Quail Digital appointed preferred supplier by SPAR International

The deployment represents almost one-in-five of the approximately 2,700 SPAR stores operating across the two markets and, according to Quail Digital, makes it one of the largest retail communication headset roll-outs in the UK convenience sector.

Store teams use the digital communication system every day to co-ordinate replenishment, respond to customer requests, improve communication between colleagues and support day-to-day store operations. Quail Digital estimates colleagues now exchange thousands of communications each day using the headset system across the SPAR network.

Importantly, stores have reported improvements in staff safety after integrating the headset system with technology that alerts colleagues when repeat shoplifting offenders enter the premises, enabling team members to communicate discreetly and request assistance immediately when required.

Feedback from participating SPAR stores following a survey conducted by the dedicated headset manufacturer points to the system making it easier for colleagues to locate one another and react more efficiently to security and Health and Safety-related incidents.

Recommended technology partner

As stated, the appointment affords Quail Digital preferred supplier status within the SPAR International network, making the company a recommended technology partner for SPAR organisations worldwide, while purchasing decisions continue to be made locally by individual SPAR businesses.

Tom Downes, founder and CEO of Quail Digital, said: “Communication underpins almost every activity that takes place inside a supermarket, yet many retailers are still relying on systems that were never designed for today's retail environment. Being recognised as a SPAR International preferred supplier is an important milestone for Quail Digital. It reflects the success we’ve achieved working alongside SPAR retailers across the UK and Ireland and demonstrates the value better communication can bring to store operations.”

Downes added: “The best communication is the communication nobody has to think about. When technology simply works, colleagues can focus on serving customers, supporting one another and keeping the store running smoothly.”

Simplifying operations

The appointment follows the launch of Quail Digital’s latest Pro12 retail headset system at EuroShop 2026 in Düsseldorf earlier this year. The system combines hands-free communication, speech recognition, IP telephony compatibility and Artificial Intelligence-enabled functionality to help retailers improve communication and simplify store operations.

Dave Pickford from James Hall & Co. Ltd, a primary wholesaler and distributor for SPAR across the North of England, stated: “There has been a great improvement to store efficiency. If we were to take away the headsets now, our employees wouldn’t be happy. The roll-out has been a great success.”

*Further information is available online at www.quaildigital.com