Throughout the pandemic, SPAR China partners have used their robust supply chains and logistical capabilities to pool resources and ensure the safe and smooth supply of products and essential services to the communities they serve. New systems were put in place to ensure prompt movement of goods, particularly from agricultural areas where producers had lost access to market.
At the same time, SPAR China has continued to expand its online shopping capabilities to ensure easy access to groceries for all. It has also adopted a zero-touch distribution plan and strict disinfection practices to reduce personnel contact and fully protect the health and safety of customers and team members.
The coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak struck China as it was preparing for the busiest time of year – the Chinese New Year and Spring festival. The response by SPAR Partners was both exemplary and swift, providing key learnings on dealing with the outbreak.
During the epidemic, SPAR Partners in China not only successfully continued to serve customers by providing for their daily grocery needs but also through community initiatives, including generous donations towards domestic epidemic prevention.
As the epidemic situation in Europe became more severe, SPAR China partners procured vast quantities of masks and other anti-epidemic materials. These were airlifted to SPAR International headquarters in the Netherlands and distributed to other SPAR countries in Europe, demonstrating the SPAR Brand spirit of unity and collaboration.
Facing an epidemic that knows no borders, SPAR Partners demonstrated their strength and dedication in acting together.
Source: SPAR China
Read more about SPAR China
About SPAR China
SPAR was introduced to China in 2004 with the signing of the licence agreement for Shandong Province. This was followed by the addition of more partners, and now SPAR has eight partners in nine provinces: Shandong, Guangdong, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Beijing, Sichuan, Henan, Hebei, and Yunnan.
The privately-owned retail chains licensed to operate SPAR have a cooperative relationship in line with the original SPAR mission of working together to reduce costs, maximise sales, and increase profits. The SPAR China Partners, whilst part of a leading international group, maintain 100% local ownership.
