SPAR enters Iceland with opening of first retail stores

Initial locations in Reykjavik and Hafnarfjörður mark the start of nationwide expansion.

SPAR has officially entered the Icelandic retail market with the opening of its first two stores in Hafnarfjörður and central Reykjavik. The launch follows a licensing agreement granted earlier in 2026 by SPAR International to local company Drangar hf, with operations managed by Icelandic retailer Samkaup.

The two supermarkets opened on June 6, introducing the SPAR brand to Iceland for the first time. Located in Hafnarfjörður and Barónsstígur, Reykjavik, the stores offer a mix of fresh food, convenience products and private-label items. The Hafnarfjörður site spans over 300 m² and stocks around 3,600 products, while the Reykjavik location covers approximately 440 m² with more than 4,000 items, targeting a mix of local residents, commuters and tourists.

Both stores emphasize fresh produce, bakery, coffee and food-to-go options, alongside a broader grocery assortment. Around 300 private-label SPAR products are included in each location, reflecting the brand’s global sourcing strategy combined with local adaptation.

The launch marks the beginning of a broader rollout plan in Iceland, as the company intends to expand through the conversion of existing retail brands within the Drangar group, including Krambúð, Kjörbúð and 10–11, as part of a nationwide growth strategy.

The partnership between SPAR International and Drangar aims to combine international retail practices with local market knowledge. Samkaup will oversee store operations and development, leveraging SPAR’s global supply chain and retail expertise.