Africa’s economic reset requires moving from ambition to execution
The Africa Commerce Convergence Summit keynote address identified four elements that must converge if the continent is to achieve a meaningful economic reset.
RETAILING
Spar supermarket chain confirms nine stores are now open in Angola
By our News Team | 2023
Opening of compact-format outlet at Luanda International Airport in late 2022 is latest expansion move in the Southern African country.
South African-based supermarket chain Spar has released details of the progress of its market entry into Angola.
In a recent statement the company confirmed it has opened nine Spar Express stores in the past year in partnership with local retailer, United Investimentos.
The latter was founded in 1999. It also operates Angolan supermarket chain Casa dos Frescos, which has 12 stores in Luanda, pharmaceutical distributor Unipan and the Tel-Pizza restaurant.
The latest Spar Express compact-format store at Luanda airport. Photo credit: Spar Angola
“Adapting international best practices from the Spar network to suit local market needs has led to these convenience stores offering an assortment that is tailored to suit customers’ needs,” Spar said in a press release.
Eight of the new Spar Express stores have also partnered with fuel retailer Pumangol at service stations around Luanda, which is the capital city with a population of around 2.6-million people. These stores have an average of 100 square metres of retail selling area.
Nine stores opened between February and November
The ninth outlet, opened in November 2022, is a ‘compact’ store situated at Luanda International Airport. The first store opened in February 2022.
“It’s a great honour for Spar Angola to be joining the international Spar family. We challenge ourselves every day to ensure that our customers leave our stores with a smile”, said Rui Catalo, Chief Executive Officer of Spar Angola, on the occasion of the opening of the store at the airport.
Spar’s Own Brand products, produced in Africa or further afield, comprise 25% of the product range, with the number of SKUs available varying from 1,000 to 4,500 depending on the store’s size. Stores have extended opening hours or operate on a 24/7 basis.
Entry into Angola marks Spar’s 11th African market, with more than 95% of its stores in the Southern Africa region.
According to Africa-focused market intelligence consultancy Trendtype, the Spar group also recently entered Ghana, taking over Citydia’s network of stores in 2020 – although it has since closed several stores, with steep price increases and issues with product quality and freshness being among its problems in that market.
Spar Angola said it will “continue to invest in developing the brand and bringing customers quality stores and shopping experiences”.
Momentum Group appoints chief marketing and communications officer
Vongani Mageza brings more than 20 years’ experience across financial services and FMCG) companies such as FNB and Diageo.
AI and algorithm-led engagement among the challenges facing marketers
AI agents will influence shopping, algorithms will supersede social connections, and the clip economy will change how brands connect.
Absa bank launches pan-African campaign with athlete Eliud Kipchoge
The brand partnership includes a new TV commercial featuring Kipchoge, digital storytelling, wellness initiatives and community programmes.
How traditional trade is being reimagined, but remains ‘traditional’
Modern retail in Africa is still dwarfed by the traditional trade. Marketers who dismiss this relationship-heavy retail model do so at their peril.
How luxury brands become a source of meaningfulness for employees
Research finds brands don’t just sell products. They can also provide employees with stories through which they feel their work is meaningful
Redefining honesty in a crisis: Why truth alone is not enough
Honesty must be demonstrated through transparency, accountability and action – shaping both reputation and future trust following a crisis.
Lesotho bank’s culturally intelligent campaign beats bigger rivals
In the funeral plan category, where most advertisements look like an obituary, Standard Lesotho Bank opted to ‘sell the cow’, not the policy.
AMC magazine brings latest news and insights for Africa’s marketers
Strategic Marketing for Africa, the publication for deep-thinking African marketing professionals, is not to be missed.
Global study of marketers and agencies is coming to Kenya for first time
CEO of Scopen says the expansion into East Africa is a natural progression following the success of the research in South Africa.
Huge African and Caribbean trade potential can be unlocked, study finds
Report says around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped.