Spar Scotland

COVER STORY: THE TELEGRAPH

Spar Scotland delists The Telegraph

SPAR SCOTLAND WHOLESALER CJ LANG DELISTED THE TELEGRAPH THIS WEEK IN COMPANY-OWNED STORES AFTER AN ESCALATION OF A DISPUTE OVER RETAILER TERMS

In a striking indication of the increased tensions between retailers and news publishers, Spar Scotland delisted The Telegraph this week in its portfolio of over 100 company-owned stores.

Empty fixtures were a feature of stores across Scotland following the intensification of a debate over retailer returns, it is understood. The move did not impact upon independent Spar retailers across the country.

When contacted by The Week In Retail yesterday, Spar Scotland confirmed that: “Supplies of The Telegraph have been re-instated. The Telegraph will be available from company owned Spar Scotland stores on 26 May 2021.” It was not clarified, however, what brought the short-lived delisting action to an end.

The showdown appears to be the culmination of a long-running dispute over retailer terms, with the Saturday edition of The Telegraph offering retailers the lowest margin of any national newspaper at just 19.1%.