GLOBAL: Spar's sales grow 3.5% to 33 billion euro | Progresiv
Spar International has announced global retail sales for the year ending 31 December, 2015 of 33 billion euro, representing an increase of 3.5% on 2014’s results. 
Growth in 2015 was the strongest in five years for the company, and was driven by the growing pace of recovery in Europe, and Spar’s continuing expansion into emerging markets – growth was particularly strong in Africa, while the retailer entered four new countries with openings in Indonesia, Cameroon, Oman and Azerbaijan. Spar’s presence across 12 African markets now accounts for 17% of its global retail turnover. Spar South Africa’s sales were up 18%, with significant potential for growth shown in Nigeria and Namibia.
In Europe, sales growth in Austria was 2.4%, while its Belgian operation saw growth of 6%. Spar UK increased its store numbers to over 2,600, ending the year with turnover up 2% to 2.6 billion pounds.
Meanwhile, in Eastern and Central Europe, Spar Croatia’s sales grew by 15% and sales at its Polish stores grew by 17%. Spar Russia also reported a 19.2% increase in local currency. "The 2015 figures show the continuing strength and attractiveness of the SPAR brand globally," commented Spar International Managing Director, Tobias Wasmuht. "With a presence now in 42 markets around the world, Spar continues to be the partner of choice for independent retail partners keen to embrace retail best practice and fast-track their development in the face of international competition," he added. (www.esmmagazine.com)
