"This growth was stimulated by investments in the renovation of the shops. This has led to an increase in productivity per square metre", say sources within the company.
According to Spar International, the launch of the 'Spar Natural' was one of the most important events with regard to its business in Spain. This shop was opened on the Gran Canaria Island at the beginning of last year.
The shop is a groundbreaking concept. It connects health, wellness and sustainability. It has proved to be a huge success among the locals as well as the international tourists. The experienced gained here was used for the global expansion of 'Spar Natural' shops in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Spar International improved
On the whole, Spar International achieved a turnover of €34.483 billion in 2017. This represents an increase of 5,3% compared to the previous year. The average annual revenue per square metre came to €4.644.
On the whole, Spar International achieved a turnover of €34.483 billion in 2017. This represents an increase of 5,3% compared to the previous year. The average annual revenue per square metre came to €4.644.
Spar International is present in 48 countries and consists of 12.777 shops. In other words, 232 more than in the previous year. In total, this concerns a sales surface area of more than 7,4 million m2. The average sales area is 581m2. On a daily basis, 13,5 million people shop at Spar. There are also 242 distribution centres around the world.
Spar International entered five new markets last year. These are Saudia Arabia, Pakistan, Qatar, Ukraine, and Belarus. In the Eurozone, the groups wrote invoices totalling €16.200 million, 4% more than in 2016. The most impressive growth was in Spain (+ 5,1 %), the Netherlands (+ 7,7%), and Ireland (+ 4,8%). In the United Kingdom, sales rose by 4%, to €3.200 million.
In the Eastern and Central regions of Europe, turnover climbed by 17%, totalling €5.200 million. The most important new development occurred in Croatia. Here, revenues were up 59%. This is thanks to Spar's takeover of the Billa chain of shops in that country. In Russia, Spar's market share keeps increasing thanks to an 18,8% yearly increase.
In Africa and the Middle East, there are Spars in 15 countries. Here, their turnover rose by 8,5%, with a value of €5.700 million. The company also operates in six Asian-Pacific markets. They have 408 shops in China and a 14% increase in revenue in Australia.
"The year 2017 was an extraordinary one for the Spar world organisation", says Tobias Wasmuh, the company's Director General. He added that he considered the "rebirth" of retail sales in Europe to be a major stimulus for this growth. He also contributes this increase in sales to more significant international expansion and the group's adaption to different markets.
Source: Agroberichten Buitenland