Spar International retail division reported a turnover of 33 billion euros for 2016 | Progresiv
Retail group Spar International has posted sales of 33.1 billion euros for 2016, with growth driven by its global expansion programme. These figures represent an increase in retail sales of 4.5% on a constant-currency basis. 
“In what was a record year for Spar, the blend of like-for-like organic growth, successful acquisitions and strategic new-country expansion, resulted in the brand growing at its fastest rate in ten years," said Tobias Wasmuht, managing director of Spar International.
Spar is now operating in 44 countries worldwide, with 12,545 stores employing 350,000 people, but it is continuing its international expansion.
"Since our foundation 85 years ago, our purpose has been to grow our brand, our presence and our partners by enhancing the competitiveness, productivity and profitability of our retail and wholesale partners worldwide," said Wasmuht.
"As the retail landscape becomes ever more competitive, the Spar brand continues to be the number-one partner of choice for leading-edge independent retailers across an increasing number of global geographies.”
The retailer recorded strong growth in Spar's Western European markets, with sales in its nine Eurozone countries increasing to 15 billion euros. Retail sales in Eastern Europe grew by 6.5%, and in Russia by 7.7%.
There was also sustained growth in Africa and the Middle East, where Spar now has a presence in 15 markets. Spar plans to continue investing in stores and its online retail platform this year. (www.esmmagazine.com)
