Shoppers Just Now Learning What SPAR Means After 92 Years
July 6, 2024
source: Miljenko Hegedic
I was at SPAR shopping for some groceries and, as you would expect, I had to join a queue to pay for them. I was thinking about this and that, and an idea just came to me. Everyone knows about SPAR, don’t they? I mean, you notice them all the time, but have you ever actually considered the name of the store? It seems that I am not the only one with this curiosity. Many people around the world are just starting to learn the history of the name SPAR, and it is quite interesting indeed!
The Birth of SPAR
Way back in 1932, a man called Adriaan van Well from the Netherlands had a great idea. He wanted to create a chain of stores that could complement and leverage each other. This idea was all about collaboration, and it truly became popular. However, the first store was not known as SPAR immediately. It was initially named DESPAR. Quite the mouthful, right?
What Does DESPAR Mean?
DESPAR is actually an acronym for the words “Door Eendrachtig Samenwerken Profiteren Allen Regelmatig.” That’s a Dutch saying and a rather long one at that, but in English, it means “Everyone benefits from working together regularly.” The idea was simple but strong: when businesses and the community team up, everyone wins.
From DESPAR to SPAR
Over the years, the brand decided to change the name to SPAR. Why? It was easier to say and remember, and it was more suitable, especially as the company grew and started to include other countries beyond the Netherlands. SPAR stores began to expand in Europe in the 1940s and 50s, and the first SPAR store in the UK opened in the 1950s.
SPAR’s Global Reach
Today, SPAR is a huge international brand. There are more than 13,900 stores in 48 countries, serving around 14.7 million customers every day. That’s a lot of people picking up their groceries from SPAR! Despite its size, the brand has preserved its initial ideology of working in tandem with the community.
Why Some Places Still Use DESPAR
You might have noticed that in some countries, SPAR stores are still called DESPAR. This is especially true in Italy. It may seem a bit unconventional, but there’s a reason for it. When SPAR’s business expanded, each country was allowed to retain the original name if they wished. In Italy, “DESPAR” doesn’t have the same negative connotation as it does in English (where it sort of resembles “despair”), so they kept it.
The SPAR Community
One of the coolest things about SPAR is how it brings communities together. Each store is tailored to the needs of its local area. In the UK, for example, SPAR stores can be found in all sorts of places: near petrol stations, in airports, at train stations, in city centers, and in local neighborhoods. Whether you need to grab a quick snack on your commute or do a full grocery shop, there’s probably a SPAR nearby to help you out.
The SPAR Philosophy
What really sets SPAR apart is its commitment to that original idea of cooperation. Independent shop owners and suppliers team up under the SPAR brand, sharing resources and knowledge to help each other succeed. This approach has helped SPAR stay competitive in the convenience store market, especially in places like the UK where the competition is fierce.
A Look to the Future
SPAR isn’t just resting on its laurels. The brand is always looking for new ways to innovate and serve its customers better. From new store formats to expanded product ranges, SPAR is constantly evolving. And at the heart of it all is that simple, powerful philosophy: when we work together, everyone benefits.
SPAR is not just a store; it’s a place that shows how working together makes everything better. A smart man from the Netherlands had this great idea a long time ago, and now, because of him, people all over the world help each other and do great things together!