Advantages: Location Disadvantages: Price and selection.
...the road we have a Spar outlet that realises we aren’t all tucked up in bed in time for the early evening news, and that some of us do, occasionally, get up at weekends. At the start of term we went to this shop a lot, for “neccessities” – you know, chocolate, magazines, a bit more chocolate. However last year 2 things changed. Firstly, Tesco on Market Street went 24 hours so we could stop there on our way back from wherever, ... ...so would watch every penny. Spar was, frankly, taking too many of them for our liking. Although they’re handily located and students are lazy, that doesn’t mean that they should exploit the fact. After all, if their prices were lower then we’d buy more from them, their profits would soar and we’d all live happily ever after. The merchandise in Spars is often unusual to say the least. The brands they offer are not always well ...
zoe_page 16.05.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Spar Supermarkets
Advantages: Varied assortment of items on sale. Disadvantages: A touch more expensive than the big supermarkets.
...towns we have a local Spar shop here. It is actually in the high street but our town is small and believe it or not it is the only shop of its kind in the town centre! It's nearest competitor is the Rainbow Supermarket which is further away in it's own surroundings on the edge of town.
I have shopped in Spar shops elsewhere but our shop seems to be different to the ones i've been in before. It seems to be the case that the stores are all different ... ...and introduce you to the Spar Convenience Store, Halesworth, Suffolk. The Spar shop is situated in the centre of the main street, and as such in a prime position to attract custom. The size of the building from the front is misleading as the narrow frontispiece is offset by a far reaching length to the back. The layout is fairly easy to assimilate, at the front as you go in is the section containing all the tinned meats, fish, soups and the tinned ...
paisleyman 13.06.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Spar Supermarkets
Advantages: Convenient Disadvantages: Generally More Expensive Than The Larger Supermarkets
...In terms of weekly transactions Spar Supermarkets are actually the second most successful Supermarket in the UK but they do not usually qualify for such lists because the majority of their Stores are operated on a franchise basis.
THE BACKGROUND
The origins of the Spar Supermarket date back to Holland where the first Stores opened in 1932. Originally these Stores were called Despar, which is an abbreviation of a Dutch phrase which translates into ... ...and Germany, and by 1953 Spar Supermarkets became truly international with the opening of the International Spar Office in Amsterdam whose sole function was to promote and control the worldwide spread of the Spar foundation.
Spar arrived in the UK in 1957 and six different regional divisions were quickly set up, each with its own central distribution centre supplying each individual store within its area. These six regional divisions which still ...
micksheff 27.02.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Spar Supermarkets
Advantages: Plentiful, handy, well stocked Disadvantages: Scruffy, pricey, less than charming.
...the positive side, though, the spar network is far reaching, so you're probably never going to be more than a few minutes from a branch. There are some quite good special offers, though, so keep your eyes open for bargains. You have to be lucky though, as the BOGOFS tend to be things they don't want, and, if you're anyhting like me, you'll be swayed and end up with something stupid, like 16 lion bars, or you'll buy some cat litter before realising ... ...that, wonder why?
Where spar scores is in it's beer department. There are always special offers on the booze, for example eight cans of Foster's for £5 or BOGOF on four packs. Like moths to a flame, though, the cheap woodpecker brings in a less than charming clientelle, and you often end up surrounded by heavily tattooed people. Not that there's anything wrong with them, God love 'em, I just don't think my Granny'd approve. Interesting fact, our ...
Case 14.05.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Spar Supermarkets
Advantages: Locality Disadvantages: Credit card swipes will soon be needed on entry, no doubt
...relax, and there is a Spar around the corner so I shop there. I'm not lazy, but I like to watch Football Focus, F1, Soccer Saturday, and live football on Sky - therefore, I use the Spar for its convenience.
Did you know Spar works like a franchise, and is normally owned by a sole trader? That would explain the prices - they'd rob the eyes out of your head if you weren't looking! I have just paid 99p for a scotch egg. I could make one for less. I ... ...eggs - to which I am addicted - are essential. They are half the price at Morrisons. I bought Brunchetta's, which are devine, at £1.29 - less than 70p at Morrison's. A packet of cigarettes is 20p more expensive than major supermarkets. My 'Match of the Day 2' feast will be a dear do tonight.
