SPAR Hungary on 15 July reached a new milestone with the opening of its 600th store. Located in the village of Vaskút in Bács-Kiskun County, the new store is part of SPAR Hungary's Partner Programme, launched in 2012. This new opening demonstrates the success of the independent retailer network, already present in 102 municipalities throughout the country.

By 2021, including the store in Vaskút, the number of SPAR independent retailer stores in Hungary amounted to 220, with the total number of stores reaching 600.

“SPAR Hungary’s partner system has solidified into a stable, well-established business model over the years. It has grown into a close-knit system of relations within the company. SPAR supports domestic SMEs through this to carry out continuous expansions, business, and operational improvements. This system enables the delivery of the well-known and popular SPAR products and services, primarily from Hungarian sources, to a wider range of consumers”, explained Zsolt Szalay, Managing Director for Sales Activities at SPAR Hungary. 

The partnership provides several advantages, as Zsolt Szalay further added: “SPAR provides a wide range of goods, delivery up to six times a week, marketing support and promotions, as well as a modern IT system, and access to the SuperShop loyalty programme to the members of its partner network.”

“After joining the programme, external and internal renewal are important initial steps. A bright, spacious and transparent retail space is created, the earlier machinery and equipment are replaced with new ones, and cooling, heating and lighting technology are also modernised with a focus on environmental aspects.”

According to Gabriella Heiszler, Managing Director of SPAR Hungary, a real, tangible benefit for customers is the availability of a wide range of high-quality products. The company also focuses on ensuring that independent retailer stores feature a vast range of local and regional food products and specialities.

“The most important part of the partner programme is that the operating model offered by SPAR – covering transportation, IT and consultancy background – allows us as the owner to start a new and committed enterprise, to monitor it and hopefully profit from it, while we still have time to continue our previous work and lives” says Csaba Vörös, the owner of the new SPAR store in Vaskút. 

SPAR Hungary continues to expand its network, planning to open 20-22 new stores annually. The company is committed to bringing the SPAR quality to cities, towns, and villages across the country. 

Source: SPAR Hungary

Read more about SPAR in Hungary

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. Since its launch, SPAR Hungary has been actively involved in developing the country’s retail industry.

The move to license independent retailers to operate the SPAR Brand has proven successful for Hungary. New stores meet the needs of many shoppers. In addition, the retailers benefit from becoming part of the SPAR organisation with access to their own brand products and other resources. At the same time, consumers enjoy the increased number of store locations. SPAR Hungary is one of the country’s largest employers, with 17,881 team members.