Spar India 2

Dutch retailer Spar has opened a new 8000m2flagship hypermarket in Bangalore in a move that will dramatically increase the company's presence in India.

The store, which opened on 13 March in Bangalore's Mantri Mall, will create 400 new jobs and is the fourth Spar hypermarket in the country, withplans for even more.

'The launch of the Mantri Mall store reflects the expansion of Spar not just in India but globally, into new and exciting markets thanks to our winning retail formats,' said Spar International's managing director Dr Gordon Campbell.

'The flagship hypermarket will provide a world-class retail experience, while maintaining Spar's ongoing commitment to good-value shopping.

'Spar International has and will continue to provide a strong support role in the development of the hypermarket format in India,' he said.

The Mantri Mall store is distinctive due to its large scale, with wide aisles, 45 checkouts and extra queuing space.

The majority of foods in the store are locally sourced and an extensive Spar India private label range will also be available.

The store will also be stocked with oxo-biodegradable bags, the first time they have been used at a Spar hypermarket, and these will gradually replace the plastic bags traditionally used for fruit and vegetables.