The SPAR brand is present across more than 48 countries with over 14,000 stores operating worldwide. On the African continent, new store openings in various formats across Cameroon, Zimbabwe, and South Africa reflect how local retailers continue to meet the needs of their customers.

SPAR South Africa

In mid-December, the SUPERSPAR Supermarket Mondlo celebrated its grand opening with the local community and store owner Thulasizwe Buthelezi. This supermarket, developed in collaboration with the SPAR KwaZulu-Natal retail operations team, aims to change the retail landscape for the area. The supermarket was designed with efficiency, customer service, and sustainability in mind, offering an elevated shopping experience that’s built for the future and ensures that customers can find all their grocery needs instore.

Meanwhile, the new SUPERSPAR Supermarket Outeniqua opened its doors for the first time at the end of November 2024, located in the Outeniqua Lifestyle Centre in the south of the country. Instore, the supermarket provides a one-stop-shop for locals and passers-by alike. An extensive fresh and food-to-go offer includes a large bakery, sushi bar, and delicatessen. The grocery assortment has a broad offer, ranging from fresh meat in the butchery to the liquor section and everyday grocery essentials.

SPAR Zimbabwe

SPAR Zimbabwe’s footprint spans across 18 company-owned and 14 independently owned SPAR Supermarkets nationwide. The recent opening of the SPAR Supermarket Greenfields in December, located at Greenfields shopping centre near the Central Business District in the capital city of Harare, showcases retail excellence in the country.

The 1,590m² company-owned supermarket has 75 employees and caters to a wide range of shoppers, from the local community to commuters. It boasts a sleek, new-look interior with updated branding, shelving, and a streamlined layout. Technological innovations are a core part of the instore experience, including innovative point-of-sale technology, focused lighting, and energy-efficient LED linear lighting.

The extensive product selection includes over 4,200 SKUs, with more than 450 SPAR Own Brand products, ranging from grocery to home décor. Instore service departments include a bakery with freshly baked goods and confectionary, a wide range of meals-to-go, a state-of-the-art delicatessen department, as well as specialised butchery, and fully stocked liquor offering.

SPAR Cameroon

In December, the SPAR Supermarket Yassa, located in the city of Douala, welcomed customers and is the 12^th SPAR branded store to open in Cameroon.

This supermarket has a sales area of 1,800m² operated by 86 employees. The grocery and non-grocery offer comprises over 8,000 products, including nearly 200 SPAR Own Brand products, ensuring that customers can source most of their needs. Fresh produce is a core part of the assortment reflected by the extensive selection of fruit and vegetables plus there is a large butchery and a gourmet delicatessen with food-to-go options. The supermarket also has a carpark with 100 spaces, and there is a SPAR café, catering to both those in the local community as well as urban commuters on the move.

Sources: SPAR South Africa, SPAR Zimbabwe, SPAR Cameroon.