It’s been confirmed that the former Sainsbury’s Convenience Store on Dutton’s Hill – most famously the historic home of Grice’s Electricals for over a century before that – will be reopening as a SPAR franchise after all.
All seemed set for this new arrival back in March – with the branded signage installed in readiness. However, after a long pause, RUDDINGTON.info heard in May from AF Blakemore & Son Retail – which oversees 275 SPAR convenience stores across England and Wales – that: “…the site in Ruddington will no longer be joining SPAR therefore will not be opening under the SPAR Fascia.”
That was the situation until today {July 5th 2021}, when we learned officially from another representative of SPAR UK that “…the Ruddington Convenience Store is back on as a SPAR store. Merchandising begins next week with a view to open circa 9th July*.” This followed an application on Friday to transfer the alcohol licence for 10-14 Wilford Road to Mr Dipak Odedra Devashi – the granting of which would usually be a formality in such circumstances.
After lying empty for five months, shelf-filling activity has already been spotted at the historic Dutton’s Hill premises by passing villagers; so it seems we are indeed likely to see the return of a second Ruddington supermarket imminently.
Chair of Ruddington Village Centre Partnership, Mike Ader, says: “Delighted to see that the premises will be occupied again and that we will have another grocery outlet, particularly if it opens extended hours which will benefit Ruddington residents”.
*UPDATE: Friday 9th July 2021:
Ruddington’s eagerly awaited SPAR store opened today with the new tenant as planned – and its trading hours have been confirmed.
It’s understood this franchise is still being run by Ram Devabhai, who already has another small convenience store in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, but originally had to withdraw from Ruddington due to legal delays earlier this year. However, he has now been able to successfully re-apply for this shop, and finally open here too, now that these issues have been sorted.
The original times displayed on the shopfront in March (pictured below) have been tweaked via a new temporary notice – which shows it will now open until 7.00pm on a Sunday rather than 4.00pm. This is, in fact, the only period of opening when the Ruddington Co-op is not also able to trade, due to its larger size.
Some village shoppers have expressed disappointment about these still rather early closing times – especially because its predecessor used to be open until 11pm seven days a week (as is permitted with a convenience store of this trading area).
Sebastian Teicher comments: “With these opening hours the shop is slightly pointless. The Co-op is more accessible and has a bigger selection. The advantage of the previous Sainsbury’s was that it was open late.” Kay Garrett says: “A shame it isn’t opening later in the week, but a welcome addition to our side of the village – much easier to walk and pick up a few bits. Just called in and the owners were very friendly. Nice to see people already using it.” Tony Hewitt adds: “I think it’s great to have a choice, and not just have the Co-op. Popped in this morning and the owner was very nice!”
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