SPAR’s multi-format strategy, encompassing company-owned and independent retailer-operated stores, is the driving force behind its expansion in Poland, the company has said.
The strategy centres around local entrepreneurship and suppliers and offering consumers a good shopping experience through a wide range of fresh produce and locally sourced products.
SPAR has recently opened new supermarkets in Warsaw and Wrocław, each with a retail space of around 500 square metres.
Both stores offer regionally sourced products and delicatessen aimed at catering to the needs of residents as well as tourists.
The baked goods range includes store-baked products as well as pastries sourced from local bakeries.
Local Entrepreneurship
Speaking about the expansion programme, Wayne Hodson, president of the management board, said, "We are constantly developing the network, looking for new locations while supporting our independent retailers.
"We focus on Polish entrepreneurship – both our retailers and producers are often family businesses with traditions. On the shelves of our stores, customers can find many good-quality Polish products and a great range of SPAR own-brand products."
The retailer also opened a convenience store in Pacanów, that offers a wide range of fruit and vegetables, fresh meats, and cold cuts.
It is the second SPAR outlet in the town, focusing on top-up shopping on a 167 square-metre sales area.
Network Expansion
In March of this year, SPAR opened several EUROSPAR Supermarkets in different parts of the country, comprising company-owned outlets and independently operated stores.
Among these openings was a 1,400 square-metres EUROSPAR supermarket in Poznan, which is a former Piotr i Pawel outlet.
The store offers over 20,000 SKUs, including a combination of grocery and fresh produce. Specialities from local suppliers complement the selection of imported products, SPAR added.
The fresh products range includes fruit and vegetables, cheese, fish, as well as bakery and confectionery items, while the ready-to-eat department offers popular local specialities.
The store is equipped with modern refrigeration and lighting systems, and natural materials have been used in the bakery and fresh produce sections to enhance the store’s ambience.
The store opening in Poznan follows the launch of another EUROSPAR Supermarket in Gdańsk, also converted from the Piotr i Pawel chain.
In Toruń, an independent retailer has converted two Piotr i Pawel stores to the EUROSPAR Supermarket format.
SPAR Poland added that it intends to maintain the pace of growth throughout the year and is looking forward to collaborating with independent retailers.
© 2021 European Supermarket Magazine – discover more private label stories by clicking here. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
