SPAR to enter the Greek market
SPAR is to enter the Greek market through a partnership with Asteras.
Under the plans, SPAR Hellas will open more than 350 SPAR stores across the country over the next four years with the shops offering up to 1,400 SPAR own brand products, many of which will be sourced from Greek producers and suppliers.
During the next three years, Asteras will convert most of its existing 200-store network to the SPAR brand. Asteras has also entered into a partnership with Mesis which will lead to a group with more than 500 stores in Greece and €700 million in sales.
The SPAR network in Greece will grow both by the conversion of Asteras and Mesis stores and by SPAR Hellas operating new, company-owned stores. The first 10 SPAR stores are due to launch in the country by July and SPAR Hellas aims to operate a total of 80 stores by the end of 2018.
Fivos Karakitsos, chief executive of SPAR Hellas, said: “SPAR is establishing in Greece in order to develop the most modern cooperative network of independent retail stores in the country. The combination of Greek retailers’ excellent local knowledge with SPAR’s international best practice and global brand will result in innovative store layouts for the customer, excellent fresh products, a wide range of private label products and value for money.”
Staff will receive continuous training in customer service as SPAR Hellas looks to create a strong “family focused” business.
Tobias Wasmuht (pictured), SPAR International’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome SPAR Hellas to our network of partners all over the world. Uniting the shared resources and expertise of Asteras and Mesis under the internationally recognised SPAR brand will benefit all three parties. The Greek retail market is competitive, but SPAR will act as a dynamic force, bringing quality, fresh produce, value and an excellent retail experience for our customers.”
SPAR International is the world’s largest food retail voluntary chain with over 12,500 stores worldwide and global retail sales of €33.1 billion in 2016.
