Spar step in to ex-Woolies site

Jan 15 2009 by Mari Jones, North Wales Weekly News

THE Spar in Conwy is to move to the recently closed Woolworth’s store in the historic town.

The news will bring welcome relief to many as the closure of Woolworth’s left a huge gap on the High Street.

The extended Spar shop will become one of the biggest in North Wales and is set to open in March or April. Some of the staff who lost their jobs when Woolies closed have already been re-employed to work in the new shop.

Chris Sayer, boss of Conwy Spar, commented: “I’d prefer it if Woolworth’s hadn’t closed at all as it brought a lot of people into the town.

“A lot of people came to the store from Penmaenmawr, Llanfairfechan and the Conwy Valley and we have definitely lost trade since its closure.

“It’s a great shame as the rural Woolies were always busy. I think the two big draws to Conwy were Edwards and Woolworth’s, and then they’d come to us at the Spar.”

As for plans for the new store, Chris said: “It’s still early days so we’re still discussing various plans at the moment. What I can say is that we will have quite a large pick and mix sweet section similar to the one Woolworth’s had, and will be selling various bits and bobs they used to sell like envelopes and DVDs.

“I’ve employed three former staff from Woolies to work in the new Spar, including the former manager. It will also be a premier Spar store in North Wales.”

And he added that there have been enquiries from people about taking over the current Spar premises.