SPAR Austria is expanding its convenience format through a new partnership with JET, with five SPAR Express forecourt stores set to open across Austria by the end of May 2026.
The rollout is part of a pilot phase, focused on testing how supermarket-style retail performs in petrol station locations.
SPAR moves into forecourt retail with pilot stores
The five new SPAR Express sites will offer around 1,500 products within compact retail spaces of roughly 80 square metres.
The concept is designed to bring a full grocery offer into high-traffic forecourt locations, combining convenience with a broader supermarket-style range.
Fresh food, chilled snacks and drinks are central to the assortment, alongside everyday essentials.
SPAR’s own brand products, as well as fresh categories like fruit, vegetables, meat, and bakery items, will be sold at the same prices as in its traditional stores.
This positions the format closer to an Austria supermarket offer rather than a typical petrol station shop.
Focus on speed, layout and extended opening hours
The stores will operate daily, including public holidays, from 6 am to 10 pm.
Layouts are designed for quick shopping, with clear product categories, open space, and strong visibility across shelves.
The design uses modern lighting and natural materials, with a strong focus on fresh food presentation.
The goal is to create a fast, intuitive shopping experience for customers on the move.
Why it matters
The pilot highlights how supermarket groups are expanding into forecourt retail to capture convenience demand and increase store reach without large footprints.
It also reflects growing competition in the convenience segment, where speed, pricing, and product quality are becoming key differentiators.
For suppliers and FMCG brands, formats like SPAR Express create new distribution points with high turnover and strong demand for ready-to-eat and impulse products.
If successful, the model could support further rollout across Austria.
Editor’s Note: All information is based on the official announcement from SPAR Austria.
