Starting in mid-2023, when the SPAR brand was introduced to customers with the opening of a store in the heart of the capital city, Bishkek, SPAR Kyrgyzstan is continuing to grow its presence through new store openings. A key feature of their stores is the ready-to-eat counters, featuring well-known local foods made with natural ingredients and showcased through open cooking stations. In line with SPAR’s focus on fresh foods, instore bakeries offer artisanal baked goods using natural sourdough based on recipes honed over decades.  

In Bishkek, shoppers were treated to a concert featuring artists who delighted people gathered to celebrate the brand’s introduction. All customers who made purchases on the opening day were given a SPAR-branded long-life shopper as a memento. 

On the shore of Issyk-Kul Lake in Balykchy, the second store which opened in August was welcomed by residents and also tourists. As was done in the capital city, customers were welcomed with a festive programme, gifts and discounts. The SPAR Supermarket rapidly became known for the exclusive SPAR Own Brand range of products, the special bakery treats, locally procured products and fresh offers. 

In December, the third SPAR Supermarket opened, also located in the capital city Bishkek, in time for the holiday season. This store also offers the SPAR Own Brand ranges and products sourced from domestic producers and small-scale farmers and suppliers. 

Loyalty club 

The SPAR club loyalty programme was introduced from the first store opening. The card offers discounts, loyalty bonuses and gifts, as well as personalised offers, enabling savings and encouraging repeat visits.  SPAR Kyrgyzstan welcomes 5,000 shoppers to its stores each day and 25,000 people already joined the loyalty programme – SPAR Club.

Expansion plans

The licensed operator in the country for SPAR, Umai Group, has plans in place to continue growing the SPAR brand through corporate store openings while exploring sub-licensing of independent retailers. Kyrgyz people already know for sure that with SPAR – together is better! 

Source: SPAR Kyrgyzstan 

About SPAR Kyrgyzstan

SPAR International granted a licence to a local company to operate the SPAR Brand in Kyrgyzstan in 2023. The group has an existing retail and distribution network in the country. Stores began to open under the SPAR brand in this market mid-2023 and the retailer has plans in place to grow the brand further.