Spar Scotland retailers, representatives and suppliers to come together at the symbol’s annual tradeshow.
Adventure awaits in Aviemore as Spar Scotland’s annual tradeshow returns on Thursday 24 September, bringing together hundreds of retailers, suppliers and industry representatives for one of the biggest dates in the convenience calendar.
The one-day event at the Macdonald Hotel and Resort is expected to attract more than 800 delegates, including independent Spar retailers, company-owned store managers and CJ Lang support staff. Attendees will also include representatives from Spar UK, Spar International and other Spar regional distribution centres, alongside non-Spar retailers keen to explore the latest developments across the sector.
More than 200 FMCG suppliers are set to exhibit at the show, showcasing a wide range of products and exclusive on-the-day deals aimed at helping retailers drive sales and stay competitive in an increasingly challenging market. The tradeshow marquee, now a well-established feature of the event, will once again provide the focal point for supplier engagement.
This year’s event will be held under the theme ‘Collaborate’, highlighting the importance of partnership working across the Spar Scotland network and the wider supply chain. The theme reflects the organisation’s focus on working closely with retailers, suppliers and stakeholders to deliver growth and innovation across the business.
The day will begin with a series of morning business briefings tailored for suppliers, retailers and CJ Lang staff. These sessions will provide an update on recent performance and outline key priorities for the months ahead.
CJ Lang will update delegates on progress since its last business update in April, including a review of campaigns already delivered, new initiatives introduced and a forward look at upcoming developments across the business. The update will place particular emphasis on what lies ahead, giving retailers greater visibility on Spar Scotland’s future initiatives and support.
Throughout the day, retailers will have the opportunity to engage directly with suppliers. In addition to product showcases, there will also be tailored deals designed specifically for independent stores. This remains a central draw for many attendees, offering genuine opportunities to drive margin and refresh ranging.
The tradeshow will culminate in a presentation from one of the top performance coaches in customer service, motivational speaker Alf Dunbar.
Proceedings will then continue into the evening with the highly anticipated Spar Scotland Awards, which will take place alongside a gala dinner in the Osprey Arena. The celebrations will conclude with entertainment and dancing, providing an opportunity for delegates to network and mark the achievements of the past year.
The event’s strong focus on collaboration, commercial opportunity and insight will provide retailers with both inspiration and practical tools to support their businesses in the months ahead, while reinforcing relationships across the wider Spar network.
With strong attendance expected and a packed programme planned, the 2026 Spar Scotland tradeshow looks set to build on its reputation as a key event for the convenience sector.
