November saw the opening of a new SPAR Supermarket in Budapest, a new SPAR Supermarket in Békéscsaba and an INTERSPAR Hypermarket in Debrecen following investment of 4.6 billion HUF. SPAR Hungary also ran a two-day trial of an automated store targeting Gen Z incorporating technology and AI powered tools.

Budapest

SPAR Hungary has converted a former car dealership into a 700m² modern SPAR Supermarket in District XV of Budapest. The almost HUF 1.5 billion investment aims to offer a new shopping experience to the district while revitalising an abandoned building. The store has eco-friendly systems including LED lighting and carbon-dioxide cooling technology. Customers enter into the fruit and vegetable section, which is opposite the bakery before accessing the ready-made meal section. The grocery aisles also offer a range of convenience products. The store employs 24 staff and caters to local residents of the Rákospalota, Pestújhely, Újpalota areas and visitors from the north of the capital.

Békéscsaba

SPAR Hungary revitalized a former commercial facility, investing 120 million HUF to open a SPAR Supermarket in Békéscsaba. The renovated space, employing 16 staff, has a focus on environmental sustainability with repurposed materials and equipment. Featuring a modernised façade, practical layout, and contemporary fittings, the 600m² store offers a range of organic, ‘free from,’ local, and private label products. New refrigeration equipment and bakery store fittings were installed during the renovation.

Debrecen

A new 2,600m2 INTERSPAR Hypermarket was opened in a modern, family-friendly area. This store is located within arm’s reach of Debrecen’s dynamically developing southern business zone. It is the second INTERSPAR Hypermarket to open in the town.

“It was not by chance that we chose this area of ​​the city of Cívis as the location of our newest INTERSPAR Hypermarket. Several companies employing a significant number of employees have settled here recently. The number of young families with several children moving to the local area has also increased. Our new store was completed at an investment of HUF 3 billion. It will satisfy the needs of both those who regularly go to work here and those who live here. Customers can find not only a wide selection of food, but also electronic goods, clothing, gardening tools and toys,” said Márk Maczelka, SPAR Hungary’s communications manager.

Gen Z trial store

For two days, SPAR Hungary ran an AI-powered, cashierless store at the Sneakerness festival in Budapest, targeted at Generation Z. The trial, incorporating a tailored product range, used AI technology, cameras, and weight sensors to create a seamless shopping experience.

“SPAR Hungary constantly strives to be able to address all of its customer groups: in the case of Generation Z, digital technology, contactless payment, and the creation of easy and comfortable navigation in the virtual space make this possible. In order to develop the innovation required for the new product, and then to put it into practice and apply it, we created our own project team, the members of which were selected from the Generation Z colleagues of our store chain, from the purchasing, sales and marketing department. Their primary mission was to develop a strategy, thanks to which we address the members of the young age group, who are at home in the digital space and the world of artificial intelligence, and bring SPAR closer to them as a brand and as a shopping place,” said Márk Maczelka, SPAR Hungary’s communications manager.

The 12-square-meter automated retail unit housed nearly 160 items, several of which were limited-edition, special-edition products. Customers could generate a QR code at the entrance using an application to gain entry to the store.

The positive shopper response as evidenced by around 400 transactions, will see the retailer assess the potential future of the mobile ‘Satellite Store S’ concept at special events and festivals across the country.

Source: SPAR Hungary

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About SPAR Hungary

The first SPAR Supermarket opened in Hungary in 1992, following the acquisition by ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG) of a majority stake in General Kereskedelmi Rt. SPAR Hungary is one of the country’s largest employers, with a network of company-owned and independently run stores operating nationwide.