Published April 3rd, 2023
A new independent SPAR store has opened in Southampton with support from south west SPAR wholesaler, Appleby Westward.
Located in the Chapel Riverside area of Southampton, the store is the seventh to join the list of stores owned by local entrepreneur Rishi Patel and supplied by Appleby Westward.
The store, which opened on Thursday 16 March, has taken up residency in a purpose-built retail unit, with the area having been regenerated in the last five years to create new housing and retail spaces close to the city centre.
Rishi Patel and Appleby Westward’s team of merchandisers have kitted out the store to enable customers to do a complete shop by offering a full range of products including fresh vegetables and groceries, ambient and frozen household favourites, popular brands such as Dunkin’ Donuts, world wines, beers and spirits, and seasonal products such as Easter eggs and hot cross buns. The store also has National Lottery facilities, an in-store bakery, a Smokin’ Bean coffee machine, and freshly cooked hot food to take away.
Rodney Tucker, group sales director at Appleby Westward, said: “We’re really pleased that we have been able to open another store with Rishi Patel and are excited to continue growing our strong relationship. Sales and profits have increased since Rishi has come on board, proving that he is excellent at what he does and is a real asset to Appleby Westward.
“It’s also fantastic that we have been able to locate the store in a prominent area of the modern Chapel Riverside development in Southampton. I feel confident that this store will be a success and will benefit the local community substantially by offering a wide range of quality produce at a good price on their door step.”
The new opening has created an array of new jobs for the local community, with Rishi’s seven stores averaging ten employees per store. Rishi hopes to continue to expand his portfolio of stores with Appleby Westward, creating more much-needed employment opportunities.
The Chapel Riverside SPAR store will open from 07:00 to 21:00 Monday to Saturday, and from 08:00 to 20:00 on Sundays.
To find out more about your local SPAR store, visit www.spar.co.uk.
