A delegation from Spar Shanxi, China paid a visit to Ireland to learn about world class convenience retailing in Spar stores in Dublin and Kildare. Spar Shanxi, which primarily operates a larger hypermarket format, is looking to diversify into smaller convenience stores typically seen in Ireland.
The group of eight visitors - led by Li Aixiang VP of Operations, come from one of five regional Spar groups in China, which joined the brand in 2008.
Willie O’Byrne, managing director, BWG Foods (owners and operators of Spar Ireland) said, “Spar Ireland is, by now, well known in China and the two countries have built a strong affiliation over recent years.
Spar Ireland has already facilitated meetings between Spar China and several Irish suppliers and we are delighted to welcome another delegation – this time to showcase some of the world’s best examples of convenience retailing.”
Spar Shanxi operates over 70 stores in Shanxi and 10 stores in Inner Mongolia taking in a population catchment of 33.7 million. Chairman and majority shareholder, Mr Chu Dequn, oversees Spar Shanxi, which also includes one of the country’s main Distribution Centre and provides employment for 12,435 people.
© 2013 - Checkout Magazine by Genna Patterson
