Across the country, DESPAR Italia saw a year of significant investment, with 75 new store openings alongside the reopening of 35 refurbished stores in 2024.

The total of 110 new and restyled DESPAR branded stores opening marks a 20-store increase compared to the previous year. This signifies DESPAR Italia’s commitment to growing the brand nationwide, providing a competitive offer and quality shopping experience for customers in local and urban areas. Of these 110 stores, 78 are managed by independent retailers who are at the heart of communities across the country.

Multi-format retailing

In total, 58 DESPAR Supermarkets opened their doors, offering an assortment catered to the everyday shopping needs of customers. The four new DESPAR Express stores provided convenience and quality products for those on the move. Meanwhile, 11 larger format EUROSPAR Supermarket openings provide for the needs of larger urban areas, with 2 new INTERSPAR Hypermarkets showcasing an extensive assortment across food and non-food categories, where customers can get a broad range in one location.

Focus on assortment

These new and refurbished stores are unified by the diverse assortment, where both DESPAR Own Brand products and fresh produce play a central role, providing quality and convenience. The focus on local producers in each DESPAR Italia store allows for a curated selection which provides local delicacies, supports local businesses, as well as benefitting the supply chain. With this focus on the instore assortment, sustainability is a priority in each store design, including introducing LED lighting advanced refrigeration systems which lower the environmental impact of store operations.

Source: DESPAR Italia

Read more news about SPAR Italy.

About SPAR Italy

SPAR Italy, known locally as DESPAR Italia, was first granted the SPAR Brand’s license in 1959. The first store opened in 1960. With it, the SPAR brand became the first partnership of retailers and wholesalers to operate in the country. In addition, DESPAR Italia licenses regional partners in a consortium, all working together to grow the brand.