- What is a symbol group retailer?
- What benefits do symbol group organisations offer to retailers?
- How many symbol group retailers are there and who are they?
- How much is the symbol group segment worth?
- How is the symbol group segment performing?

What is a symbol group retailer?

A symbol group retailer is an independent retailer that is effectively a member of a larger organisation known as a “symbol group operator” (such as SPAR).

The retailer displays a branded fascia in order to have a common trading identity which shoppers recognise. In addition they gain a number of other benefits associated with belonging to a larger organisation, improved buying terms, branding, the option to sell own label products, and new shop technology (such as checkout scanning)

IGD’s definition of “Symbol Groups” also incorporates “Franchise” and “Fascia Groups”, related but distinct concepts.
 

What benefits do symbol group organisations offer to retailers?

• Advice/expertise on trading, technology and equipment
• Trading benefits - including promotional programmes
• Marketing support
• Shop fitting services providing improved store environments
• Ongoing support services delivery
   
   

How many symbol group retailers are there and who are they?

At the end of April 2011 there were 16,288 symbol group retailers in the UK, over 500 more than the same figure reported in 2010. This represents 32.5% of all convenience stores. The following is a list of the main retailers that fall within this total:
 

Source: IGD Research, June 2011
 

How much is the symbol group segment worth?

• The symbol group segment is worth £12.6bn.
• Symbol groups have a 38.9% share of the UK convenience sector.  

How is the symbol group segment performing?

The last 12 months was one of the strongest on record for the symbol group segment.

This is being driven by the following factors:

• Record recruitment – Symbol group operators are seeking to step up the number of new members being recruited into the segment. Non-affiliated retailers remain a key target, with several symbol group operators reporting record new store openings in the latest year. SPAR UK, for example, has appointed a new Business Development controller in January 2012. This is a newly created position that aims to but extra focus on the recruitment of new retail members to its symbol group network.
  
  
• Improvements in overall proposition – Symbol groups have made significant investment improving their offer to customers and now sell a wider selection of products. For example the last 12 months have seen fresh offers being expanded as well as the introduction of more private label ranges, often aimed at providing a value based product to the convenience shopper. Such developments have enhanced the competitiveness of the segment making it highly attractive for independent retailers and shoppers alike.
  
  
• More attractive symbol packages – A key pull factor associated with the recruitment process is the affordability and value associated with different symbol group packages for prospective independent retailers. Packages continue to be strengthened by new promotional campaigns, added value ranges and greater head office support. These additional tools and solutions are enabling retailers to better cater for rising shopper expectations and demands, as well as provide a more value driven proposition.