Irish convenience store chain Spar is to create 1,000 jobs as part of a €200m (US$235m) expansion that will see 100 new stores opened by the end of 2005.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

BWG, which holds Ireland’s Spar franchise, said the expansion would increase sales by 48% to €1bn within three years. BWG currently operates around 400 Spar outlets in Ireland and employs 7,500 people.

At a press conference to publicise the expansion plans, Leo Crawford, chief executive of BWG, took the opportunity to voice his opinion on reports that the government is considering lifting the ban on selling groceries below wholesale prices and building large out-of-town hypermarkets, reported the Irish Times.

Crawford said that ending such bans would hurt domestic retailers. Only larger retailers stood to gain from such a decision, while the position of independents and suppliers would be weakened, Crawford said.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now