Less than a year since entering the Israeli retail market, Spar is already undergoing major changes, with its Kfar Saba branch, currently the only one in the country, set to open on Saturdays.

The chain plans to open three more branches in Tel Aviv as well. The Dutch chain was launched in Israel about a year ago, with the goal of opening 35 branches in the country.

These changes come against the backdrop of the dissolution of the partnership about two months ago between franchisee Amit Ze'ev and billionaire Yitzchak Mirilashvili, the owner of Channel 14. Now, after Mirilashvili has exited the picture, the chain has decided to implement the Saturday opening, which will cater to many consumers looking for places to do their shopping on Saturdays. It is worth noting that even though the store will be open on Saturday, the products imported from Spar's private brand are certified kosher.

Amit Ze'ev (credit: TAL FLINT)
Amit Ze'ev (credit: TAL FLINT)
As a reminder, last November, after the dissolution of the partnership in the Spar chain, the opening of the second branch of the chain at the Yes Planet complex in Beersheba was canceled. The branch was supposed to open in September, but ultimately, a Netto Hisachon branch will open instead, while Spar continues to search for another location in the city for its branch.

No comment was provided by Spar.