They have odd products. I wanted to cook a meal for my godson and his fiancee on Thursday night. They had limited vegetables, 2 packs of mince and some bacon. ...
kevindye 24.08.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Spar Supermarkets
Advantages: Local shop, long hours, good prices on alcohol Disadvantages: narrow range, small, often crowded shops
...some fairly damning reviews of Spar corner shops, I would like to try and redress the balance. I think that most people would agree that it is not a good idea to do your main grocery shop in these stores. But what happens when you have forgotten to buy cat food on a Sunday night, or you have drunk your last tin of beer and your mates come round. I've got a feeling I rely on our local Spar shop more than you might think...
Before I had children I ... ...Whenever I visit my local Spar shop, there seems to be a steady trickle of customers. Many of them are pensioners, and many do not have their own transport. For those who do not have access to a car like I do, I think it does represent the best value available within walking distance.
For me, personally, the Spar shop is a handy place to go when I have forgotten something. It provides the basics, is easily accessible, and serves the needs of many ...
wilfredcat 24.01.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Spar Supermarkets
Advantages: Close by with plenty of choice Disadvantages: None
...sure what the aim of Spar shops is, but I have always found that the ones I have ever seen seem to be just round the corner from the houses that I have been in. Maybe that was just coincidence?
They seem to have small ranges of almost everything in them, from birthday cards, to cereals, bread, and even childs toys and the odd onament, and cheap CD's (the sort from out of juke boxes).
My first experiece of a Spar shop:
When I used to live at home ... ...and turn it into a Spar shop. After this was done I ermember us using it lots.
The Spar was great when we had run out of something, or had forgotten to get something from town or at the ASDA.
I always remember every Valentines, day, my mums birthday, and my mum and dads anniversary my dad would foget to get a card for my mum, so the night before he would give me some money and tell me to nip up to the Spar to get my mum a card, and often a box ...
lynh17 22.02.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Spar Supermarkets
Advantages: After nearly two years I still can't think of any Disadvantages: Read the review
I've been to Spar once in the last five years. It was to do a Mystery shopping task. The Spar outlet was located on a garage forecourt quite close to where I lived but I had never been to this place before. It was a cold blustery day as I recall. It wasn't a pleasant experience. I think I still have the receipt, let me check... ...yes, the event took place on the 22nd November 2007. I had to find £5 worth of items for which I was to be reimbursed. ... ...home. I'm sure I saw one of the managers entering as I left the store. I resisted the urge to strangle him. The only mystery about Spar is how it manages to stay in business. My customer order number: 476766 Date: Thursday 22 November 2007 Time: 10:49 ...
Zmugzy 11.09.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Spar Supermarkets
Advantages: Local, convenient, late opening hours. Disadvantages: Expensive, attitude of staff, scruffy store.
I visit my local Spar a few times a week for newspapers, milk and other bits and bobs. I am never enthusiastic about visiting the store. The main impression I get is the general untidyness and lethargic attitude of the staff which go hand in hand. Magazines especially are often damaged and scattered about near the display. They have some good bogof offers or 'Real Deal Promotions' as they like to call them from time to time but generally they are ... ...goods.
The very first Spar was opened in the Netherlands in 1932 and today Spar is the world's largest international retail food chain with almost 16,000 stores in 34 different countries around the world. They have over 2700 stores in the UK. Spar stores in the UK complete 12 million transactions each week, second only to Tesco. Now isn't that suprising!
The main advantage Spar offer is their long opening hours, from early in the morning to late ...
carbraxas 14.02.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Spar Supermarkets
Advantages: OPEN FROM 08:00am TILL 10:00pm Disadvantages: GROCERY ITEMS ARE SLIGHTLY HIGHER PRICED
...found myself outside of a SPAR shop.
I decided to go in and see what special offers they had on.After browsing the shelves i did notice that normal everyday items are slightly higher priced but not by much.There are of course economy brands which have been priced up pretty reasonably but they just weren't for me i'm afraid.
They also had a selection of rentable video's for members but they weren't that clever.They only have a limited stock, so ... ...tenner, thats bloody brilliant.
I wouldn't recommend buying grocerys from the SPAR if your on the dole, unless of course you like economy brands.But.... for I night in with somes mates, a video and a drink to go to SPAR and check out the deals in the alcohol section. ...
ROBCOLLINS144 20.09.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Spar Supermarkets
Advantages: Plenty of them locally. Special offers. Disadvantages: Overpriced. Poor selection.
There is a Spar just around the corner from me and one in the centre of town, so I have some experience of shopping there.
