SPAR Zimbabwe opens flagship Cardinals Supermarket in Harare
The new store introduces a modern retail layout and creates over 100 jobs for the local community.
ZIBAMBWE – SPAR Zimbabwe has opened its latest flagship store, SPAR Cardinals, situated at the recently developed Cardinals Corner shopping centre in Harare.
The supermarket covers more than 1,600m² of retail space and features a contemporary interior design with integrated retail technology.
The layout draws inspiration from Zimbabwean culture, combining vibrant colours with an interactive marketplace concept, while LED lighting and advanced equipment aim to enhance the shopping experience.
For customer comfort, the store is fully air-conditioned, providing a climate-controlled environment for all shoppers.
Sustainability is incorporated throughout the store, with refrigeration units using CO2-efficient refrigerants and vinyl flooring made from 80% controlled recyclable materials that can be fully recycled at the end of their lifespan.
The opening has generated more than 100 new jobs for the local community, contributing to employment in the area.
SPAR Cardinals focuses on three main pillars: quality, freshness, and local sourcing, which shape the store’s product offerings and departments.
The fresh bar provides smoothies, pressed juices, and fruit salads, while the deli offers ready-to-eat meals and a variety of cold cuts and prepared items.
The bakery produces baked goods onsite, and the butchery delivers both made-to-order cuts and pre-packaged meat products.
Customers can also access a self-service section of spices and grains, with an overall assortment of around 6,300 products aimed at meeting everyday grocery needs.
Additionally, the store features a Tops at SPAR liquor section, complete with a walk-in chiller for beverages.
Huston Munyoro, Operations Executive at SPAR Zimbabwe, said the store prioritizes sourcing from local suppliers to provide customers with fresh products directly.
Investment in South Africa
SPAR’s operations in Southern Africa are expanding, with South Africa recently unveiling its first SPAR Gourmet outlet at Zimbali Oasis in KwaZulu-Natal.
The premium format in South Africa focuses on specialty food counters, curated bakery items, and ready-to-eat meals to appeal to customers seeking convenience and quality.
The South African store also includes a dedicated butchery and an expanded wine section, designed in partnership with experienced independent retailer Mark Anderson.
SPAR representatives highlighted that the Gourmet concept allows stores to adjust to local preferences while keeping pace with broader retail trends, including more experience-driven shopping environments.
Launch events for the Gourmet store included product tastings and demonstrations, giving visitors insight into the offerings and experience of the new format.
