The new SPAR locations include a prime site in the newly completed Strand View residential development on Bray’s iconic seafront in County Wicklow, a modern, large format site in the expansive Clancy Quay residential development, catering to the significantly expanded Islandbridge community in Dublin, another in Carrickmines on Dublin’s southside, and the opening of a number of new SPAR stores to cater for people on the move stopping off at forecourt locations around the country.

The addition of 30 stores brings SPAR’s store network to more than 420 locations nationwide, supporting approximately 14,550 jobs with SPAR Ireland actively supporting its independent retailers to recruit to fill the newly created roles.

SPAR Ireland, one of Ireland’s largest convenience retail groups, is also targeting further openings throughout the remainder of 2022 and is currently in the process of identifying suitable green and brownfield sites.

New housing developments and the establishment of new communities as a result has and will continue to be a key driving factor in the opening of new SPAR stores.

In addition to new store openings, SPAR Ireland, in conjunction with its independent retailers, are in the process of completing a major renovation programme across its existing store network, with 20 refurbishments completed since October.

Commenting on SPAR’s recent expansion, John Moane, Chief Commercial Officer, BWG Foods (owners and operators of the SPAR brand), said, “A modern and unique store design, a genuine convenience proposition, and a quality offering across all food and grocery categories combine to make the SPAR brand hugely attractive to independent retailers looking to capitalise on new opportunities that exist within the marketplace.

“Much of the growth we see across the SPAR network has been stimulated by pent up demand for new grocery sites caused by the pandemic, and we envisage a continued uplift in the convenience market as a result.

“While this dynamic has already resulted in unprecedented growth across the SPAR store network, we’re determined to leverage this current momentum by continuing to grow our footprint across every community in Ireland.”

SPAR Ireland has delivered 8 years of consecutive sales growth driven in large part by strengthening demand amongst consumers for local convenience retail options in city centre, neighbourhood and forecourt locations.

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Greenergy’s retail offer includes the Inver and Amber brands, combining a reliable fuel supply with two trusted and well-known Irish brands to sustain a growing service station network,  while BWG Foods is one of Ireland’s leading wholesalers and retailers.

As part of the new partnership, Greenergy will integrate convenience stores across a number of new and existing forecourt retail sites, with BWG Foods supplying food and beverages across grocery, chilled, impulse, foodservice and alcohol categories.

The first of these sites is the newly built Inver Macroom Junction service station at Millstreet Road, off the west exit of the new N22 Macroom bypass.

This latest Inver branded forecourt brings a wide range of premium fuels and convenience food offerings to the local community, motorists, and tourists, including a state-of-the-art SPAR convenience store where customers will now have access to a diverse foodservice offering in addition to wide-ranging on-the-go grocery options.

Greenergy is also planning further investment to its forecourt network in key locations across Ireland, with Mallow, Co. Cork, and Slieverue, Co. Kilkenny, due to open in the coming months.

Commenting on the announcement, Chris O’Callaghan, Head of Greenergy in Ireland, said: “As we continue to make investments to our forecourt network, combining BWG’s convenience offering with our retail brands ensures we are continuing to deliver quality products to our customers.

“In the coming months BWG’s SPAR brand will become a part of our forecourt offering in over 20 stations. It is the beginning of an exciting journey that highlights our commitment to meeting the needs of the Irish road user. As a group, we are looking forward to working with the BWG team and expanding our offering.”

John Moane, Chief Commercial Officer of BWG Foods, said: “Greenergy have very clear growth ambitions as evidenced by the continued investment across their expansive network, and we’re delighted to be partnering with them at this exciting time for their business. We’re now looking forward to working closely with all the team to position their forecourts as destinations of choice within their communities and amongst road users.

Caption: BWG’s Chief Commercial Officer, John Moane, with Chris O’Callaghan, Head of Greenergy in Ireland, announcing the new deal at Inver Macroom Junction service station.

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In what will be a welcome boost to the economy, Irish staycationers are expected to spend an average of €1,375 per trip this summer, according to a nationwide survey carried out on behalf of leading retail and wholesale group, BWG Foods.

Cork, Kerry and Galway revealed as top holiday destinations , with 49% of adults planning a staycation this year

The survey results have revealed bottled water (79%), freshly prepared sandwiches (49%), fruit (45%) and chocolate bars as the most essential items for outdoor activities to ensure hydration and nourishment.

Irish holidaymakers are planning an active, outdoor summer after months of travel restrictions, with BBQ’s, hiking, swimming, cycling and camping high on the agenda.

49% planning a ‘staycation’

After months of being restricted to their 5km, Irish people are ready to jet set around the country this summer with 49% of adults planning to enjoy a staycation, according to new research on behalf of leading retail and wholesale group, BWG Foods.

The nationwide survey carried out among a representative sample of 1,000 Irish consumers by Empathy Research, has highlighted the importance of staycations to the local economy, with Kerry (24%), Cork (20%) and Galway (20%) selected as go-to destinations for the majority this summer. Local scenery (51%), proximity to the coast and beaches (48%) and good restaurant/café options (45%) are deemed to be the most influential aspects on the decision of where to choose for a staycation. In terms of choice of accommodation, the majority of respondents preferred hotel accommodation (58%), with 23% planning on staying in AirBnB accommodation when compared to options such as glamping or B&B’s.

Travel restrictions

After months of isolation and travel restrictions, holidaymakers are planning on embracing what Ireland has to offer with an active, outdoor summer – BBQ’s (40%), hiking (30%), swimming (30%), cycling (22%) and camping (14%) are all high on the travel itinerary.

With many travelling to scenic and local beauty spots, convenience takeaway is the food of choice for holidaymakers this summer. The survey results have revealed bottled water (79%), freshly prepared sandwiches (49%), fruit (45%) and chocolate bars as the most essential items for outdoor activities to ensure hydration and nourishment.

Holidaymakers are also planning ahead when it comes to dining, with a preference for meat feasts from the barbeque. Beef burgers (65%) are the favourite food items, followed closely by sausages (54%), with chicken skewers / drumsticks / wings (44%) in third place overall.

Safe and fun

BWG Foods has revealed the survey results as part of its ‘Safe, Fun Staycationing’ campaign this summer, which will see its over 1,000 SPAR, EUROSPAR, MACE, Londis and XL stores across Ireland’s villages, towns and cities highlight safety outdoors as well as a range of promotions and in-store marketing to encourage travel and holidays. BWG Foods serves in excess of one million shoppers a day and supports local suppliers in communities across the country through its expansive community store network.

Commenting on the findings of the research, John Moane, Chief Commercial Officer, BWG Foods said: “With a network of local SPAR, EUROSPAR, MACE, Londis and XL stores in almost every village, town and city in Ireland, and as a business which works with many local retailers and suppliers in our communities, BWG Foods is placing a strong emphasis on supporting local holidaymakers this summer and promoting fun and safe staycations this year.

Impact of pandemic

“We are all aware of the impact of the pandemic on local businesses in the retail and hospitality sector particularly, and our survey results are a message of positivity to our communities that economic activity and footfall looks set to return over the coming months.

“We are committed to using our expansive network of community stores to support such activity where we can and it is therefore equally heartening to see so many Irish people planning a trip at home this summer, with an emphasis on being outdoors and enjoying the many local beauty spots and adventurous activities that Ireland has to offer.”

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