SPAR coming after Woolworths and Checkers with new store

SPAR has launched its first gourmet store at the Zimbali Oasis in KwaZulu-Natal, as the retailer is looking to tap into a new market.

The retailer announced on Thursday, 27 November, that it has launched its first-ever SPAR Gourmet store.

This was done in partnership with one of SPAR’s independent retailers, Mark Anderson, who brings over 40 years of retail experience. 

“This collaboration brought to life a bold, premium retail vision that redefines what modern grocery shopping can be in South Africa,” the retailer said.

SPAR explained that its business model has long been anchored in its relationship with independent retailers who operate under the retailer’s brand. 

“The opening of SPAR Gourmet showcased the power of this partnership-driven approach, proving how innovation thrives when national support and local ownership work hand in hand,” it said.

The new SPAR Gourmet store is designed to introduce a sophisticated retail environment characterised by luxury, craftsmanship, and elevated convenience. 

The store boasts everything from artisanal breads and patisserie delights to gourmet meals, a premium butchery offering specialised cuts, and a wine emporium. 

SPAR’s communications and sponsorships manager, Mpudi Maubane, said the launch marked a defining moment for the retailer. 

“The launch of SPAR Gourmet showed just how powerful it can be when our retailers’ passion and entrepreneurial spirit come together with the support and innovation of the SPAR brand,” she said.

“Zimbali Oasis was the perfect place to bring this vision to life, and alongside our retailer, we’ve created a store that genuinely lifts the shopping experience for our consumer.”

Maubane said the opening also signalled an exciting step forward in SPAR’s journey to grow its premium offering, while staying true to its model of empowering independent retailers. 

“By giving retailers the freedom to innovate in ways that best serve their communities, we’re able to evolve with global trends while remaining proudly and authentically South African,” she said.

“SPAR Gourmet is intended to be more than just a store, it is envisioned to be an experiential destination where customers could discover curated products, enjoy handcrafted flavours, engage with food in a fresh and inspiring way.” 

“This launch demonstrated what can be achieved when we combine local ownership with the broader SPAR mission of uplifting communities through quality retail.”

Watch out, Woolworths

SPAR said this launch marks the beginning of a new chapter for the brand, with the retailer looking to take on South Africa’s high-end food retail market, which has traditionally been dominated by Woolworths and, more recently, Checkers.

SPAR first announced these plans at its Capital Markets Day in March 2025, when it revealed plans to roll out a new chain of high-end stores across the country.

The retailer said it plans to open about 30 to 40 high-end grocery stores under the SPAR Gourmet brand.

In SPAR’s recent Capital Markets Day presentation, the retailer said these stores will be rolled out in high-end residential, urban and transient sites.

They will take the form of small supermarkets and fresh food stores, with the opportunity for SPAR to convert some of its KWIKSPAR stores into SPAR Gourmet locations.

“We have a huge KWIKSPAR footprint in Southern Africa. Our niche KWIKSPARs play into gourmet; our not-so-niche KWIKSPARs can play into SPARs,” the company explained.

This chain will employ a high-margin retail model, with differentiated ranges and bespoke product offerings through its Private Label SPAR Signature Selection range and strategic supplier partners.

The range and assortment of products at these stores will be specific to the chain’s targeted customer base.

“Key focus areas include premium food solutions, coffee, bakery, and indulgent products, with a curated assortment tailored to meet the needs of a more affluent customer base,” the company said.