SPAR Switzerland opened its first EUROSPAR flagship supermarket on 3 June in the municipality of Schänis, marking the start of a new phase for the SPAR operator. On a retail sales area of 1,200m2, the store offers about 15,000 food and non-food products, various serviced counters, and an instore café. The adjacent SPAR Express store enables customers to shop until late in the evening and on Sundays. SPAR Switzerland has also launched a new SPAR Training Academy on the same premises.

SPAR Switzerland plans to roll out more EUROSPAR Supermarkets in addition to smaller and medium-sized neighbourhood stores. The newly launched EUROSPAR in Schänis provides customers with everything they need for their weekly shopping in a modern shopping environment. 

The fresh department features an extensive choice of regional fruit and vegetables. SPAR Switzerland has also installed a new zero-packaging dispenser solution for loose foods, including grains, pulses, and nuts. Focusing on local specialities, the staffed cheese and meat counters offer a vast range of regional and organic products.

Store highlights

The wine department stars a large selection of domestic and international wines, with a sommelier providing advice on the wines on offer. Under the SPAR Natural banner, customers can find organic and ecological products in various product ranges.

At Switzerland’s first EUROSPAR Supermarket, customers are welcomed by store manager Judith Dimasi and her 20 team members into a bright shopping environment made with natural materials. 

Instore Café

The new EUROSPAR Supermarket features a self-service Bean Tree Café with 50 instore seats and 40 seats on a covered outdoor terrace. In addition to fresh coffee, a large selection of soft drinks, snacks, and prepared meals are available. 

Sustainability credentials

Thanks to the latest air-conditioning technology, waste heat from the store’s refrigeration systems is reused in a closed circuit to heat the entire building. All instore devices and lighting fixtures are operated with the most efficient methods.

The new EUROSPAR Supermarket is located near the motorway exit and offers free parking and two e-charging stations. The adjacent state-of-the-art SPAR Express forecourt store offers everything for customers’ daily needs, including fresh produce, bread, dairy products, and snacks on a retail space of 120m2.

In the next few years, SPAR Switzerland intends to convert eight to fifteen other SPAR markets to the EUROSPAR Supermarket format.  

SPAR Training Academy

The EUROSPAR Supermarket launch also marks the opening of SPAR Switzerland’s Training Academy. 

This academy offers training courses to SPAR team members at the new store premises to improve customer service, store profitability, work efficiency, and better understand the retail business. 

Furthermore, SPAR Switzerland will provide e-learning courses adapted to specific training needs, focusing on neighbourhood retailing, professional customer service, and sustainability. 

Source: SPAR Switzerland

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About SPAR Switzerland

SPAR Switzerland was founded in 1989. In 2000, the family-owned business transformed into a holding company with three operating companies. The business grew, combining corporate and independently owned stores, spanning forecourt retailing to large supermarkets.

In early 2016, SPAR Switzerland announced the sale of 60% of its shares to SPAR Group Ltd, South Africa. The remaining 40% was purchased in March 2021 by SPAR Group Ltd.