SPAR Italy regional retailer Maiora has reopened two INTERSPAR Hypermarkets and a DESPAR store in Calabria, following their complete renovation. Investing in modernisation is part of Maiora's store network development programme. The company’s ongoing focus is to further enhance the SPAR brand presence in Calabria. In this region, Maiora operates 85 stores, comprising company-owned and independently owned stores.

The retailer has been rolling out its compact hypermarket concept, ‘Format 35′, developed in partnership with SPAR International and the University of Parma. Fresh food departments were renovated and offer tasty food-to-go for every time of day, prepared by DESPAR chefs using the best local ingredients and traditional recipes. Customers can also enjoy the delicious food in the welcoming seating area instore.

The Fruit and Vegetables section is a showcase of retail and fresh excellence. At the INTERSPAR Hypermarket in Lamezia Terme, which covers 2,200m² of retail sale space, bread is baked daily instore. Skilled SPAR team members bake following a traditional bread-making process with a long leavening time of up to 48 hours. The fresh meat and fresh fish departments in the INTERSPAR stores are other highlights, offering ready-made meals and exquisite specialities.

Both the INTERSPAR Lamezia Terme store and the one in Bovalino (Reggio Calabria), which covers 1,500m², have a well-stocked wine department with refrigerated cabinets. The party area offers choices for customers celebrating special occasions or hosting dinners.

The DESPAR Supermarket in Rossano, Cosenza, historically plays a vital role in supplying the local community with daily groceries. The store’s 380m² retail area now boasts modernised fresh food departments, including fruit and vegetables, delicatessen, and butchery.

DESPAR Italia focuses on sustainability, and the consortium has invested in equipment driving energy efficiency and durability, including CO2 cooling systems and tailored LED lighting systems.

“We are proud to have completed these important renovations that enable consumers to enjoy our brand-new services and provide a significant improvement in the assortment for all needs. Modernising our network in Calabria is one our main goals for 2022 while also enhancing the SPAR brand presence in the region. Our retail store renovation programme includes revamping locally important stores with a long history within their communities. In this way, we can implement our concept of a supermarket of the future. We aim to provide our customers with a complete, sustainable shopping experience, tailored to their needs. We do this by offering top-quality products as well as an excellent service”, explained Pippo Cannillo, President and CEO of DESPAR Centro-Sud.

Source: SPAR regional operator Maiora and DESPAR Italia

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About SPAR Italy

SPAR Italy, known locally as DESPAR Italia, was first granted the SPAR Brand’s licence in 1959. The first store opened in 1960. With it, SPAR became the first partnership of retailers and wholesalers to operate in the country. In addition, SPAR Italy 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 company achieves most of its turnover through these larger format stores, the independently owned neighbourhood supermarkets remain vital.