AMSTERDAM – SPAR Poland has re-launched its SPAR Express store in Krakow, Poland, located next to the famous Wawel Castle, introducing a new convenience model to the market. SPAR Poland aims to increase the number of SPAR Express stores located in city centers through its multiformat offer, providing greater convenience to busy customers.

SPAR Poland addresses the needs of international tourists by using both Polish and English names for category communication. The product range is strongly focused on fresh and food-to-go, dedicated mostly to customers looking for convenient, ready-meal solutions. The store offers a wide choice of sandwiches, wraps, salads and fresh juice. A strong emphasis was placed on high quality coffee with Costa coffee being offered instore, accompanied by a selection of muffins, donuts and croissants.

The operating costs of the store were carefully considered, according to SPAR. For example, the product range was selected to match the requirements of a convenience store aimed at meeting varied customer needs. A convenient location, quick shopping layout, price and quality ratio, as well as a healthy product offering, were all factors given a lot of attention in light of today’s customer demands.

SPAR Poland plans to roll out this concept to other city center locations, after making any adjustments necessary based on the outcome of the pilot and adaptations required for each location. Being able to offer this alternative concept will attract new independent retailers.

To experience Poland’s convenience store market, make plans to join your global colleagues at the 2018 NACS Convenience Summit–Europe, taking place June 3–8 in Warsaw, before heading off to London. Please contact NACS Europe Director Mark Wohltmann at mwohltmann@convenience.org with questions about the event.