The SPAR Supermarket located at Kerepesi út 73. in Budapest has been completely refreshed at an investment of more than 750 million HUF (€2.4 million). The newly renovated store not only boasts fully modernised departments, it also integrates energy saving equipment and solutions.

Speaking at the festive opening on 16 November, which was attended by dignitaries, SPAR Hungary Central Office colleagues and the team working in the renovated store, SPAR International Managing Director, Tobias Wasmuht said: “We congratulate SPAR Hungary on their ongoing development and particularly their innovation in this market.  We continue to be the partner of choice for independent retailers keen to embrace retail best practice and fast-track their development in the face of international competition.”

“This SPAR Supermarket is located in a great area with many consumers desiring high standards of service, quality and breadth of offer. We were convinced of the need to invest in providing a 21^st Century look and feel throughout the store,” explained Márk Maczelka, Head of Communications at SPAR Hungary.

The sales area of the 1,760m² supermarket was completely renewed and a revised shopper layout was created, improving efficiency and embracing modern branding. Shoppers can enjoy both the new delicatessen counter and exhibition bakery instore. Close to the store entrance is the easy-to-navigate bakery and fruit & vegetable sections, with access to the delicatessen counter. A unique chilled beverage section has also been added, complementing the broad range of SPAR Own Brand products. Health-conscious consumers can enjoy the self-service salad bar, as well as the extended range of salads and sandwiches prepared onsite. A SPAR-to-Go restaurant has been added, where consumers are offered a variety of grilled dishes, freshly made meals and pizzas.

Sustainable features of the supermarket include a curtain wall added to the entire portal surface, providing natural lighting and a good view into the store from the street. Most of the instore equipment has been replaced with energy-efficient solutions. LED lighting has been installed in the retail area, doors added to the refrigeration equipment, and an efficient heat pump heating and cooling system has been implemented.

SPAR Hungary, established 25 years ago, has invested more than €1 billion into the Hungarian retail market. Currently, 345 company owned SPAR Supermarkets, 32 INTERSPAR Hypermarkets and 107 SPAR stores licenced to independent retailers are in operation. There are firm plans in place to continue expanding. In addition to opening new stores, the modernisation of existing stores is a key objective of the company’s development policy. This year, SPAR Hungary will spend more than 23 billion HUF on the modernisation of its retail network. A total of 21 stores have been renovated in 2016, taking into account modern consumer needs.