Feature articles Archives - SPAR International

SPAR Albania Profile: Contact International

peterm — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 07:00:51 +0000

SPAR began operating in Albania in 2016, after granting the license to Almark, which is part of the Balfin Group. After the remodeling and rebranding of 18 stores, as well as the training of 460 team members, the SPAR Brand officially launched in Albania on October 6th, 2016.

SPAR has grown consistently since first entering the Albanian market in 2016. In September 2023, SPAR Albania reached a significant milestone: the opening of its 80^th store nationwide. At the time of writing, SPAR Albania has 81 stores, serving 60,000 customers daily in 16 districts nationwide.

In the latest edition of Contact International, we profile the growth and development of SPAR in Albania. We take a look at SPAR’s standing in the Albanian market, and how SPAR continues to meet and exceed customer expectations instore.

To read this feature in full in our latest issue of Contact International, click here.

SPAR International’s Contact International magazine is available in five languages (English, German, Spanish, Italian, and Mandarin Chinese). The online quarterly publication covers a wide range of retail industry subjects, reflecting our diverse and global business.

If you would like to subscribe to the online version, please send us an email.

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SPAR Switzerland’s own brand success: Contact International

peterm — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 10:30:35 +0000

At SPAR, our own brand ranges continue to be a differentiator for SPAR country organisations across the network. In Switzerland, SPAR has successfully implemented an extensive own brand range covering various price points: from value ranges to more premium-priced own brand selections.

In total, there are approximately 1,600 own brand products across three ranges available to customers in SPAR stores across Switzerland. The SPAR Own Brand ranges have grown considerably in recent years, reflecting the strength of the offer as Swiss customers continue to switch to own brand alternatives.

In this issue of Contact International, we take a closer look at the SPAR Own Brand range in Switzerland, and how SPAR is able to create an appealing proposition of quality products at affordable prices to customers.

If you would like to subscribe to the online version, please send us an email.

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Celebrating 60 years of SPAR in Ireland: Contact International

peterm — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 08:15:42 +0000

SPAR has been serving communities across Ireland since 1963, and celebrated a magnificent 60 years in business this year. In this issue of Contact International, we look at how the brand recognised this significant milestone.

Since entering the Irish market in 1963, the past six decades have seen continuous growth of the SPAR Brand in Ireland, culminating in it becoming the leading convenience brand nationwide. There are now 460 SPAR and EUROSPAR stores across the country, with over 440 of them independently owned. All of these stores are closely integrated into their local communities.

SPAR Ireland celebrated 60 years in business in 2023, bringing quality solutions to consumers across the country. In recognition of this milestone, SPAR Ireland rolled out various celebratory initiatives. In this issue of Contact International, we take a closer look at the marking of the 60th anniversary of the SPAR Brand in Ireland.

If you would like to subscribe to the online version, please send us an email.

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SPAR Contact International magazine 2023-4 out now

peterm — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 07:00:17 +0000

In the final issue of Contact International for 2023, we look back on some of the success and achievements across the SPAR network in the last 12 months.

In this issue, we highlight two SPAR country organisations for reaching significant milestones. SPAR Ireland is recognised for its significant presence nationwide and celebrating 60 years in business this year. Meanwhile, we profile SPAR Albania, who celebrated the opening of its 80^th store this year.

In an ever changing and competitive landscape, SPAR always looks for ways to stand out. The SPAR Own Brand ranges are a differential, and SPAR Switzerland has shown great success in implementing its SPAR Own Brand range. We additionally showcase some truly innovative SPAR stores, which help to create a memorable shopping experience for customers.

The SPAR Connected Retail Conference took place in Manchester in October, with people coming together, in person and online, to collaborate and share best practice in the areas of digital commerce, marketing, IT, e-commerce, supply chain, responsible retailing and design.

Also in this issue, we look at the importance of people across SPAR, and how SPAR provides support for the community, from SPAR in the UK promoting children’s sports to charitable outreach from across the SPAR network.

To read these and other stories about SPAR around the world, follow this link.

