The first issue of Contact International for 2025 is now available, focusing on on continued store development, as well the dedication from employees to provide a pleasant and high quality shopping experience for customers.

Through constant store development and opening innovative stores, the SPAR brand continues to meet the needs of its customers. We look at some new SPAR store openings across continental Africa, where the SPAR brand presence continues to grow in the region. Innovative stores in skiing locations also provide residents and tourists alike with their grocery essentials in diverse, picturesque places.

At the heart of SPAR are the employees who serve customers every day. We recognise employees across the SPAR retail network for their magnificent achievements, as well as some of the initiatives undertaken by SPAR country organisations to facilitate employee growth. This includes extensive training and development from SPAR Austria, as well as SPAR Kosova’s outstanding employment initiative alongside UN Women Kosovo. Additionally, this issue celebrates family retailing in Northern Ireland.

We highlight how SPAR country organisations continue to develop various responsible retailing initiatives to contribute to local communities and the environment. DESPAR Italia’s sustainability manifesto underscores the retail organisation’s commitment to sustainability throughout its strategy. Sports sponsorship continues to be a crucial method for SPAR country organisations to foster community engagement, promoting health, wellbeing, and active lifestyles.

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

Contact International is available in four languages: English, Spanish, German, Italian. Please select from the language versions shown on this page.

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