• SPAR expands into Kandy and Kurunegala

Sri Lanka’s retail sector is shifting, not through sudden disruption, but through steady, deliberate growth that is reshaping how people shop, where they shop, and what they expect when they walk through supermarket doors. At the centre of this transition is SPAR Sri Lanka, which is extending its footprint beyond Colombo with new outlets in Kandy and Kurunegala, an expansion that signals both confidence in regional markets and a broader shift in the country’s retail experience.

The newest addition in Kandy, located along George E. De Silva Mawatha, is set to open on 30 March marking a long-awaited arrival for shoppers in the hill capital.

Expanding beyond Colombo

With the Kandy outlet, SPAR Sri Lanka reaches 12 stores islandwide, a figure that carries weight in a market where expansion has often been cautious. The move into central Sri Lanka suggests a deliberate strategy: to meet demand in cities that are no longer peripheral but central to the country’s economic and social rhythms.

“This expansion reflects our commitment to making internationally benchmarked retail experiences more accessible beyond Colombo,” SPAR Sri Lanka CEO Kumar De Silva stated. “We see strong potential in regional cities where consumer expectations are rapidly evolving.”

Kurunegala is next in line. The opening of the 13th outlet in Kurunegala, scheduled for April, further strengthens SPAR’s presence outside the Western Province.

“Our growth is not just about increasing store numbers,” de Silva explained. “It is about ensuring that customers across the island have access to the same quality, convenience, and consistency.”

The power of a local partnership

Behind this expansion is a partnership that has quietly underpinned SPAR’s presence in Sri Lanka since its entry into the market in 2017. Its collaboration with Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL) brings together global retail expertise with local market knowledge – a balance that has proven critical in navigating Sri Lanka’s consumer landscape.

“Since entering Sri Lanka, our partnership with CBL has been instrumental in shaping our journey,” De Silva said. “Their understanding of local consumers and supply chains allows us to adapt global standards in a way that feels relevant here.”

The result is what the brand positions as a “global yet local” concept.

“We are committed to supporting Sri Lankan producers while offering customers access to international-quality products and experiences,” the spokesperson noted.

Building a ‘glocal’ supermarket experience

The term ‘glocal’ is often used loosely in marketing, but in SPAR’s case, it reflects a specific retail philosophy. Stores are designed to meet global standards in layout, hygiene, and organisation, while maintaining a strong emphasis on local sourcing and accessibility.

“Over the past seven years, we have focused on creating a superior product range that combines both international and locally sourced goods,” De Silva stated.

Fresh food is central to this approach, with dedicated sections for produce, bakery, meat, and ready-to-eat meals.

“Our emphasis on fresh food excellence is a core part of the SPAR experience,” the spokesperson explained. “We want customers to find everything they need under one roof, with quality they can trust.”

The inclusion of private-label products further strengthens this positioning.

“Our SPAR-owned products are developed to meet global quality standards while supporting local manufacturing,” De Silva added.

Investing in local entrepreneurs

SPAR’s growth strategy extends beyond corporate expansion. Through its SPAR SaveMor initiative, the brand is working with local entrepreneurs, offering them access to a globally recognised retail framework while strengthening their operational capabilities.

“We are committed to driving future expansion in partnership with local entrepreneurs,” De Silva said. “The SPAR SaveMor initiative is designed to empower business owners by enhancing their capabilities and operational standards.”

This model reflects a broader shift in how retail expansion is being approached.

“By working with local partners, we are able to create opportunities within communities while maintaining the consistency of the SPAR brand,” De Silva noted.

Seven years of steady growth

Since entering Sri Lanka in 2017, SPAR has spent the past seven years building its presence methodically. Rather than rapid expansion, the brand has focused on consistency in product range, service quality, and store experience.

“Over the past seven years, we have steadily strengthened our presence in the Sri Lankan supermarket industry,” De Silva stated. “Our focus has always been on delivering a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience.”

Customer service remains a key differentiator, supported by internationally trained staff and thoughtfully designed store layouts.

“Our teams are trained to deliver service that meets international standards, ensuring that every visit is convenient and enjoyable,” De Silva said.

Redefining everyday shopping

At its core, SPAR’s expansion speaks to a larger transformation in Sri Lanka’s retail sector. Supermarkets are no longer just places to purchase groceries; they are spaces where convenience, quality, and experience intersect.

“With each new outlet, we aim to elevate the supermarket experience in Sri Lanka,” De Silva explained. “Our goal is to enhance convenience, quality, and value for customers across the island.”

For shoppers in Kandy and Kurunegala, the arrival of SPAR introduces a new standard – one that blends international practices with local relevance.

“With our signature blend of international standards and local relevance, we are confident that SPAR will redefine everyday grocery shopping for communities across the country,” De Silva stated.

As SPAR continues its expansion, its presence signals more than geographic growth. It reflects a retail sector in transition, one where expectations are rising, and where the definition of everyday shopping is steadily being reshaped.