Following a lockdown which included the closure of all of stores, SPAR Sri Lanka has rapidly created an online shopping solution to continue supporting local communities. Shoppers have embraced the option to order the selected range of essential items safely from their homes since the launch on 31 March.

Following five days of development by an inhouse team, SPAR Sri Lanka initially offered 100 products online. Due to surging demand, this number has doubled since the launch. The assortment is continually expanding, responding to customer requests for a wider range of options.

Online offer

Delivery is available to customers living in the Western province and timeslots are available between 08:00 and 19:00, seven days a week. There is a delivery charge of Rs250 (€3) for each order. The time between placing an order and receiving it at home is often less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours.

With a range of items spanning fresh produce, frozen goods, and dry goods, there is a minimum order of Rs3,500 (€42). Initially, all orders were picked in one SPAR Supermarket. However, as demand grew to  the current daily level of 350-400 deliveries, order picking was expanded to two SPAR stores. This has enabled an increase in the areas to which deliveries are made.

Online in the future

SPAR was first to market with the online ordering option in Sri Lanka. The option has since been replicated by many other local businesses. SPAR Sri Lanka is proud to have been quick to respond to the customers’ needs and believes there will still be a desire for a click-and-collect option through the online webshop even after the lockdown is lifted.

Source : SPAR Sri Lanka

About SPAR Sri Lanka

SPAR International granted a licence to Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL Group) in 2017 to operate the SPAR Brand in Sri Lanka in a joint venture with the SPAR Group Ltd South Africa. CBL is a well-established organisation, founded in the 1960s and employing 5,000 people across diverse operations. It has strong roots in local communities and a commitment to enhancing food retailing and entrepreneurial opportunities in the market, making it an ideal partner for SPAR.