Contact International is available in five languages: English, Spanish, German, Italian, and Mandarin Chinese. Please select from the language versions shown on this page.

Missed any of the previous issues? Visit our archive page to conveniently view earlier editions.

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SPAR expands network further

peterm — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 11:44:28 +0000

SPAR expands its network with Korzinka, Uzbekistan’s largest retailer, granted a license by SPAR International to operate the SPAR brand in the country. This exciting development will contribute to achieving the highest retail standards, create new jobs, and train a new generation of highly qualified Uzbek personnel in the service sector. Korzinka plans to open the first SPAR stores in Uzbekistan, by mid-2024.

The arrival of the brand is an important milestone in the development of the grocery retail trade in Uzbekistan. Over its nearly century-long history, SPAR has grown from a small group of grocers, into an international retail business. SPAR offers four store formats in its multi-format retail strategy, meeting shopper needs for every time of day.

Impact of the cooperation

This cooperation ushers in new opportunities, first of all, for the company’s customers and partners, but also for the wider retail market in Uzbekistan. Suppliers will have new ways to grow and develop because SPAR country organisations prioritise local producers and farmers which reflects their local community spirit.

Korzinka, in turn, will have access to international expertise, advanced technologies, the most stringent international standards and comprehensive knowledge of the industry, which will help take retailing in Uzbekistan to a new level.

Expansion of the network

“We are pleased to welcome the Korzinka company from Uzbekistan to the international SPAR network. The driving force behind SPAR’s success has always been the close collaboration between retailers that serve local communities with integrity. We are confident that this partnership with Korzinka, which shares our values, will benefit not only the company and its customers, but will also strengthen SPAR internationally,” commented David Moore, Director of International Retail and Development, Member of the Board of SPAR International.

“Our aim is to move with the times and to meet and exceed the highest international standards. Cooperation with a retail giant such as SPAR, which, like Korzinka, is widely known for its commitment to excellent service and high-quality products, will allow us to continue to be the consumers’ choice for convenience and value,” commented Zafar Khashimov, Founder and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Korzinka supermarket chain.

Source: SPAR Uzbekistan

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SPAR International launches SPAR ENJOY healthy food-to-go solution

peterm — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 08:30:42 +0000

SPAR ENJOY was officially launched at the opening of SPAR Lamot in Mechelen, Belgium, developed in collaboration with SPAR International. This food service solution provides customers with a variety of healthy meals to go which are prepared using only fresh ingredients.

Healthy eating and nutrition are key priorities for a better lifestyle. Alongside this, customers are continuously becoming more conscious of what they eat, and are looking for healthy, sustainable alternatives.

SPAR ENJOY

SPAR ENJOY is the new healthy food-to-go solution from SPAR International to bring customers a diverse range of fresh, simple, and tasty meals to support a healthy lifestyle while on the move. SPAR ENJOY uses fresh, all-natural ingredients instore to provide meals for customers throughout the day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

This fully customisable SPAR-branded convenience food service offering that SPAR International has developed under the SPAR ENJOY brand is an exclusive concept which allows SPAR retailers to increase healthier eating solutions in their stores.

Customer choices

Digital screens behind the counter display the menu which is on offer at the SPAR ENJOY counter instore. Customers can order from a selection of boxes, bowls, and wraps which have set ingredients, and are prepared by qualified culinary staff instore. Customers can also customise their own meal using the freshest seasonal ingredients available instore. Additionally, there is a selection of convenient chilled and hot meals that have been pre-made instore and are ready for customers to grab and go straight off the shelves. The selection provides both meat, vegetarian and fully vegan options for customers as well.

On the opening of the first SPAR ENJOY foodservice counter, SPAR Lamot Store Owner Kristof Merckx said: “We are also launching a SPAR ENJOY offer, a brand-new concept that we strongly believe in. This allows customers to enjoy a balanced lunch with us.”

“If you’re short on time, you can choose from ready-made preparations: from soups and smoothies to shakshuka and oatmeal, there’s something for everyone.”

