As many as 50,000 shoppers were present at the formal launch of SPAR superstore in the city of Calabar, Cross River State recently.
The eager shoppers who came from within and surrounding cities were there to witness in a spectacular ceremony, the birth of SPAR’s 10th store across the country.
Speaking on the launch John Goldsmith, the spokesperson of the brand said “SPAR is the hypermarket for all Nigerians irrespective of socio-economic difference. Our outlets are carefully controlled to offer the most competitive prices on fast moving consumer goods and other items required to make life comfortable.
“Over 50,000 shoppers were present at the store today. At some point shoppers had to be ushered in batches to manage the deluge entering the store,” said Goldsmith.
Apart from the huge crowd of enthusiastic shoppers, the launch also drew public figures from within and outside the state including Edem Duke, former minister of Tourism, Patrick Ugbe and former Commissioner of Sports for Cross River and CEO of Hit FM. Also present were students from different schools who were smartly dressed in their uniforms.
Edem Duke who officiated the cutting of the ribbon, congratulated SPAR for investing in Cross River and for enhancing development in the state through quality service.
In commemoration of the launch in Calabar, SPAR pledged to reward all its shoppers with various gift items. Shoppers will receive these gifts which range from electronic devices to edible foods on any purchase of items worth N2, 500 and above.
Products on display at the new superstore with a size of over 5,000sqm in retail space making it the largest outlet in Nigeria presently, include grocery; bakery; butchery; fruits and vegetables; hot meals; wine and spirits; fast moving consumer goods (FMCG); consumer electronics; large and small home appliances; mobile phones; laptops and tablets; perfumes; watches and jewellery.
SPAR is franchised by Artee Group’s Park and Shop for Nigerian operations and is presently located in Victoria Island, Lekki, Maryland Ikeja, MMA2, Abuja Wuse II, Port Harcourt and Calabar. SPAR Nigeria is a part of an international retail chain originating from Holland. SPAR, a Dutch multinational retail chain has global presence in 43 countries across four continents with over 12,500 stores.
FRANK ELEANYA
