BWG is reportedly planning to add 45 new Spar and Eurospar stores to its portfolio over the next two years.
It is believed that the Irish wholesaler and retail grocery franchise operator is planning to invest €25 million in store refurbishments as part of a new strategy for BWG’s Spar network, and its larger-format Eurospar brand.
Digital Strategy
The wholesaler said that examples of consumer-facing technologies are being rolled out as part of the strategy include electronic shelf-edge labels, digital-only signage throughout stores, digital menu boards and high-speed wifi connectivity.
Leo Crawford, chief executive, BWG told Irish-based Spar franchisees at its annual conference today in Killarney that the digital strategy is a 'game-changer' that will 'transform' the sector.
"Our growth projections follow rigorous research which shows that consumers increasingly value and expect convenient retail solutions that our retailers are now pioneering,” he added.
The new strategy was reportedly devised in partnership with Spar International, the Dutch global brand owner.
Location, Location, Location
It is believed that BWG has already identified a number of sites development sites for the expansion of its Spar and Eurospar network, which currently comprises about 450 outlets.
In a statement, it said that it will open its newest addition to the Spar network at a greenfield site in Tralee next week.
A second greenfield site in Tullamore is nearing completion while further existing Spar stores in Listowel, Carpenterstown, Merrion Row and Santry are currently undergoing significant redevelopment works.
The new store design, which has been launched to retailers today, is being pioneered at SPAR’s Millennium Walkway store in Dublin City Centre, adjacent to Jervis Shopping Centre.
Revenue Increase
At the end of August this year, the Dublin-headquartered group posted revenue of €1.41 billion in the 12 months to 30 September 2017, according to documents posted at the Companies Registration Office.
This is up from €1.39 billion the previous year.
In addition, the group posted a profit before tax of €29.8 billion, up from €24.2 billion a year earlier.
More Jobs
The new franchise expansion plan could create a further 1,000 staff in its Spar and Eurospar store network.
In Ireland, BWG oversees the operation of Spar, Spar Express, and Eurospar, in addition to 21 Value Centre cash and carry outlets, which supply a number of retail and hospitality groups.
© 2018 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
