SPAR South Africa is forming partnerships with local providers to power its SPAR2U delivery service in under-served areas (townships) across the country. This move is challenging the notion that these areas are high-risk areas and cannot be adequately serviced.

One such partnership is with KasiD, a food delivery service which played a pivotal role in launching the SPAR2U home delivery service in Tembisa. The relationship between SPAR and KasiD will enable the roll-out of SPAR2U services in several locations. Another partnership with Delivery Ka Speed in Pretoria saw the retailer expand its reach to Mamelodi and Hamanskraal. SPAR will roll out partnerships with other local providers to offer SPAR2U in townships across the country.

Convenience of online shopping

“Residents in these areas can now easily access SPAR2U by downloading the app, placing an order from their favourite store, and our partners will handle the delivery,” explains Blake Raubenheimer, omnichannel executive at SPAR South Africa. “A significant portion of South Africans reside in townships. They should have the same access to the ease and convenience of online shopping and home deliveries as residents in city areas”.

“These deliveries by our partners are not just about ease and convenience – they’re primarily about seizing cost-saving opportunities. These residents will no longer have to queue at taxi ranks and travel long distances for their shopping. Neighbours are collaborating, pooling their grocery needs, sharing delivery costs, and ultimately saving money.”

Those savings, previously spent on travel, are being directed towards purchasing food, directly benefiting families. The expanded variety of groceries available through the SPAR2U service is also empowering households to diversify their food choices.

Expanding reach

“We understand that for the poorest 10% of households, food makes up 40% of their total expenditure. Food is expensive right now and so, if we can help our shoppers save, either through our house brand SPAR products or through delivering their groceries to their doors, then we’re committed to that, regardless of their location”.

“We are deeply dedicated to becoming a part of these communities. We seek to deliver SPAR retail services through our local partners who possess an acute understanding of local needs, actively support local causes, and provide employment for individuals from the very communities they serve,” continues Blake Raubenheimer.

Read more about the SPAR2U online platform as an example of digital transformation within SPAR markets.

Source: SPAR South Africa

Read more about SPAR South Africa.

About SPAR South Africa

SPAR South Africa was established in 1963. It operates four retail formats: SPAR neighbourhood, SPAR Express (operated in conjunction with Shell as a petrol forecourt store), KWIKSPAR (which focuses on convenience in city centres and high footfall locations), and SUPERSPAR Supermarkets (similar to EUROSPAR in offer). 

 SPAR South Africa grants sub-licences to independent retailers to operate stores under one of the four formats, with almost all the current store portfolio being independently owned.