Spar Georgia has had a busy first quarter of the year, having opened nine new company-owned stores, according to Spar International.
It revealed that the strong performance follows on from a successful year in 2018, in which the business saw sales growth of 89.7%.
Store numbers grew by more than half in 2018, increasing from 42 in 2017 to 110 at year-end.
Rapid Growth
This rapid growth, according to the company, was brought about by both the conversion of existing formats and the sub-licensing of independent retailers, which led to the creation of nearly 2,000 new jobs.
Spar reported that strong focus was placed on developing the retail skills of employees by offering scholarship programmes to support knowledge generation.
The development of a new distribution centre complemented the growth of the retail network, ensuring high standards of service to all Spar outlets, it added.
Digital Platforms
Innovative marketing campaigns and digital platforms increased brand awareness, such as the introduction of a Spar food truck at public events in local communities.
In addition to supporting local charities throughout the year, Spar Georgia revealed it has helped raise funds for the refurbishment of an autism centre for children, the first of its kind in the Caucasus region.
The retailer revealed its plans of ongoing expansion for the remainder of 2019 with the aim of opening 58 additional stores by year-end, nearing its goal of having 200 stores spread across the country.
Another focus this year, according to the statement, is the launch of delivery and click and collect services, in line with current retail trends.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Helen Galgey. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
