Neighbourhood retail has proven its vital role in unprecedented ways during the current pandemic. Globally SPAR has been opening new stores at the heart of their local communities, making investments in sustainable store technologies, and creating new job opportunities. With this overview we share a glimpse of some recent SPAR store openings in various countries in Europe.

New EUROSPAR store opens in Mestre, Venice

A new EUROSPAR Supermarket opened its doors in Mestre, Venice, recently. A conversion from a previous retail brand, this store plays an important role in its local community. Following a thorough renovation, the EUROSPAR store is now equipped with the latest energy-saving technologies.

The importance of local retail

Reopening the store offers continuity to the local community. On a total surface of 2000m², of which 870m² are retail area, the EUROSPAR Supermarket in Piazza Carducci offers customers a complete supermarket assortment of more than 12,000 products for their weekly shopping needs.

Stable employment perspectives

“A total of 29 team members of the previous brand have been employed in this store”, said Aspiag Service’s CEO, Francesco Montalvo. “Our strong, determined choice reflects the commitment of Aspiag Service to guarantee first and foremost a stable future with lasting employment opportunities by integrating existing team members to a rebranded store. We have maintained this commitment even when it meant putting market logic second.”

Building a strong relationship with local communities

The company is rolling out a series of initiatives designed to build customer loyalty and promote a strong relationship with the store’s local community.  Patrizia Pituelli, sales director for DESPAR and EUROSPAR within Aspiag Service, explains: “We are holding special activities for our new customers, with the aim of engaging them in our world of products, values, charity initiatives, and support for local products and producers. We have always tried to contribute to our local communities. With our new store, we are once more working at this.”

Source: GDO Week and Distribuzione Moderna

New SPAR store opens in Nazaire, France

In the coastal town of Saint Nazaire in Brittany, independent retailer Martin-Claude Belle has opened a new SPAR store near the town hall. Spaciously laid out on a retail surface of 470m², this store offers customers plenty of variety, with a complete assortment of products and services. Instore highlights include an outstanding fresh fruit and vegetable section, fresh snacks, and a food-to-go counter equipped with a microwave oven, a salad bar, orange juicer, and free Wi-Fi.

Bulk organic product dispensers are a welcome feature for customers. Soon, a rotisserie counter for chicken and potatoes will offer additional convenience and choice. Especially useful in the current situation in which people are encouraged to stay at home to halt the spread of the coronavirus, the store will soon roll out an online shopping service linked to the national SPAR France e-commerce platform, which offers click-and-collect as well as delivery options. “Having 26 years of experience in retail in the Paris region, it is now a wonderful challenge to open my own SPAR store for the local community of this beautiful coastal region.”

Source: Archyworldys

SPAR Spain opens brand new store in Barcelona city centre

SPAR Spain has grown its store portfolio with the opening of a new SPAR store in the centre of Barcelona. On a retail surface of 350m², this store features self-service fresh bakery and fruit and vegetable sections as well as a compact supermarket assortment. It is run by a team of seven SPAR colleagues. Customers are also offered a great choice of fine wines and liquors.

With this new SPAR Supermarket, Valvi Supermercados refines its convenience store concept aimed at family shopping, with a focus on great fresh products and convenience items. SPAR Partner Valvi Supermercados is a family-owned and family-run business. It is the first independent retailer’s network of the Girona province in Spain.

SPAR Spain: renovating neighbourhood stores for their local communities

Following a thorough renovation, SPAR Spain Partner Fragadis has reopened its SPAR in the town of Callosa d’en Sarrià, located north of Alicante, in Plaza Quatre Carreteres. Equipped with new energy-saving cooling and lighting systems and fitted with environmentally friendly, reusable materials, the store offers an enhanced shopping experience, better light quality, and increased sustainability. On a sales surface of 410m², this convenience store offers an important service to its local community.

Customers can find a wide choice of A-brands and SPAR Brands, a great fresh section with fruit and vegetables, a fresh bakery with delicious pastries, and a service counter for fresh fish, meats, and cold cuts. The SPAR store employs nine team members, who are knowledgeable of local preferences. They offer customers an excellent customer service during the long opening hours, 8:30 am until 9:30 pm, from Monday to Saturday.

Source: SPAR Spain