"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.
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.
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.