DESPAR Italy Partner Maiora’s donates 100 connected tablets to local schools

April 24, 2020 IN THE CATEGORY: Community, Store openings

Following the lockdown measures introduced on the 9th March to delay the spread of the coronavirus in Italy, many households have lost their income and are confronted with the challenge of home schooling their children with limited resources. This is a particular concern in the South of Italy, where many households don’t have access to technology in support of their children’s education.

The Cannillo Foundation, a charity started by Maiora’s founders Franco Cannillo and Nicolangela Nichilo, has donated 100 tablets to several local schools in Corato, Bari, the city where Maiora’s head office is located. The tablets have a pre-paid 100 GB internet connection which will be automatically renewed each month.

Speaking about the initiative, Mrs Nichilo said “We are aware of the challenges that many families in our local communities are facing at this particular time. We are donating these tablets with a free internet connection to primary and secondary schools in our city, as part of our ‘Staying in contact’ initiative. Today’s school children are the future of our community and the Cannillo Foundation remains committed to them, providing them with the resources needed to help them successfully get to the finish line.”

This follows DESPAR Maiora’s €500,000 investment in its teams and local communities earlier this month.

Source: La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno

Giving Minervino Murge a Fresh Start

The SPAR Italy Partner for the Centre and South of Italy, Maiora, has strengthened the SPAR brand’s footprint through a fast, effective renovation of an existing store, despite the challenges posed by the lockdown in Italy. The DESPAR Supermarket in Minervino Murge, in the region Apulia, fulfils a strong community need, particularly important during the current health and social crisis.

The 675m2 store has undergone a complete revamp of its layout, including improving  the customer flow in the aisles and more efficient use of space. The two newly introduced fast checkouts further speed up customer flow, particularly appreciated by those doing top-up shopping.

New energy-efficient cooling systems have been installed instore, doors have been fitted to chilled cabinets and the lighting system uses LED technology. The DESPAR Supermarket in Minervino Murge was also one of the first stores of Maiora’s portfolio to roll-out a digital-only weekly leaflet which is promoted to loyal customers via SMS.

Source: DESPAR Italia

Read more news from SPAR Italy.


About SPAR Italy

SPAR Italy was first granted the licence to operate the SPAR Brand in 1959. The first store opened in the latter part of 1960 and with it, SPAR became the first partnership of retailers and wholesalers to operate in the country. SPAR Italy, known locally as DESPAR Italia, licenses regional partners, all of whom work together to grow the brand across the country.

The DESPAR Partners operate stores under three formats: DESPAR Neighbourhood Supermarkets, EUROSPAR Supermarkets and INTERSPAR Hypermarkets. Many of the larger format stores are company-owned, reflecting the scale of investment required. While the majority of the company’s turnover is acquired through these larger format stores, the independently owned neighbourhood supermarkets remain a key part of the business.