Symbol group
Encyclopedia
Symbol group is a mainly British
term for a form of franchise
in the retail
sector. They do not own or operate stores, but act as suppliers to independent grocers and small supermarkets and produce stores which then trade under a common banner. Unlike other forms of franchise, they have expanded primarily by selling their services to existing stores, rather than by actively developing new outlets. SPAR
is a well known symbol group with stores in many countries. There are several smaller symbol groups in the United Kingdom
, such as Londis
, Costcutter
, Premier Stores
and Nisa-Today's.
In 2009, IDG reported that the symbol group market is worth £10.4bn, with a 35.9% share of the UK convenience market and a 7.3% share of the total UK grocery market.
IDG report: http://www.igd.com/index.asp?id=1&fid=1&sid=7&tid=26&cid=108
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
term for a form of franchise
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
in the retail
Retail
Retail consists of the sale of physical goods or merchandise from a fixed location, such as a department store, boutique or kiosk, or by mail, in small or individual lots for direct consumption by the purchaser. Retailing may include subordinated services, such as delivery. Purchasers may be...
sector. They do not own or operate stores, but act as suppliers to independent grocers and small supermarkets and produce stores which then trade under a common banner. Unlike other forms of franchise, they have expanded primarily by selling their services to existing stores, rather than by actively developing new outlets. SPAR
SPAR
Spar , trades from approximately 12400 stores in 34 countries worldwide and is the world's largest independent voluntary retail trading chain. Spar was founded in the Netherlands in 1932 by retailer Adriaan Van Well and now, through its affiliate organisations, operates through most European...
is a well known symbol group with stores in many countries. There are several smaller symbol groups in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, such as Londis
Londis
Londis is the name for two convenience store franchises operating in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The stores form a symbol group and are all owned on a franchise basis.-Great Britain:...
, Costcutter
Costcutter
Costcutter is based in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Poland under which there are supermarkets and local and urban convenience stores. The banner also has its own brand of goods and products which are sold alongside Nisa Today own-brand products and branded products.As of December 2006,...
, Premier Stores
Premier Stores
Premier Stores are a symbol group within the Booker Cash & Carry plc company.Premier is the UK’s leading symbol group with over 2,400 stores nationwide. All Premier stores are independently owned by retailers, and are generally local convenience stores. They generally stock branded and own brand...
and Nisa-Today's.
In 2009, IDG reported that the symbol group market is worth £10.4bn, with a 35.9% share of the UK convenience market and a 7.3% share of the total UK grocery market.
IDG report: http://www.igd.com/index.asp?id=1&fid=1&sid=7&tid=26&cid=108