SPAR Slovenia has introduced a new store format in the country, with the first outlet opening in the Planet Koper shopping centre.
The 1,200-square-metre Despar store offers an immersive shopping experience, focusing Italian products and modern store design.
The store will be operated by a team of 35 people, the retailer noted.
The Despar outlet is designed in a distinct Italian style with bilingual – Slovenian and Italian – signage and graphics across all departments.
The store entrance features the Hitroteka section, which offers fresh, store-prepared dishes and renowned Italian specialities such as pizzas and focaccia.
The delicatessen section offers a wide range of products with real-time slicing and serving.
To improve efficiency, customers can take a numbered ticket, allowing them to browse other departments while waiting for their turn.
Store Highlights
The store includes a butcher and fishmonger section, a self-service bakery, and a fruit and vegetable department reminiscent of an Italian market.
The store is equipped with seven self-service checkouts, and parking spaces are provided within the Planet Koper complex.
The new Despar store incorporates sustainable and modern construction elements, consistent with all new and renovated SPAR stores in Slovenia.
The facility uses energy-saving LED lighting, and all shelves feature multi-coloured electronic price displays.
Product Selection and Pricing
A key focus of the format is the product range, which features authentic Italian items from verified suppliers, including mortadella, cheeses, cold cuts, fish, coffee, wines, peeled tomatoes, and pasta, among others.
Customers can choose between Italian brands and Despar’s own-label products.
Additionally, over 500 select products feature a ‘matched Despar price’ label. These prices are determined by direct comparison with nearby stores in Italy.
To remain consistent with the Italian retail concept, these products will feature fewer temporary promotions in favour of everyday value, SPAR Slovenia added.