SPAR Italy partner Maiora has reopened three stores in the province of Cosenza as part of an innovative renovation project. The upgraded stores are a DESPAR Supermarket in Cetraro and INTERSPAR Hypermarkets in Belvedere Marittimo and San Marco Argentano. The complete renovation project focuses on sustainability and customer services. A total of 18 stores in the region will be upgraded by the end of the year.

For the INTERSPAR Hypermarket of Belvedere Marittimo and San Marco Argentano, the existing building structure was adapted to a new superstore format, designed by DESPAR Centro-Sud (Maiora) in collaboration with the University of Parma. 

The upgraded stores improve the customer shopping experience by expanding the assortments on offer, both in breadth and depth. High-quality, fresh Italian products take centre stage, with a particular focus on local suppliers.

Sustainable focus

The renovations include the latest generation CO2 cooling systems, boosting energy efficiency and reliability. The upgrade is completed by the new LED lighting, air conditioning systems, and electronic labels. 

DESPAR Centro-Sud has considered the needs of different shoppers by, for examples, incorporating additional signage and parking spaces for pregnant or disabled shoppers. 

“With this important project, we intend to carry on our idea of ​​the supermarket of the future. [This provides] a complete, sustainable shopping experience that is attentive to the needs of all customers, offering not only top-quality products but also excellent service”, explained Pippo Cannillo, President and CEO of DESPAR Centro-Sud. “It is our mission, and we are determined to continue in this direction.”

Source: SPAR Italy Partner Maiora

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About SPAR Italy

SPAR Italy, known locally as DESPAR Italia, was first granted the SPAR Brand’s licence in 1959. The first store opened in 1960. With it, SPAR became the first partnership of retailers and wholesalers to operate in the country. In addition, SPAR Italy licenses regional partners, all of whom work together to grow the brand across the country.

The DESPAR Partners operate stores under three formats: DESPAR Neighbourhood Supermarkets, EUROSPAR Supermarkets, and INTERSPAR Hypermarkets. Many of the larger format stores are company-owned, reflecting the scale of investment required. While the company achieves most of its turnover through these larger format stores, the independently owned neighbourhood supermarkets remain vital.