SPAR Zimbabwe Ltd recently announced firm plans are in place to grow the SPAR business further in 2017. The new, wholly locally owned company has a management team with both retail and distribution expertise and SPAR Zimbabwe Ltd is set for growth.

At the beginning of 2016, SPAR International granted the shareholders of SPAR Zimbabwe Ltd the licence to operate the SPAR Brand and during the course of this year, they have grown the retail portfolio they manage and also developed a distribution and direct purchasing business.

Speaking about this new partnership, Tobias Wasmuht, Managing Director of SPAR International said: “Since its establishment in 1932, SPAR has grown by following the principle of working together for mutual benefit and growth. We are confident that SPAR Zimbabwe Ltd is able to support and work with the licenced independent retailers to continue to deliver excellent service to their customers. We will support SPAR Zimbabwe Ltd fully to develop their supply chain and expand their retail footprint across the country.”

Independent retailers are licensed to operate the brand and today there are 21 stores which are 100% owned by independent Zimbabwean retailers in addition to the 10 stores operated by SPAR Zimbabwe Ltd. When the previous licence holder left the market, the newly formed SPAR Zimbabwe Ltd took over six stores, with eighty percent of the staff in those stores able to join the new company.

SPAR Retailers are supplied from the centralised warehouse which delivers not only FMCG products but also a range of locally sourced speciality brands and SPAR Own Brands, which are increasingly being produced in Zimbabwe. SPAR South Africa continues to support the business by supplying products to complement locally sourced goods.

Embracing family values throughout the organisation, training staff and introducing innovative and sustainable solutions are all principles that bolster and encourage this growth.  As with SPAR all over the world, working with local suppliers is a key part of SPAR Zimbabwe’s business model and offering to customers. SPAR Zimbabwe remains firmly committed to local communities and retailers work with local charities and organisations where possible.

Speaking about the growth plans, SPAR Zimbabwe Managing Director Terrence Yeatman said “We are building on the brand’s success from the past 49 years and will continue to offer our valued customers great product choice, every-day low prices, excellent customer service in world-class stores which are deeply rooted in their local communities. The SPAR retailers are able to compete against the national chains by embracing the values of the brand and working together, benefitting their local communities where they are operating. In 2017 we will continue to open new stores, partnering with independent retailers who are keen to benefit from the great brand awareness in our market.”