Spar Thailand

Spar is set to open seven new stories across the capital

Spar is expanding into Thailand as part of a new €102m investment with Bangchak Retail (BRC).

Convenience and forecourt operator BRC will open 300 new Spar International stores by the end of 2020.

Seven new stores will open by the end of this year including key flagship convenience and neighbourhood developments and, from 2017, the group will open 50-80 each year for the next five years, creating 2,500 jobs.

BRC expects retail sales to reach €260m by 2020.

“In the last decade, Spar International has grown from strength to strength in key strategic markets of Asia” said Spar International MD Tobias Wasmuht.

“Today, we have a significant multi-format presence including hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience and online in China, India, and Indonesia. The launch of Spar in Thailand in partnership with BRC Retail represents a significant and important step forward in Spar’s on-going expansion into Asian markets.”

Under the new partnership, Spar International and BRC will share best practice across supply chain, retail operations, staff training, retail design and brand development strategies.

“The partnership brings together our internationally tried and tested retail expertise particularly in convenience and supermarket formats with the extensive knowledge of the Thai market,” said Wasmuht.

BRC MD Viboon Wongsakul said, “BRC is excited to bring this new offering to customers in Thailand.”

“Spar and BRC share many key values such as a dedication to growth, a commitment to local suppliers, supporting communities and offering diverse retail solutions. We plan to bring local retailing to the next level and will dedicate the resources necessary to have a significant presence in the market in the shortest possible timeframe.”