SPAR opens a new INTERSPAR and a new EUROSPAR store in Italy

January 14, 2021 IN THE CATEGORY: Store openings

The 40th INTERSPAR Hypermarket operated by Aspiag Service in Italy is in Casier, near Treviso. This was not the only store opened by this SPAR Partner in the fourth quarter of 2020 as they also opened a EUROSPAR Supermarket in Funo, near Bologna.

The expansion of the SPAR brand by Aspiag Service, license holder for three Northeast regions of Italy and Emilia-Romagna, is in line with its strategy of growing its retail footprint. The company recently also modernised its Distribution Centre in Castel San Pietro Terme.

EUROSPAR Supermarket in Funo, Bologna

The new EUROSPAR store, with a sales surface of 3,000m2, brings the total number of these stores operated by Aspiag to 23. Among its 19,000 SKUs, this store strongly highlights local products under its own brand ‘Sapori del Nostro Territorio’, meaning ‘Flavours from our land’. The store is designed to provide a pleasant, convenient, shopping experience, which customers can navigate in a fast, intuitive way.

It is equipped with the latest energy-saving systems to ensure a low environmental footprint, an important factor for the development of new SPAR stores. Health and safety are other major factors for Aspiag Service in its SPAR stores, Distribution Centres and Head Offices. In 2020, the company obtained the new ISO 45001 certification for its commitment to ensuring the best health and safety standards in the workplace.

INTERSPAR Hypermarket in Casier, Treviso

The INTERSPAR Hypermarket in Casier (Treviso) showcases a new store design concept both for its exterior and interior. The inclusion of LED stripes that form the Italian flag are a bold exterior statement. Specific theme corners dedicated to toys, household items, and health & beauty are found inside. Spacious areas for served food counters are real destination counters for customers. This 40th INTERSPAR Hypermarket of Aspiag Service incorporates the latest food retail trends and its knowledge of the local market aimed at meeting its customers’ needs.

Local products are promoted not only through the ‘Sapori del Nostro Territorio’ own brand, but also through instore messaging highlighting local producers’ and their history.

Francesco Montalvo, CEO of Aspiag Service, said:  “Our 40th INTERSPAR is highly symbolic for us, with innovation featured in each of its elements. This store represents constant Research and Development in partnership with our national and regional partners. It sets a new benchmark of excellence and quality. Our pursuit of growth is based on a sustainable development model that cares for the needs of our local communities and people.”

Excellent food service innovation

In an existing INTERSPAR Hypermarket in Sarmeola di Rubano, new food innovation has been rolled out, with a particularly high offering of Food-To-Go. Using the best fresh ingredients from local suppliers, instore chefs prepare delicious dishes that can be taken away or delivered. This is a new service launched from this store, where a delivery system for online groceries has already been in place for some time.

Source: DESPAR Italia

Photo credits: © Gerda Studio

Read more news from SPAR Italy.


About SPAR Italy

SPAR Italy was first granted the licence to operate the SPAR Brand in 1959. The first store opened in the latter part of 1960 and with it, SPAR became the first partnership of retailers and wholesalers to operate in the country. SPAR Italy, known locally as DESPAR Italia, 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 majority of the company’s turnover is acquired through these larger format stores, the independently owned neighbourhood supermarkets remain a key part of the business.