SPAR Ireland has significantly expanded its physical footprint across Ireland with the opening of 30 new stores since the beginning of October last year, making it the fastest growing retail network in Ireland.
The new SPAR locations include a prime site in the newly completed Strand View residential development on Bray’s iconic seafront in County Wicklow, a modern, large format site in the expansive Clancy Quay residential development, catering to the significantly expanded Islandbridge community in Dublin, another in Carrickmines on Dublin’s southside, and the opening of a number of new SPAR stores nationwide.
Commenting on SPAR’s recent expansion, John Moane, chief commercial officer, BWG Foods (owners and operators of the SPAR brand), said, “A modern and unique store design, a genuine convenience proposition, and a quality offering across all food and grocery categories combine to make the SPAR brand hugely attractive to independent retailers looking to capitalise on new opportunities that exist within the marketplace."
Over 420 Locations
The addition of 30 stores brings SPAR’s store network to over 420 locations nationwide, supporting approximately 14,550 jobs with SPAR Ireland 'actively supporting its independent retailers to recruit to fill the newly created roles'.
The convenience retail group noted that it is also targeting further openings throughout the remainder of 2022 and is currently in the process of identifying suitable green and brownfield sites.
“Much of the growth we see across the SPAR network has been stimulated by pent up demand for new grocery sites caused by the pandemic, and we envisage a continued uplift in the convenience market as a result," Moane added.
"While this dynamic has already resulted in unprecedented growth across the SPAR store network, we’re determined to leverage this current momentum by continuing to grow our footprint across every community in Ireland.”
New housing developments and the establishment of new communities as a result has and will continue to be a key driving factor in the opening of new SPAR stores, it added.
Major Renovation Programme
In addition to new store openings, SPAR Ireland, in conjunction with its independent retailers, are in the process of completing a major renovation programme across its existing store network, with 20 refurbishments completed since October.
SPAR Ireland has delivered eight years of consecutive sales growth driven in large part by 'strengthening demand amongst consumers for local convenience retail options in city centre, neighbourhood and forecourt locations'.
© 2022 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more retail news, click here. Click sign up to subscribe to Checkout.
