SPAR International has officially entered the North Macedonian market by rebranding the existing Kit-Go Markets therein, according to reports by local media websites Večer and Faktor.
The 62 Kit-Go retail outlets across North Macedonia have now been officially renamed and are operating as SPAR North Macedonia.
While a significant number of the points of sale are located in Štip and the capital, Skopje, the brand is also present in almost all other large and small towns across the country.
Kit-Go Markets, which previously comprised approximately 60 stores, were acquired by the Kosovan-based Viva Fresh Group for around €60 million a few years ago.
These stores will now operate fully under the SPAR banner.
Media reports now indicate that SPAR plans to open a new market in Kavadarci while actively searching for further suitable locations.
Tinex Acquisition
Beyond the rebranding, sources have told Faktor that SPAR, via Viva Fresh, is also looking to acquire Tinex’s 14 hypermarket locations.
These Super Tinex stores are large-format markets with expanded offerings, including those in Skopje, at East Gate Mall, and in the municipalities of Aerodrom, Centar, Gazi Baba, Karpoš, and Kisela Voda.
Additional points of sale are located in the cities of Ohrid, Prilep, Strumica and Ilinden.
Tinex has declined to comment on these suggestions, stating that it would only do so if a final agreement were reached.
SPAR operates through a unique licensed-partnership model.
This allows for independent ownership and customised local assortments, rather than a strictly centralised approach.
SPAR Austria is a major operator within the group, responsible for markets in Italy, Hungary and Slovenia, while currently expanding into Malta, Switzerland and China.
The brand is also well established in the Balkan region, with operations in Kosovo and Albania.