Araz, which became SPAR International's partner in April this year, plans to open eight new SPAR stores by the end of 2017.  

Araz is part of retail and wholesale group Veyseloglu, formed in 1992. These new stores will add to the 23 convenience and supermarket formats that the Azerbaijani retailer already manages.

Entry to Azerbaijan adds to other new SPAR International market entries in Cameroon, Indonesia and Malawi. Global expansion plans for SPAR also include Muscat in Oman. It has been confirmed that the retailer will partner with local Omani retailer Khimji Ramdas, with the aim of opening 21 new stores by the end of 2018. Expansion through international partnerships provides an opportunity for SPAR International to drive growth by combining its global scale and brand power with local expertise.