Spar Expands Its Network After Unimarkt’s Exit from Key Austrian Regions
Austrian retail powerhouse Spar has announced plans to take over 23 Unimarkt locations across five federal states, following the recent closure of the long-standing grocery chain. The move, confirmed by both companies on Thursday, marks a significant restructuring of Austria’s supermarket landscape under the headline “Spar übernimmt Unimarkt Filialen.”
According to Spar’s official statement, the acquisition involves 11 stores in Styria, five in Upper Austria, four in Lower Austria, two in Salzburg, and one in Burgenland. The takeover ensures continued access to local grocery services in communities previously served by Unimarkt.
Safeguarding Jobs and Local Supply Chains
A key aspect of the Spar übernimmt Unimarkt Filialen deal is job security. Spar confirmed that all existing Unimarkt employees at the affected branches will be retained, ensuring stability for dozens of workers affected by the retailer’s exit.
In addition, Spar plans to operate many of the new locations through independent franchise owners, integrating some former Unimarkt franchisees into its broader Spar network. This hybrid ownership model is expected to strengthen regional entrepreneurship and maintain community-based store management.
“By welcoming independent retailers and former Unimarkt partners into our system, we are preserving local know-how and supporting small business continuity,” a Spar spokesperson said.
Transition Expected in Early 2026
The deal, which covers 23 Unimarkt Standorte (store locations), remains subject to approval by the Austrian Federal Competition Authority (Bundeswettbewerbsbehörde, BWB). Pending regulatory clearance, Spar expects the official handover of stores to occur during the first months of 2026.
In a joint statement, Unimarkt’s management confirmed the agreement and emphasized that customers would experience a seamless transition. “For our customers, the doors will remain open,” the company said. “The handovers to Spar are planned for early 2026, ensuring continued service without interruption.”
As part of the restructuring, the remaining Unimarkt locations are still under negotiation with other retail groups, according to Die Presse. Industry analysts expect that other supermarket chains such as Billa, Hofer, or regional cooperatives may express interest in acquiring the leftover stores.
Strengthening Spar’s Regional Footprint
The acquisition under the Spar übernimmt Unimarkt Filialen agreement is viewed as a strategic move to reinforce Spar’s dominance in Austria’s retail market, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
By taking over Unimarkt Standorte in smaller communities, Spar aims to preserve local grocery supply chains and prevent gaps in food retail accessibility. Many of these Unimarkt branches were located in regions where residents rely on small neighborhood supermarkets for daily essentials.
A retail analyst at the Austrian Chamber of Commerce commented, “Spar’s move is as much about community presence as it is about business expansion. They are filling the void left by Unimarkt while ensuring local access to food, which is crucial in smaller towns.”
Unimarkt’s Decline and Market Shifts
Unimarkt, once a cornerstone of Austria’s supermarket sector, faced growing competition from larger discount chains and online grocery platforms. Over the past few years, the company struggled to maintain profitability in an increasingly consolidated market.
Its decision to exit from direct retail operations and focus on supply partnerships left over 90 branches in question — sparking multiple negotiations with potential buyers, including Spar.
The Spar übernimmt Unimarkt Filialen deal now secures nearly a quarter of these locations under new ownership, marking a partial yet significant resolution to the Unimarkt transition.
Local Communities Welcome Stability
Residents in the affected regions have expressed relief that Spar is stepping in. “We were afraid our local store would close for good,” said one shopper in Styria. “Knowing that Spar will reopen it gives us confidence that our community won’t lose access to groceries.”
Local mayors in several municipalities also praised the move, emphasizing that maintaining Unimarkt Standorte as operating supermarkets will help sustain rural economies and jobs.
Outlook: Continued Retail Consolidation Ahead
As the Spar übernimmt Unimarkt Filialen agreement progresses toward regulatory approval, industry observers predict more consolidation in Austria’s supermarket landscape. Rising logistics costs, digitalization pressures, and changing consumer habits are driving mid-sized chains like Unimarkt to merge or sell operations to larger competitors.
For now, Spar’s acquisition ensures that affected communities remain served — preserving local access while strengthening Spar’s nationwide retail presence.
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