Plug and play solution

SPAR International has several food service solutions which can be easily adapted when implementing in the variety of stores which SPAR country organisations operate, in line with our multi-format retail strategy. The simple plug-and-play food service solutions have been tailored to meet customer needs and complement concepts already available in national markets.

The SPAR ENJOY solution offers retailers a number of benefits:

It is fully customisable for local market needs in terms of product range and language.
Suggestions include top sellers in convenience foods and on-trend.
Implementation is supported from start to finish utilising international best practice.
There is a focus on delivering increased customer footfall and sales for retailers, as well as value for money for customers.
A network of suppliers are available to support installation, communication and brand building.

Source: SPAR International, SPAR Retail Partners Belgium

Read more about the launch of the SPAR Bake-Off concept.

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Contact International: SPAR Kosovo Profile

peterm — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 09:00:26 +0000

Read about SPAR Kosovo in this profile which celebrates its four-year anniversary this year. We detail more about SPAR Kosovo and how the business continues to grow and adapt during challenging times in the retail industry.

SPAR entered the Kosovan market in 2019. Since then, the business has expanded, now operating 9 company-owned stores around the capital city Pristina. SPAR celebrated the opening of three new stores in 2022, and another two new stores so far in 2023.

Now, we take a closer look at how the business is continuing to grow and develop in that market, bringing a high-quality shopping experience to customers.

To read this feature in full in SPAR Contact International, click here.

If you would like to subscribe to the online version, please send us an email.

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Contact International: Digital transformation in SPAR, E-commerce

peterm — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 07:15:09 +0000

SPAR International continues to drive digital transformation and offer new and exciting solutions to SPAR country organisations and retailers, with a comprehensive e-commerce solution being rolled out by different SPAR country organisations.

At SPAR, we continue to invest resources in digital transformation across different country organisations. A key part of this transformation is our e-commerce evolution. In South Africa, their e-commerce platform which has been rolling out over the past months, branded SPAR2U, is part of this evolution.

To read this feature in full in SPAR Contact International, click here.

If you would like to subscribe to the online version, please send us an email.

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SPAR Contact International magazine 2023-3 out now

peterm — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 10:54:49 +0000

In the third edition of Contact International for 2023, we highlight significant milestones across the SPAR network.

This edition showcases the development of SPAR Kosovo since 2019, celebrating four years in business this year. There is also reason to celebrate significant personal achievements for SPAR retailers in Denmark and Northern Ireland in this issue. SPAR UK conducted research as part of its hugely successful Community Cashback scheme to learn more about how and why people take part in volunteering in their local communities which we share in this publication.

Two important events in the annual SPAR calendar took place which are highlighted. The SPAR Future Leaders Programme 2023 brought delegates from across the SPAR network to Northern Ireland to develop their retail and leadership knowledge. Continuing our brand building sponsorship, the European Athletics Team Championships were held in Poland in June, bringing hundreds of athletes together from across Europe for six days of competition.

To read these and other stories about SPAR around the world, follow this link.

Contact International is available in five languages: English, Spanish, German, Italian, and Mandarin Chinese. Please select from the language versions shown on this page.

Missed any of the previous issues? Visit our archive page to conveniently view earlier editions.

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SPAR Contact International magazine 2023-2 out now

peterm — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 13:44:13 +0000

In this second edition of Contact International for the year, we showcase the great work from across the SPAR network, on a local and international level, as well as some of the biggest events in the SPAR calendar.

This edition focuses on local recognition of SPAR retailers in their communities, and award winners across the network. Also featured is more on SPAR entering the South American market in Paraguay, and further expansion into Africa in Angola.

We also take a look at the 66th International SPAR Congress from South Africa, our inaugural SPAR Data Analytics conference in the Netherlands, and the European Athletics Indoor Championships, which took place in Istanbul.

To read these and other stories about SPAR around the world, follow this link.

Contact International is available in five languages: English, Spanish, German, Italian, and Mandarin Chinese. Please select from the language versions shown on this page, linking to the pdf files which can be viewed online.

Missed any of the previous issues? Visit our archive page to conveniently view earlier editions.

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