Our Partners in China are continuously working towards improving the shopping experience for customers. We take a look here at just a few of the developments that have taken place recently for SPAR in China including store openings and knowledge sharing moments.

Reflecting its continued focus of providing customers with fresh products on a daily basis, SPAR Henan has opened two new convenience stores, open 24 hours a day.

Both new stores were opened on the same day and are 210 and 110m² in size respectively. Despite the compact selling area, the stores offer shoppers a good variety of products including fresh fruits and vegetables, a frozen food section, drinks and snacks, as well as non-food items.

SPAR Shanxi has reinforced its support for the local agricultural sector and the upliftment of rural communities by partnering with local farmers to source over 10,000 kg of vegetables.

Without SPAR Shanxi’s business, many of the farmers would not have access to the retail market. This partnership with SPAR has helped the farmers sell their produce, providing them with much needed financial support.

The products are delivered directly to SPAR stores in Shanxi province and promoted with strong instore advertising. SPAR Shanxi have set quality standards for the produce to ensure that customers not only get the freshest vegetables but are also confident of the quality.

SPAR Shandong hosted a successful key supplier meeting recently with over 600 delegates in attendance. With the theme of “Move Forward Together”, the event gathered retailers and suppliers to discuss opportunities and strategies for development in China’s ever-evolving marketplace.

Mr Wang Peihuan, reviewed SPAR Shandong’s performance in 2016 and outlined the development strategy for 2017. National retailing expert and Head of Shanghai’s Chain Store Research Institute, Mr Guo Guojian, delivered an inspiring speech on the current situation and future trends of domestic retailing.

Delegates also heard from leading A-brand partners, with presentations looking at supply chain reform strategies, which had been implemented and thoughts on how to revitalise the FMCG sector.

This successful meeting will inspire retailers and suppliers to work together to understand and embrace the changing market demands in China with the aim of developing innovative marketing solutions that offer customers a better shopping experience.