SPAR Malta has prioritised customer convenience by launching its online shopping platform at top speed during the lockdown introduced to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The e-commerce platform has had a positive impact on easing the initial consumer concerns and panic buying that had arisen at the onset of the pandemic, as it provides a convenient, safe way to keep well-stocked pantries without leaving the house.

Customers can visit the site (shop.spar.com.mt), create an account, and start shopping immediately from the ease of their home, selecting from thousands of line items. Free delivery is available for orders over €80 to customers living anywhere in Malta on the 13 routes operating; there is a minimum order value of €70. Delivery slots are added regularly to accommodate additional demand, with three broad timeslots from Monday to Saturday. Easy to select categories help customers find the product of choice, including an extensive fresh offer. The range available online currently represents 50% of the total store offer but is being continually expanded.

Retail situation in Malta

SPAR Malta has met a number of supply chain challenges while ensuring access to daily essentials since core supply markets, such as Italy, have been heavily impacted by the spread of the coronavirus.

With the local airport closed, SPAR Malta had to find alternative distribution networks, while the high number of online orders placed additional pressure on the buying and logistics teams.

Despite the need for additional resources to address these issues, SPAR Malta continues to invest in the expansion of its retail footprint, with work well underway on another store, due to open within the next few months.

Prevention measures

Early in the onset of the coronavirus emergency, SPAR Malta implemented preventative measures in their stores.

A limited number of customers are allowed in the INTERSPAR store at any given time, enabling adequate social distancing. Entrance to the store is a forced flow on just one side of the entry way. Floor signage and instore messaging ensure clarity and adherence to the measures by both colleagues and shoppers.

Customers’ body temperatures are monitored at the entrance, and shoppers are required to sanitise their hands before entering the store. Trolleys and baskets are continuously sanitised for incoming customers, while all customer facing points at the demarcated fresh counters have been fitted with Perspex screens.

About SPAR Malta

In the second half of 2016, SPAR International granted a licence to the Azzopardi Group to operate the SPAR Brand in Malta. A leading fisheries company established more than 30 years ago, Azzopardi has a dedication to fresh produce and excellent customer service. The first SPAR store was officially opened in June 2018.

SPAR Malta aims to become one of the leading retail brands on the island with a strong focus on utilising the success of SPAR Own Brand products – not only making them available to local customers but also developing the range in accordance with their specific needs.