LONDON, February 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

While the streets of London were caught up in some of the worst rioting the UK has ever seen in August 2011, Ravinder and Amrit Khurmy's entire livelihood was being burnt to the ground before their eyes.

The couple's convenience store Ealing Green Local was victim to the widespread looting and arson, leaving the shop in a state of complete disrepair.

The couple, who have two children, were left facing a huge financial struggle.

Amrit said: "We were absolutely devastated when our store was ruined - and our insurance company refused to pay out. There was a lot of media attention on our store, and we were invited to tell our story at the Retail Trust Annual Ball."

It was here that the couple were introduced to Amarjit Bhdaal and his wife Sharan, owners of their own SPAR convenience store in Doncaster.

"After the Ball, all the big boys promised us the world but none of them actually delivered," said Amrit. "However, Amarjit suggested we contact SPAR to see if they could help us."

It turned out to be the perfect suggestion, as the couple have now signed a co-investment trading agreement with SPAR, allowing them to operate once more as independent retailers.

Amarjit, who owns and runs his own SPAR convenience store in Doncaster, said: "When I listened to Amrit and Ravi tell their story I found it sobering. I couldn't help think about what if it had happened to me.

"I asked people at SPAR if we could help them and liaised between the two parties. I was so pleased when I heard they had managed to sign a deal, as they will now benefit from the fantastic SPAR support network and you can never underestimate the value of that."

The new-look 1,200sq ft SPAR store opened on 15 February, housing fresh foods, food-to-go, hot coffee, an in-store bakery and an off licence.

"We're really excited about opening our doors again. Our customers are really behind us and we can't wait to serve them and our local community again," said Amrit.

Richard Harman, Marketing Director for SPAR Blakemore Trade Partners said: "We are always looking to work with successful retailers and we have no doubt that the Khurmy's will turn their store into a flourishing, prosperous business."

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