range offers
retailers a minimum margin of
30%, up to 75%,” he says.
point of difference –
especially when it signifies
value to shoppers in difficult
economic conditions.
“Our latest launches have
been designed with evolving
consumer needs front of
mind. A great example is our
new SPAR fresh pasta range,
developed in response to
growing demand for quick,
high-quality meals that
don’t compromise on taste. The
range includes authentic filled
Tortelloni and matching pasta
sauces, offering a complete,
convenient meal solution that’s
perfect for busy lifestyles.
Vegetarian options are also
included, aligning with the trend
towards more plant-based
choices.”
To conclude, there are many
offers, incentives and advantages
that any independent retailer can
benefit from by joining a fascia or
symbol group, or by taking out a
franchise – in fact, almost too
many to mention.
At Costcutter, as another
example, there is the Unique to
Costcutter “Shopper First
growth programme” which
Davison tells us crafts solutions
to the unique needs of its retailers
and optimises targeting of key
audience demographics to help
pinpoint the right offers. “This is
why we offer a variety of store
formats, ensuring there’s a
perfect fit for everyone. Whether
a bustling city centre outlet,
community store or a cosy
neighbourhood shop, we’ve got it
covered,” Davison concludes –
and that is pretty much a good
upsum of the symbol scene right
now.
Think it over if you haven’t
already – whether it’s taking the
plunge for the first time, or
switching from one fascia to
another: you are the customer,
remember, and the customer is
always right. (Or at least some of
the time, as we all know.)
Retailer testimony
Mohammed (Zak) Razzaq
of SPAR Blantyre, praises
the symbol model
“Taking over our family store
in the heart of Blantyre in
February 2018 was a proud
moment and joining SPAR
later that summer was the
best decision we made – we
haven’t looked back since!
My father ran the store from
the early 1980s, and I have fond
memories of helping out as a
child. Convenience retail has
been in my blood for as long as I
can remember, and being part of
SPAR has only strengthened
that passion.
The support from SPAR
Scotland and CJ Lang & Son has
been outstanding. From the
help desk to operations, BDMs,
and the senior team, everyone is
approachable and easy to work
with. Our wholesaler colleagues
have become like family, and
many are now firm friends.
The ordering system has
been a game changer. It’s simple
to use and allows our team to
focus on customers while
improving efficiency. By
preventing unnecessary
purchases and ensuring key
products are always in stock, it
helps us manage costs and keep
shoppers happy.
We love SPAR’s own label
range – it’s great quality, tastes
fantastic, and is unbeatable
value. We stock as many lines as
possible because we know how
much our customers enjoy it.
Being first to market with
exciting new product lines has
been a phenomenal success. It’s
an incredible advantage, and
we’re thrilled to be part of the
buzz that only SPAR can bring!
For any independent retailer
looking to grow their business
while receiving great support
and becoming part of a family,
we highly recommend speaking
to SPAR today.”
“Furthermore, certain products
such as our cold coffees are on
offer at unbeatable and
exceptional price points.”
A key driver behind the
Best-in range is ensuring it is
available and accessible to all the
customer base, regardless of the
fascia, so that every member of
the Bestway Wholesale business
has access to the full Best-in
range, Davison adds.
It’s a massive incentive to be a
member, and SPAR’s Straiton
emphasises the power of product
identity and alignment as a key