Spar launches Eurospar format in Denmark

January 1, 2010

Spar is launching its Eurospar supermarket format in Denmark.

The company, which is Denmark’s largest independent retailer, plans to open 20-30 Eurospar stores in 2010 with the aim of offering Danish consumers more offers, lower prices and a broader assortment – especially on fresh groceries, and fruit and vegetables.

New Eurospar format in Denmark

According to the company, the launch of Eurospar will strengthen terms for independent retailers and help them compete.

Eurospar will offer a varied assortment of products with a focus on fresh food, an improved interior design and stronger marketing profile. These larger footprint stores will also feature a self-service delicatessen and bakery.

“We can see that the Danes shop more and more with their local independent retailer and that Spar is winning market share in the Danish market,” said Michael Østergård managing director of Spar Denmark.

“Our strength is the combination of effective local shopping possibilities, the attractive concept and the fact that independent retailers are very much in touch with the consumers’ needs. We are expanding Spar’s business areas by launching Eurospar because we want to offer Danish consumers a competitive alternative to other large supermarkets,” he said.

Spar is Denmark’s largest chain of independent retailers with 550 shops and an annual turnover of about €1,074bn.

The 20-30 new Eurospar shops will generate an expected turnover of €135-200m.

According to the company, the launch of Eurospar will retain current consumers and attract new ones.

“With the establishment of Eurospar we take an important step forward in the competition with other retailers in Denmark,” said Østergård.

“The local retailers get the possibility of providing an even better buying experience to the consumers when they do their grocery shopping and that of course strengthen the retailers in a very competitive market.”

The launch of Eurospar follows the launch of the Go’on convenience concept in Denmark in 2008. Go’on sells groceries and convenience food and has long opening hours.

The stores are operated on petrol forecourts and standalone sites. Go’on has also launched the first mobile petrol station in Denmark.

To read about Spar's expansion of its Eurospar format in the UK, visit: nacsonline.com article and Global Convenience Store Focus article

To read about Spar China, the winner of the Insight NACS International Convenience Retailer of the Year Award 2009, visit: Global Convenience Store Focus article