Spar, trademarked as SPAR, is an international group of independently owned and operated retailers and wholesalers who work together in partnership under the SPAR Brand and franchise brand with approximately 12,500 shops in 42 countries worldwide. It was founded in 1932 by Adriaan van Well. Through its affiliate organisations, Spar operates in most European countries, parts of Africa, Asia and Oceania. Its headquarters are in Amsterdam.
Each SPAR has its own regional personality, offering consumers products that are unique to their local store. This is because SPAR operates under “voluntary trading” principals, encouraging our retailers to take full advantage of sourcing specific goods from local traders, as well as utilising SPAR’s trading power.
The SPAR Group Ltd listed on the JSE in 2004, and today operates 6 distribution centres and 1 Build it distribution centre. The distribution centres supply and service independently owned SPAR, TOPS, Build it and Pharmacy at SPAR stores in Southern Africa. Goods are distributed to the stores by a fleet of trucks and trailers, which are owned by the SPAR group.