SPAR Qatar has introduced thermographic cameras at the entrance of stores that perform body temperature checks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Visitors at SPAR Hypermarkets in Qatar are requested to face the camera near the information desk to have their temperature automatically screened as they enter the store. If an elevated body temperature is detected, the device emits a sound, and the customer is refused entry.

SPAR stores in Qatar have been trading 8am to midnight since restrictive measures have come into force. The rules designed to flatten the COVID-19 curve in the country mean that people may only leave their house for medical reasons or to buy food. Assemblies of more than three people are banned, movements after 7 pm are restricted, and restaurants are only allowed to run home delivery services.

For SPAR stores, this has resulted in a decrease in transactions, which is offset by a higher spending per average basket. More customers are visiting the stores during the day, while evenings are quiet, as a result of the current restrictions.

Protective measures include using thermographic cameras 

Thorough cleaning and disinfection procedures have been in place at all times in line with national legislation for food retailers. Since the beginning of the pandemic, shopping trollies are also being cleaned after each use, and customers can access hand sanitiser upon entering the store. All SPAR colleagues have their temperature checked before entering the workplace and also have access to hand sanitiser throughout the store.

Online shopping platform

SPAR Qatar rolled out an online shopping platform offering home deliveries from 6 April by partnering with two delivery companies. Entering the Ramadan season, SPAR Qatar has run a pre-Ramadan promotion until 14 April introducing Ramadan products and special offers.

SPAR Qatar will develop its e-commerce platform further, as it sets up its own delivery logistics, to help customers get their groceries right at their doorsteps with even more efficiency.

Ramadan Shopping Baskets

The main Ramadan leaflet – available from 16 April – highlights the value of generosity which is at the heart of the Ramadan period. SPAR offers two Ramadan baskets filled with traditional delicacies, inviting customers to celebrate with SPAR Qatar. Available in two sizes, the Ramadan Platinum Basket has a retail price of QAR99 (about €14.9), and the Ramadan Gold Basket sells at QAR59 (€24.9).

Source: SPAR Qatar

About SPAR Qatar

Al Wataniya International Holding, the licence partner for Qatar, joined SPAR in 2015 and has focused on establishing the most appropriate retail and supply chain model for the brand. The first SPAR store opened in November 2017 and as of December 2018, there were three SPAR stores in operation in the country.