SPAR multi-format strategy driving rapid expansion in Poland

April 15, 2021 IN THE CATEGORY: Store openings

SPAR Poland is rapidly expanding thanks to its multi-format strategy encompassing company-owned and independent retailer operated stores. Focusing on local entrepreneurship and suppliers, the new SPAR stores offer customers a great range of fresh products and locally sourced products delivered with high levels of customer service.

Multi-format strategy

SPAR has recently opened supermarkets in Warsaw and Wrocław, each with a retail space of around 500m2. Both stores offer a wide assortment of regionally sourced products and delicatessen to meet local families and tourists’ needs. They also combine pastries sourced from local bakeries with an instore baked assortment to provide a full offer.

Speaking about the expansion programme, Wayne Hodson, President of the Management Board said: “We are constantly developing the network, looking for new locations while supporting our independent retailers. We focus on Polish entrepreneurship – both our retailers and producers are often family businesses with traditions. On the shelves of our stores, customers can find many good-quality Polish products and a great range of SPAR Own Brand products.”

A SPAR convenience store has also opened in Pacanów, offering a wide range of fruit and vegetables, fresh meats, and cold cuts. This store focuses on top-up shopping on a 167m2 retail sales area.

Weekly shopping at EUROSPAR Supermarkets

In March, SPAR opened several EUROSPAR Supermarkets in different parts of the country, both company-owned and independently run. Among these openings was a 1,400m2 EUROSPAR Supermarket in Poznan, following its conversion from the Piotr i Pawel chain. The extensive instore offer of over 20,000 SKUs includes a combination of grocery and fresh products.

Specialities from local suppliers complement the selection of imported products available. In the fresh departments, customers can find the best quality fruit and vegetables, cheese, fish, as well as a great bakery and confectionery offer. The ready-to-eat department includes popular local specialities.

Modern refrigeration and lighting systems, as well as the use of natural materials in the bakery and fresh produce sections, enhance the store’s atmosphere. The SPAR Natural section offers products for diverse lifestyle needs.

The opening follows the launch of a EUROSPAR Supermarket in Gdańsk, also converted from the Piotr i Pawel chain. In Toruń, an independent retailer converted two stores to the EUROSPAR Supermarket format.

Promoting local suppliers

Customers are increasingly attracted to the growing range of SPAR Own Brand products, anticipated to build to 600 products by year-end. A ‘Buy Polish at SPAR’ campaign, launched in February, highlights the quality and choice of locally sourced products.

SPAR Poland intends to maintain the pace of growth throughout this year and welcomes independent retailers wishing to partner with a global brand.

Source: SPAR Poland

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About SPAR Poland

SPAR International granted a licence to operate the brand in Poland to SPAR South Africa which purchased an existing retail chain during 2019. In December 2019, SPAR Poland opened their first EUROSPAR store in Warsaw. SPAR Poland offers customers a comprehensive range of SPAR Own Brand products sourced locally, regionally and internationally as well as a strong fresh offer.

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