SPAR was the only supermarket chain in Norway to increase its market share during 2019, according to a quarterly report published this month by market researcher Nielsen. The Norwegian retail market is characterised by tough competition and a high store density. SPAR Norway attributes the growth of its market share from 6.9% to 7.3% over the past five years to excellent store operations and instore promotions.   

“We’re very pleased with the fact that we yet again are able to increase our market share. This would not have been possible without our accomplished independent retailers and all our employees”, said Ole Christian Fjeldheim, CEO at SPAR Norway.

Norway’s grocery retail landscape is highly competitive, with a reported 78 new soft discount stores opening during 2019. Border trade is also a challenge for Norwegian retailers as a large number of Norwegian shoppers opt to visit Swedish grocery markets.

Over the course of 2019, SPAR strengthened its position in Norway by opening 13 new stores. Active promotional activities also attracted more customers to SPAR stores.

One of the highlights of 2019 was the opening of EUROSPAR Strandveien in Tromsø, the largest city in northern Norway. With a sales area of 3,000m2, the supermarket offers customers an extensive assortment of products and services.

For the coming year, SPAR Norway plans to open approximately six new stores and will continue seeking to increase market share with store operation excellence and strong promotions.

Read more about SPAR Norway.

About SPAR Norway

NorgesGruppen ASA is the parent company of SPAR Norway and is the market leader in the highly concentrated Norwegian grocery market. The SPAR licence for Norway was signed by NorgesGruppen AS in 1984. In February 2013, NorgesGruppen purchased 49% of the Dagrofa Group – the licence partner operating the SPAR Brand in Denmark.

SPAR Norway operates two retail formats: EUROSPAR, which continues to see expansion and growth following very positive consumer response, and SPAR, the neighbourhood supermarket format, which was the first format to be established.