SPAR Switzerland has a total of 183 stores, 142 of which are operated by independent retailers. A key focus for the SPAR Partner in 2018 was the modernisation of stores and the implementation of new concepts like SPAR International’s full-service bakery solution. SPAR International spoke to SPAR Switzerland's retail team to find out more about the roll-out of the revised bakery offer.

There are three main reasons why SPAR Switzerland decided to launch the concept instore:

1. To put an emphasis on bakery as a category
2. To increase the profitability of the department
3. To meet the demands of quality-focused consumers

The design of the concept instore was motivated by international inspiration, resulting in a successful partnership between the Swiss store design team and SPAR International.

The final implementation was concluded with a local shop-fitting supplier and the result is a versatile concept that allows local adaptation to suit market demands based on store size and product requirements.

Over the past 18 months, SPAR Switzerland has successfully installed 60 units in 20 stores. A further 80 units have been ordered for another 40 stores, which are planned for implementation during the course of this year.

The initial results have been very positive with a 1,5% reduction in waste and a 10% increase in departmental sales, which in the current retail climate in Switzerland, is a fantastic achievement.

SPAR International first launched the full-service SPAR Bake-Off solution in May 2018 and since then, it has been successfully implemented in six countries, including Switzerland. The other five countries are: Northern Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, Malta, and Cyprus. In 2019, the concept will be launched in Scotland and on the islands of Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.

Read more about the launch of the concept and other market implementations to date.

Source: SPAR Switzerland and SPAR International

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About SPAR Switzerland

SPAR Switzerland, originally an independent family-owned company with a local shareholder structure, was founded in 1989, when it was granted the licence by SPAR International to operate the brand.

In 2000, the family-owned business was transformed into a holding company with three operating companies: SPAR Handels AG, TopCC AG and SPAR Management AG. This move helped to give the company a modern, future-oriented structure. The business has recorded steady growth over the years, combining corporate and independently owned stores, spanning forecourt retailing to large supermarkets.

In early 2016, SPAR Switzerland announced the sale of 60% of shares to SPAR Group Limited, South Africa. The existing management team and shareholders remain in the business.