White Plains, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/01/2015 -- SPAR Group, Inc., a leading global supplier of merchandising and other retail merchandising services, today announced that Kyle Watkins has joined the company in the role of VP Business Development for its U.S. operations. Kyle will be responsible for new business targeting key industry growth areas aligned with SPAR's strategic initiatives. Kori Belzer, Chief Operating Officer of SPAR, stated that, "we look forward to having Kyle build relationships that strengthen SPAR's role as a strategic partner and help us deliver solutions that optimize our clients' sales and profitability in a changing retail landscape".

Various research reports point to continued growth in traditional retail channels and in the growth of outsourced labor. Jill Blanchard, SPAR's CEO, pointed out that "In the next 10 years in the U.S., dollar growth in stores is expected to grow by almost $2 trillion more, or 75% more, than dollar growth in online retail1. At the same time, outsourced labor, which had annual revenue growth at just over 7% between 2009-142, is expected to have that growth rise to 22% by 20193". In the new omni-channel retail model, there are several areas that will lead to this growth while retailers face the challenges of providing better product availability and customer service.

SPAR is well positioned to help retailers overcome the challenges they face, providing retail services including in-store merchandising, new store sets and remodels, price and compliance audits, fixture/display installation and service, assisted sales, and its world class SPARtrac™ Global Retail Service Operations System that enables increased retail service efficiency and productivity. Kyle's experience and drive will be key assets in targeting growing retail categories that can benefit from unique service models being developed and offered by SPAR.

Kyle adds, "I'm excited to join a world-class service organization that is proactive in delivering solutions that help companies better service their customers as the retail world changes. I look forward to applying my knowledge and passion to build meaningful relationships that allow both SPAR and its clients to prosper from these changes".

Kyle has over a decade of outstanding experience in developing and nurturing relationships with some of the most iconic brands in retail. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Client Services for Mallard Group, a retail services company with operations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. While there, Kyle was instrumental in acquiring and leading the execution of multi-million dollar installation and merchandising programs. He also previously served as Director of Marketing & Business Development for Mallard.

In addition to his experience selling and implementing retail merchandising and installations, Kyle has also developed business for creative and production firms specializing in the design, fabrication and implementation of some of the most recognizable displays and store fronts in the industry.

On a more personal level, as a former right tackle for the University of Central Florida, Kyle will most assuredly have all his clients' backs. He is also married with two children and will be based out of Dallas, TX.

About SPAR Group, Inc.
SPAR Group, Inc. is a diversified international merchandising and marketing services company and provides a broad array of services worldwide to help companies improve their sales, operating efficiency and profits at retail locations. SPAR provides merchandising and other marketing services to manufacturers, distributors and retailers worldwide, primarily in grocery, drug, big box, discount/dollar, office supercenter, warehouse/club, specialty, pet, department, and convenience/gas channels. Additional services include new store sets and remodels, price and compliance audits, fixture/display installation and service, furniture assembly in stores, offices and homes, pop displays, assisted sales, product demonstrations, and Click & Collect services. SPAR provides these services in the U.S. and across the globe. SPAR started as a sales promotion analysis company in 1967, has been supplying merchandising and other retail services in the U.S. since 1979, and internationally since acquiring its first international subsidiary in Japan in 2001. SPAR currently does business in 9 countries that encompass approximately 50% of the total world population through its operations in the United States, Canada, China, Australia, India, Japan, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey.

For more information, please visit SPAR Group's website at http://www.sparinc.com

SOURCES: 1. FTI Consulting; 2. Bureau of Labor Statistics; 3. IBIS World;

Media Contact:
Dave Musiel
SPAR GROUP, Inc.
333 Westchester Ave
South Building, Suite 204
White Plains, NY 10604
914-332-4100
pressinquiries@sparinc.com