Eat 17 SPAR Walthamstow has picked up the title of Independent Retailer of the Year in the 3,000 to 6,000sq ft category. The London-based Eat 17 chain is co-owned by AF Blakemore, James Brundle, and Chris O’Connor.
The Retail Industry Awards, which took place virtually, celebrated the success of the whole retail sector, from small independent stores to larger supermarket and convenience retailers.
Eat 17 Walthamstow came out on top in its category thanks to its fantastic in-store execution and a continuing focus on retail innovation.
Store owner James Brundle has massively increased the Eat 17 own-brand range, as well as its comprehensive selection of local products. The on-trend store offers a mix of premium, local and value products, as well as a huge refillables section.
Its home delivery service has gone from strength to strength and the business is even baking its own sourdough bread.
“This is a fantastic store driven by a passionate and innovative team who were early adopters of a number of different things,” said one judge. “They have always been very forward-thinking. It’s not something that could be replicated everywhere, but they have done an amazing job in utilising what they have got. It’s a great store, doing some great stuff – a real London foodie haven.”
Panel members praised the “huge fresh range” and high standards set throughout the store. The off-licence section was said to be “tremendous” and the business was always moving forward.
“James is constantly trying to reinvent the store and do things better,” said a judge. “It’s another great example of matching the proposition to the customer and it stands out because he’s pushing the boundaries of his particular space. Eat 17 are great retailers and they are stretching the boundaries in so many ways.”
At the awards event, SPAR Calver, Eat 17 Bishop’s Stortford and Blakemore Retail’s Brunswick Road store were also highly commended.