SPAR opens first stores in Indonesia
SPAR has expanded into Indonesia with the opening of three stores in Jakarta.
Working in partnership with Indonesian retail group Ramayana, SPAR is planning to open 15 stores in the country by the end of the year.
Ramayana operates 116 stores throughout Indonesia trading under the Ramayana, Robinson and Cahaya retail brand names.
SPAR has over 12,000 stores worldwide and had global retail sales of €32.2 billion in 2013. The partnership with Ramayana is a key part of the retailer’s ongoing expansion into Asian markets.
A total of €1 million has been invested in the three stores in Bogor, Cibitung and Cibubur, all of which have been upgraded and modernised in line with SPAR’s retail concept. This includes the introduction of large fresh sections including an in-store bakery, fresh fish and hot foods to go or eat in.
The two companies are anticipating a 30% increase in retail turnover as a result of the store conversations to SPAR.
The official launch took place in at the Mercure Jakarta Sabang Hotel and included an address from His Excellency, Mr Rob Swartbol, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Jakarta.
Tobias Wasmuht, international retail director of SPAR International, said: “Our continued, high performing partnership with Ramayana in Indonesia is consistent with SPAR International’s strategic focus on partnering with leading local and regional chains in growth markets in Asia.
“The opening of the three new stores today is evidence of the significant progress already made in the short period of our partnership with Ramayana and introduces a new level of retailing excellence to the Indonesian marketplace. Today’s developments will act as a strong foundation to develop our strategy and build our presence further in the Indonesian market.”