Leading retail group SPAR has launched a major new business strategy aimed at leveraging current momentum behind the brand which saw it generate record retail sales of €1.3 billion in 2024. Based on current projections, SPAR is on track to add a further €60 million in retail sales for 2025, representing a 5 percent increase on the previous year.
The new retail strategy, which aims to cement SPAR's positioning as Ireland's leading and highest-performing convenience retail group, was revealed at the SPAR and EUROSPAR Retailer Convention in Killarney which was attended by more than 400 independent retailers from across the country.
Central to this strategy is a commitment to significantly expand SPAR’s store network from 420 to 450 stores nationwide over the next three years, with the expansion plan supported by a dedicated retailer growth and recruitment programme. SPAR has a very strong track record of investing alongside independent retailers and forecasts over €30 million being invested in developing stores over the next three years.
As part of the expansion programme, SPAR will actively target new greenfield and brownfield sites for development. 20 percent of SPAR’s store openings over the past three years originated from new construction developments, highlighting SPAR's focus on identifying and developing new locations.
Commenting on the announcement, John Moane, Group Chief Executive of BWG Group said, “This comprehensive new strategy puts SPAR and its retailers in a very strong position to continue leading the market and performing strongly into the future. While current macro-economic dynamics would suggest headwinds across the domestic economy, we’re confident that our investment in category leadership and store experience will ensure the optimum performance of our independent retail partners.”
Commenting on plans for expansion, Moane added “SPAR is a major international brand with global appeal and a local feel, making us a highly attractive partner for independent retailers. Over the past 20 years and beyond, SPAR has established itself as an integral part of many new and growing communities across the country. As part of our new strategy, we want to reaffirm SPAR and EUROSPAR as convenience and supermarket brands of choice for any new developments.”
In a new departure, as part of the new strategy, SPAR has launched a Next Gen Retailer Programme - an entrepreneurship initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing future retail leaders. This programme will support individuals in realising their retail ambitions and contribute to SPAR's overall expansion and recruitment programme. Additionally, SPAR will work closely with retailers who have plans to open and operate multiple stores under a multi-site business model. BWG Foods, SPAR’s parent company, predicts that this model will become the most prosperous for independent retailing in the future.
In support of its ambitions for SPAR, BWG Foods also announced the appointment of Niamh Preston to the newly created position of Category & Innovation Director, where she will be responsible for driving the latest food innovations across SPAR, EUROSPAR and the wider BWG Foods group. Niamh previously held senior roles with Tesco group including Global Business Unit Director and Fresh Food Category Director prior to that. Most recently, Niamh was Chief Commercial Officer with Navi Group, parent company to the CarePlus and StayWell pharmacy groups.
A key element of SPAR’s plan to grow its retail sales will be an enhanced focus on fresh food for the On-The-Go and Take-Home categories, plus new premium coffee offerings.
