Speaking to The Portugal News on Thursday, Spar Portugal’s Development Director Luís da Bernarda explained that the reason behind purchasing the group of 12 stores is that these supermarkets fall within the scope of “our chain, which is to have retail points close to people.”
Mr da Bernarda explained that Spar would be increasing their team by 67 workers across the dozen stores.
When asked why he believed Spar would succeed where Alisuper had failed, the Spar chief replied: “It is our conviction that these stores will contribute to reinforcing the success of our chain.”
Questioned over when the transition would be complete, Mr da Bernarda said they would be “open between the end of this week and during the course of next week.”
The Spar Development Director said that the chain, which has 92 supermarkets nationwide, has plans to open several new stores across the country in the foreseeable future, with four openings scheduled once the Algarve ones have opened their doors to the public.
In response to the view as to whether there was a large enough market in the Algarve and elsewhere in the country to support the growing number of supermarkets, Luís da Bernarda told The Portugal News that “there is always space for supermarkets which showcase innovation and a quality store environment for their customers.”
Back in 2015, Alisuper sold seven stores to French retailers Intermarché and three to local supermarket chain Pingo Doce, after which it entered a Special Revitalisation Process at the end of last year.
The Algarve-based supermarket chain was this week reported to have 35 million euros in accumulated debts and is said by the local trade workers’ union (CESP) to owe €150,000 in unpaid salaries to workers. Currently none of Alisuper’s remaining stores are open.