Latest news with #SPAR
News24
3 days ago
- Business
- News24
SPAR fights period poverty with affordable menstrual care
About seven million South African women are held captive by 'period poverty' and face potential long-term consequences that begin with missing school and later lead to lost educational and employment opportunities, says SPAR South Africa, which announced today (date to be inserted) that it is launching a practical national campaign to help women have access to affordable hygiene products. From May 28, designated as Menstrual Hygiene Day worldwide, SPAR will support menstrual health for women by ensuring that, for under R100 per year (on average R6 per month), girls and women can access sanitary towels at SPAR stores throughout South Africa, says Mpudi Maubane, National PR, Communications & Sponsorships Manager at The SPAR Group. The offer will continue until further notice says Maubane, stressing that the objective is part of SPAR's commitment to helping promote the dignity of all South African women by working to bring an end to period poverty by 2030. 'Presently, about 30% of the nation's girls miss school regularly because they can't afford menstrual hygiene products. Each girl misses about 50 days of schooling a year, placing her at a learning disadvantage. This situation is exacerbated by the lack of basic sanitation and toilets in more than 1,700 schools, where shortages of running water and soap are also common.' 'We are dedicated to implementing practical interventions by making sanitary products affordable and easily accessible. At the same time, we support ongoing efforts to normalise conversations around menstruation, a subject often avoided or regarded as taboo in many sectors of society.' As a community-based retailer, SPAR is committed to supporting the health and dignity of all women and girls. Breaking the stigma requires the involvement of everyone. SPAR is determined to lead the way by promoting discussions about what is a natural feminine function, and by fostering understanding and support, finding ways to address the issues of period poverty in schools and workplaces, stresses Maubane. 'By enabling girls and women, especially those who face financial challenges, to buy quality pads at a price that will fit even the tightest household budgets, SPAR South Africa is proud to be fostering the development of an inclusive society in which women can take their rightful places without being held back by something as natural as menstruation,' says Maubane. For Further information about the SPAR campaign and ways to contribute to ending period poverty in South Africa, visit
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
South Africa's SPAR plans to sell Swiss and UK retail businesses
HighlightsSouth Africa's SPAR Group is planning to sell its retail businesses in Switzerland and the United Kingdom after a strategic review of its European operations. The group is currently in exclusive talks with an unnamed established UK-based business regarding the sale of its UK operation, Appleby Westward Group. SPAR's Swiss business, which operates 300 stores, contributes approximately 16 billion rand ($899 million) to the group's turnover, while the South West England unit contributes around 6 billion rand. South Africa's SPAR Group plans to sell its retail businesses in Switzerland and in the United Kingdom after completing a strategic review of its European operations , the retail and wholesale group said on Thursday. The group, which owns several SPAR country licences of the Dutch SPAR group, has been trimming its international operations in order to "maximize the return on capital allocated". Last year it sold its loss-making Polish business. The group said it was in exclusive talks with an established UK-based business over the sale of its UK operation Appleby Westward Group . The potential buyer, which SPAR did not name, was "well positioned to develop and grow AWG in South West England," it said. In Switzerland, SPAR has been engaging established parties with extensive business interests in the region and experience in European food retail and distribution , it added. "The group approach has been to engage parties whose interests align with the growth ambitions of the local management teams and retailer partners, and will ensure continuity for employees, suppliers and customers," SPAR said. The Swiss business, with 300 stores, contributes 16 billion rand ($899 million) to group turnover, while the South West England unit contributes 6 billion rand. Internationally, SPAR will be left with Ireland , its biggest overseas business, and a joint venture in Sri Lanka .
Reuters
4 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
South Africa's SPAR plans to sell Swiss and UK retail businesses
JOHANNESBURG, May 29 (Reuters) - South Africa's SPAR Group (SPPJ.J), opens new tab plans to sell its retail businesses in Switzerland and in the United Kingdom after completing a strategic review of its European operations, the retail and wholesale group said on Thursday. The group, which owns several SPAR country licences of the Dutch SPAR group, has been trimming its international operations in order to "maximize the return on capital allocated". Last year it sold its loss-making Polish business. The group said it was in exclusive talks with an established UK-based business over the sale of its UK operation Appleby Westward Group. The potential buyer, which SPAR did not name, was "well positioned to develop and grow AWG in South West England," it said. In Switzerland, SPAR has been engaging established parties with extensive business interests in the region and experience in European food retail and distribution, it added. "The group approach has been to engage parties whose interests align with the growth ambitions of the local management teams and retailer partners, and will ensure continuity for employees, suppliers and customers," SPAR said. The Swiss business, with 300 stores, contributes 16 billion rand ($899 million) to group turnover, while the South West England unit contributes 6 billion rand. Internationally, SPAR will be left with Ireland, its biggest overseas business, and a joint venture in Sri Lanka. ($1 = 17.7956 rand)
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Beat the summer heat, Shreveport Parks and Recreation releases this summer's pool schedule
