In our third issue of Contact International for the year, we highlight milestones across the wider SPAR global retail network, from market expansion to world-class stores, which ensure that the SPAR Brand remains a retailer of choice.

SPAR Denmark celebrates their 70-year anniversary this year across 139 stores nationwide, built on the independent retail model with stores tailored to the needs of the local community.

Meanwhile, in China, SPAR Shandong opened the SPAR Supermarket Jiajiayue Beijing Chaoji Heshenghui, designed in collaboration with SPAR International, which blends the best of traditional Chinese culture with a best-in-class Western supermarket.

People are at the core of the SPAR Brand. We highlight people who help bring customers an enjoyable instore experience. In Northern Ireland, Charlie and Ruth Hamilton, part of the SPAR network since 1979, have served customers in the local communities around their three stores for an incredible 45 years.

Across the supply chain, HGV drivers play an important role in the SPAR retail network to ensure that we can meet customers’ needs each day. This year, the second SPAR International Driver Competition returned to test the skills of 13 exceptional drivers and recognise their impressive achievements.

The SPAR Future Leaders Programme brought together 35 delegates from across the organisation’s network to develop their retail and leadership knowledge.

The 2024 European Athletics Championships not only brought immense excitement with record-breaking performances, but also significant exposure for the SPAR Brand worldwide. Additionally, the continuous growth of the SPAR Brand internationally has been reflected this year through a number of awards earned across the SPAR retail network, as well as in presentations at key industry events.

To round out this issue, we focus on important plastic reduction initiatives implemented by SPAR country organisations, as well as support for local organisations in Malta at the 67^th International SPAR Congress, which took place this summer.

To read these and other stories across the SPAR voluntary retail network, follow this link.

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