Food - its probably the thing I buy most often.
I think that generally the range is overpriced and very uninspiring. The range of vegetables and fresh food, in particular, is very poor. The Spars I have found seem to concentrate on overpriced sandwiches, frozen convenience foods and booze. Nice sausages though, when you can ... ...at 92p a 500ml bottle. Spar Cola, however is 47p / 500ml and is good value tasting just like proper Coke. Little in the way of fresh fruit juices, although you can get the UHT variety for a fairly reasonable price.
Spar also do a range of little nick-nacks for the home which come in handy occasionally.
Beauty products
A very good value range of shampoos, toothpaste, hair gel, etc. - all for £1.
Kitchen products
A so-so range, overpriced.
Special ...
drewish 22.12.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Spar Supermarkets
Advantages: No waiting in queues, layout, prices Disadvantages: Lack of stock.
...nip down to my local Spar shop. PRICE I find most things in there good value for money, and I mainly just buy a Coke can, some gum and a chocolate bar. That manily comes to about £1. VALUE FOR MONEY The products are good value for money, they're always clean and don't look like they've been in a store cupboard. LAYOUT & PRESENTATION I can always find what I'm looking for because of the layout. Sweets over there, drinks over there, magazines over ... ...to be served in a Spar store is one minute. In most shops, you need to wait for quite a while before you get served, that's not the case here! FREQUENCY OF VISIT I mainly visit about once a week. AVAILABILITY As I've said, I can always find what I'm looking for. IN STORE CUSTOMER SERVICE No customer service, but I don't need any. AFTER-SALES SERVICE. There's none of this service, but I don't need any. STAFF KNOWLEDGE If I don't know where something ...
AlexanderBanks 28.05.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Spar Supermarkets
Advantages: convenience, good deals on alcohol, good opening hours Disadvantages: generally pricey otherwise with narrower range of products than regular supermarkets
...like behind the scenes.
Spar is actually a very good company to work for. The pay isn't amazing but it's not minimum wage either. The staff are co-operative, Spar as a company has really good deals on certain products (mainly alcohol and their own-brand stuff), and as a company they're very responsible about things like under-age purchase of alcohol and tobacco (we get letters all the time reminding us of our social responsibility). And, contrary ... ...the clue's in the name. Spar stores are primarily CONVENIENCE stores. Only the most economically retarded would choose to do their weekly shop there. I'd say 95% of the people we serve come in for alcohol, tobacco, bread or milk and spend under £10. You come and buy your cereal from us because it's on your way home and you can't be bothered to go all the way into town just for that. You pay for the fact that it's more convenient for you.
The queues ...
Angelil 16.03.2007 (17.03.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Spar Supermarkets
Advantages: Very local and easy to get to + Open 24 hours Disadvantages: Can be expensive and have little choice of products
...University, Ive found having a Spar a few minute walk away quite handy. Especially at say midnight when I'm cramming for an exam, and I have a sudden chocolate craving. No need to worry, my local Spar will fix that problem!
There are 2 spars near my house, both of which are a 5 minute walk (In different directions obviously!). One is open from 8am to 10pm, and the other is open 24 hours. The non 24 hour one is on my way home from Uni so is handy ... ...item, but to think a Spar doesn't sell chocolate spread is beyond me! Another time I wanted to buy some cheap pasta sauce as I had run out of some....but no, just some Llyod Grossman sauce at a wacking great big price of £1.40!(For a smallish jar).
The layout is fairly good though, except in the non 24 hour spar where it is impossible to move because it is such a small shop, and would be impossible for wheelchair users to get around the store.
...
Djmilesno1 24.01.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Spar Supermarkets
Spar is that kind of shop that is in between your corner shop and your high street supermarket, with just a bit of both. OK, so I may have a hint of bias as there is one just over the road from me. But anyway, I hope that nothing has put you off so far. So what do Spar offer to its customers? Well, some Spar shops are slightly bigger than others so I would guess that it depends on each individual store. But each one that I have been in carries a ... ...juices; cakes and/ or biscuits; papers with magazines, and frozen foods. They all carry alcohol, and most carry an entertainments with either a dvd rental section and/ or cards/ stationary or such like. But then again, some will ofer more and/ or less than others. And so what are their prices like? Well obviously they will be cheaper than a corner shop because they have the support of big buying power behind them. Although they will be more expensive ...
dynamicnurse 03.08.2007 (25.07.2009)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Spar Supermarkets