A new 3,000m2 INTERSPAR Hypermarket opened its doors in the town of Modugno, in southern Italy, at the end of October. High-end store fixtures and attractively designed speciality departments make this hypermarket a real eye-catcher. The new store showcases the latest in innovative retail design and was developed in partnership with SPAR International and the University of Parma.   

Located in a strategic position with easy access to the main roads, this latest hypermarket is a conversion from an existing store. All previous 76 employees have been hired to run the new INTERSPAR store. This decision has provided stability and peace of mind to the team and their families – an important factor in these times of economic uncertainty.

The new store design concept, which will be replicated in future SPAR stores, enhances the shopping experience by offering a wide variety of assortments along a well-designed and spacious shopping route. Customers can be sure that they will find the right solution for every eating occasion. A focus is placed on fresh Italian products, highlighting the region’s impressive culinary heritage and supporting local suppliers and their exquisite specialities.

Instore storytelling
During the official opening of the INTERSPAR store in Modugno, DESPAR Centro-Sud also launched a new product line called ‘Storie di Gusto’ (Taste Tales), a selection of high-quality regional specialities, offering customers the chance to discover the authentic flavours of local cuisine.

“The new INTERSPAR in Modugno has seen us engaged in designing a store concept dedicated to food and all that food stands for: not just products for mere consumption, but a concentrate of history, relationships to our land, tradition, as well as innovation”, said Maiora’s President and CEO, Pippo Cannillo, at the opening.

The store was developed to offer customers a journey for their tastebuds. Upon entering the store, customers first encounter the well-stocked delicatessen and bakery departments, where bread is freshly baked instore every day.

The cured meats and cheese department showcases the finest products, which are sliced and packaged to order. Meanwhile, the fruit and vegetable department features an iconic design which highlights the freshness of the range on offer.

The shopping journey then continues along the fresh meat and fish counters, followed by the premium wine department. The INTERSPAR also features various themed areas for standout categories such as pasta products and beers.

Investing in the future
Online purchases can be made on www.desparacasa.it, which features a digital supermarket with thousands of products offered at the same price as instore.

Sustainability and a reduction of the environmental footprint have been important considerations in designing this INTERSPAR store. It includes the latest generation energy-saving CO₂ cooling units in all departments.

“We have great confidence in this store. Despite the delicate period for our country’s public health and economy, we have chosen to continue investing in the future and to help maintain jobs in this region”, said Pippo Cannillo.

The INTERSPAR Hypermarket in Modugno brings the number of SPAR stores in SPAR Italy Partner Maiora’s portfolio to 166. This number includes directly owned and independently operated stores.

Click here for a video impression of the store opening in October.

Source: DESPAR Centre-South Italy (Maiora)

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About SPAR Italy

SPAR International first granted a licence for the operation of the SPAR Brand to SPAR Italy 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 Italy. 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.