The SPAR convenience store at Clacket Lane Eastbound (anti-clockwise), located next to the main entrance. Commonly with Roadchef SPAR stores, this one appears to be an extension. This store opening has given WHSmith some competition as before spar, WHSmith was the only shop for snacks/travel essentials at Clacket Lane East. SPAR opened around 2016, and remains quite a modern, fresh looking store. Its location is beneficial for getting extra trade as SPAR is obvious from the entrance, meaning customers wanting a quick shop are more likely to shop here rather than WHSmith, which is nearer the food court. There are a couple additional Costa Express machines at this store as well. SPAR is a well-known roadside name, introduced to major roads in 2003. EG began SPAR’s motorway journey at Rivington, and in 2015, Roadchef made SPAR one of their main brand partners and began opening SPAR shops at their busier sites. Roadchef never installed a SPAR at Westbound. Interestingly, in 2003, Roadchef trialled an arrangement with SPAR that they introduced them, alongside Costa and Delice de France, to their forecourts. Roadchef then looked to replace their own-brand ReStore shops in amenity buildings to SPAR shops, however, these plans were withdrawn. Essentially, Roadchef had been planning on using SPAR for a while, but the opening of them has been a much more recent thing. This pic evidences the bizarre decor of this convenience store, with spotlighting and decorative brick wall paper. This store is very tidy and looks incredibly clean. It’s also well organised. SPAR does “spill out” onto the main concourse slightly, which is due to a lack of space in the shop itself. This pic also evidences the ceiling beams at Clacket Lane Eastbound, which are an original feature and add a “country” feel to the site. Prices are slightly inflated at SPAR, but not as significantly as WHSmith so customers wanting better value for money would use this store instead. Despite this, SPAR was very quiet during my visit despite Clacket Lane Eastbound being quite busy. No idea why. Possibly because it was lunchtime and people were more bothered about the food court area. SPAR is signposted from the M25 Eastbound and is clearly advertised around the site and from the exterior of the amenity building, so customers can expect to find it here.

Photo taken on 05/04/2024 by Tom Moon.

Assigned to galleries: Clacket Lane, Roadchef, M25, SPAR