International Spar is in advanced discussions with wholesalers and local entrepreneurs around Moscow about setting up Spar outlets in Russian cities near the capital. International Spar's deputy general manager Gerrit Kok told The Grocer the group was talking to "a number of potential partners in densely populated areas," to reduce the risks of entering a relatively under-developed but potentially volatile market. Spar has established offices in Moscow to co-ordinate the search for new sites in and around the capital in partnership with local wholesaler Rusmed. The first Spar store was due to open in Moscow in the New Year but Kok admitted it would probably be closer to the summer. "There is a lot of bureaucracy to contend with," he explained. "Things take a long time to get moving here." - A spokesman for Marks & Spencer said two executives despatched to Moscow in September on an exploratory mission had sent an upbeat report about the retail climate there. However, it was still too early to say whether M&S would enter the market. {{NEWS }}

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