SPAR National Guild Board visit Japan and South Korea

The National Guild Board of SPAR has completed its latest international retail study tour, taking 21 independent SPAR retailers, RDC and Central Office representatives to Tokyo and Seoul to explore the forefront of global convenience retail.

Held every two years, these international visits form a key part of SPAR’s long-term investment in the future of convenience – exposing decision-makers to emerging trends, technologies and best practices that can be applied across UK SPAR stores.

The 2025 tour itinerary included 20 store visits in Tokyo and multiple store formats in Seoul, offering insight into the innovation driving two of the world’s most dynamic convenience markets. Stores visited included brands such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, Welcia, Aeon, Mega Don Quijote, Kinokuniya International, GS25, CU and Lotte Mart Zettaplex.

Ian Taylor, SPAR UK Retail and Brand Development Director, said: “Organising study tours is all about exposing our independent retailers to what’s possible beyond the UK – helping spark new ideas, fresh thinking and ways to keep improving the customer experience in SPAR stores. When you see the thinking and execution of convenience missions in markets like Japan and South Korea, it’s a valuable way to share knowledge, inspire innovation, and strengthen our long-term competitiveness.”

Across both countries, the group observed how convenience retail has evolved into a multi-faceted, highly responsive offer – combining food-to-go, digital engagement, health and beauty, and extended in-store services. From smart wine showcases and self-cooking stations to robotic cleaners and holographic self-checkouts, technology was at the core of many retail concepts.

Other key takeaways included:

• The rise of retail media and interactive digital content at fixture level
• The blurring of lines between drugstore and convenience formats
• The popularity and placement of vending and self-service solutions
• Tactical use of store space, with every inch trading effectively across missions
• Clear and consistent in-store signposting and impactful POS execution

“Both markets demonstrated a relentless focus on the customer – with formats designed to deliver against clearly defined missions and shopper needs,” added Taylor. “The learnings gathered are already influencing conversations on format development, own label evolution, and digital strategy here in the UK.”

The National Guild Board, which includes equal representation from SPAR’s independent retailers and Regional Distribution Centres (RDCs), plays a pivotal role in shaping SPAR’s national strategy, aligning promotional activity, brand and format development with retailer needs. It also oversees charitable activity, national conventions and supports innovation through initiatives such as the international study tour.

By enabling retailer involvement at every level of decision-making, the Guild reinforces SPAR’s democratic, member-led structure – a model that has remained core to its UK operations since 1957.

“Our members understand the importance of continually adapting to meet changing consumer behaviour,” said Taylor. “Study tours like this ensure we stay relevant, competitive, and at the forefront of the convenience sector.”