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Bringing you all-day fun in the sun for less than a Lincoln, Shreveport Parks and Recreation (SPAR) released its summer 2025 Aquatics schedule, and the fun starts now. With seven splash pads and five pools across the city, Shreveport has everything its residents need to stay cool this summer for as low as $2.50 per person. This Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, Southern Hill Pool will be the first to swing open its doors for the summer season with an entry fee of $3.50 per person, which includes access to a thrilling slide. All other pools will open their gates for sunscreen-slathered swimmers tomorrow, May 27, for just $2.50 per person. All pools will be open Tuesday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. South Hills Park – 1002 Bert Kouns Ind. Loop Airport Park – 6500 Kennedy Street Bill Cockrell Park – 4109 Pines Road David Raines Park – 2920 Round Grove Lane Querbes Park – 3500 Beverly Place In addition to the pool, SPAR's splash pads are and open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m and free to enjoy according to the city aquatics webpage . They opened earlier this season, welcoming splashers on May 1st. A.B. Palmer – 547 79th St. Airport Park – 6500 Kennedy St. David Raines – 2920 Round Grove Lane Hattie Perry – 4300 Ledbetter St. Lakeside and Querbes Community Centers – 2200 Milam St. A.C. Steere 'Purple Park' – 4009 Youree Drive For more fun and information on Shreveport Parks and Recreation summer activities, you can visit them online at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Inside South Africa's retail shake-up
South Africa's retail sector is entering a pivotal phase. After several quarters of mixed signals — sluggish growth, cost pressures, and store closures — the latest developments point to a market regaining its stride. But this is not a simple rebound story. Beneath the topline growth, we see deep structural shifts reshaping how retailers operate, how consumers engage, and where investors place their bets. Consumer Confidence Returns — But with Clear Preferences The 7% year-on-year growth in retail sales this January is more than a bounce — it's a shift in spending psychology. South African consumers, despite inflationary headwinds, are demonstrating a willingness to spend again. But it's not across the board. The winners are the brands that combine value, consistency, and experience. Grocery leaders like Shoprite and SPAR continue to dominate, not merely by offering low prices, but through operational resilience, supply chain sophistication, and nationwide accessibility. Shoprite's ability to grow while others downsize reveals an increasingly Darwinian retail environment: those with scale, logistics muscle and brand trust are not just surviving, but expanding. Discretionary retail is also showing signs of life, but with nuance. We're seeing early indicators of a 'two-speed consumer economy' — one driven by cost-conscious households, the other by aspirational spenders seeking curated, high-value experiences. Both segments demand different approaches — and retailers who try to straddle both without clear differentiation risk losing both. Strategic Clarity Over Scale: The End of the 'Everything Store' The Retailability group's decision to divest sub-brands such as Legit, Swagga, Style, and Boardmans is emblematic of a broader recalibration taking place. In an oversaturated market, retailers are shedding legacy baggage, narrowing their focus, and placing strategic clarity over unchecked expansion. Similarly, Pick n Pay, long seen as a struggling legacy player, is attempting a comeback with a dual-track approach: strategic store closures on one side, and new store launches on the other. This is less about real estate and more about format strategy — pivoting toward leaner, more agile stores with tighter cost structures and stronger regional relevance. Meanwhile, the entry of Nafcoc as a potential shareholder in Pick n Pay marks a significant shift in investor sentiment. There's renewed confidence among local institutional actors that South African retail still holds considerable untapped value — provided leadership teams can deliver turnaround plans with discipline and speed. Omnichannel Moves from Buzzword to Battleground If 2024 was the year omnichannel became a boardroom priority, 2025 is the year it becomes a competitive imperative. The Absa report citing a 51% surge in online shopping underlines how deeply South African consumers are embracing digital-first retail. But this is not simply a migration to e-commerce. The more sophisticated consumer journey now includes in-store browsing, online price comparisons, click-and-collect, and increasingly, integrated loyalty experiences. Retailers like Takealot, through their partnership with creative agency Joe Public, are doubling down on brand relevance and experience — using creativity not just for advertising, but to shape UX, content commerce, and product discovery. New entrants such as African Pro and BoxCommerce are helping to democratise e-commerce for SMEs, which could drive further fragmentation in the marketplace — but also wider consumer choice. Ultimately, omnichannel is not a technology race — it's a logistics, data, and fulfilment race. The edge will go to those who can deliver end-to-end convenience across digital and physical touchpoints while keeping operating costs under control. Premium Retail Makes a Statement While much of the focus remains on mass-market retail, it would be a mistake to overlook the premium surge. The upcoming arrival of Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront signals international confidence in South Africa's luxury sector. This trend aligns with a rise in local high-net-worth individuals and a growing segment of affluent, urban consumers willing to invest in experiential retail. Retail locations like the V&A Waterfront are no longer just shopping centres — they're becoming lifestyle precincts that blend hospitality, culture, and high-end commerce. Elsewhere, niche luxury is also gaining traction. The Scoin Shop's flagship store opening in Pretoria exemplifies a play for focused, high-margin retail models built on heritage, collectibility, and status. Behind the Scenes: Infrastructure Innovation Accelerates The consumer-facing side of retail often gets the spotlight, but it's the infrastructure layer that will define long-term success. Payments, fulfilment, and back-end data systems are all undergoing quiet but critical reinvention. TANGO's innovation in payment experiences is part of a broader ecosystem shift — where seamless, secure, and omnichannel-ready payment solutions are no longer optional. These tools are enabling smaller retailers to play on a more level field, while allowing larger ones to deliver faster, more personalised checkout and loyalty experiences. This shift from product-centric to platform-enabled retail is subtle but profound. We expect a growing number of South African retailers to invest in API-based architectures, inventory visibility systems, and customer data platforms that allow for adaptive, intelligent retail operations. Calleo's Outlook: From Expansion to Precision At Calleo, we believe the South African retail sector is entering a new era — one defined not by pure scale or market share, but by strategic precision, operational discipline, and tech-enabled agility. The winners in this next chapter will be those who: Invest in robust omnichannel ecosystems, not just front-end digital. Prioritise customer data and behavioural insights over legacy segmentation models. Know when to consolidate, when to divest, and when to double down. Understand that innovation is as much about logistics and payments as it is about flashy digital stores. This is no longer a market for generalists. South African retail is becoming a game for the focused, the fast, and the flexible.
