Over the last few months, several of SPAR Australia stores have experienced devastating fire and floods in their communities. Getting back to trading quickly has allowed the store teams to get back into the business and provided much-needed food supplies to the local communities.

Jeremy Keeffe, SPAR Australia Retail Operations Manager, commented, “what has been achieved by these store teams is nothing short of incredible. Better Together in SPAR was surely on show as the Teams worked together to get the stores back up and running.”

The teams in Lismore, Ballina and Coraki experienced devastating flooding, with Lismore having the water rise to the ceiling.

Jeff and Prue Sykes at SPAR Lismore reopened their store on 17 March. The store had been out of action for around two weeks, but it was the only supermarket servicing the local community in Lismore at the time of reopening. The store received great support from the local residents and nearly matched the same sales as before the flood, despite certain sections not yet running at full capacity.

Sagar Madarapu and the team at SPAR Ballina were back to full trading after four days of being closed. The team did a fantastic job getting the store back on track, and the town is pleased to have their local supermarket open and trading.

The team at SPAR Coraki were out of action for around two weeks and has now reopened the doors. SPAR Coraki is not trading at full capacity due to limited team members available and some equipment not being operational.

On 27 December 2021, Chandra and Ramya’s store in Bourke burnt down due to an electrical fire. They have had the full support of the local council to rebuild the store, which has resulted in the process being fast-tracked. The DA was finalised and submitted in late March, and they are hoping for quick approval in the next 2 to 3 weeks. At this stage, if all goes to plan, we could see SPAR Bourke opening bigger and brighter by Christmas this year.

Source: SPAR Australia

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About SPAR Australia

SPAR began trading in Australia in 1994. The current company was formed in 2006. In late 2010, a new majority shareholder, Jardin Investments Pty Ltd, was confirmed. This development significantly accelerated the modernisation of the SPAR Brand in Australia.

SPAR Australia Limited is an unlisted public company with an elected Board of Directors. SPAR Australia licenses and supports independent retailers to develop the brand. In addition, it provides a range of services through its Distribution Centre and offices.