SPAR Catalogue: How the Leaflet Works and How to Use It

Quick answer: On its website SPAR publishes "National & regional leaflets" and "National & provincial leaflets" on its specials page. Each leaflet shows a validity period, and the one displayed when we checked ran from 19 October to 8 November 2026. Because SPAR supplies independently run stores, regional leaflets and local prices can differ, so always pick your own region and confirm at your store.

Last updated: October 2026. Facts come from spar.co.za, Wikipedia and business press listed at the end. We do not quote shelf prices because they change.

What "SPAR catalogue" means

Shoppers say "catalogue", but SPAR's own site uses the word "leaflet". It is a digital flipbook of promotions. At the time of checking, featured items included long life milk, instant coffee and ice cream with a "buy any 2" structure, and each special linked to the SPAR2U app. A leaflet can last longer than a week, so check the dates.

Why leaflets differ by region

Wikipedia describes the SPAR Group as supplying independent retailers who trade under the SPAR brand, with the non-profit SPAR Guild of Southern Africa managing their membership. That structure is why SPAR publishes regional and provincial versions, and why a small store may not carry every line a large one does.

The SPAR formats at a glance

Format	Launched / notes	Best for
SUPERSPAR	1998, large supermarket	Big shops and the widest range
SPAR	Standard neighbourhood supermarket	Weekly shopping
KWIKSPAR	1990, smaller store	Quick top-ups
SPAR Express	2011, forecourt convenience	Fuel-stop essentials
SPAR Gourmet	November 2025, premium	Speciality items
SaveMor	1975, value and rural focus	Price-sensitive shoppers
tops! at SPAR	2000, liquor	Wine, beer, spirits (18+)

SPAR versus other big chains: a fair comparison

Question	SPAR	Checkers / Shoprite Group
Ownership model	Group supplies independently run stores	Group-owned stores plus franchise outlets (573 of 3,710 in June 2026)
Loyalty	SPAR Rewards card (relaunched May 2023)	Xtra Savings (Checkers 2019, Shoprite October 2020)
App and delivery	SPAR2U (delivery launched 2022)	Sixty60 delivers groceries and alcohol
Promotions	National plus regional leaflets	Weekly promotions with member offers
Consistency between stores	Can vary by store owner	Generally more uniform in group-owned stores

Neither model is "better" in every case. SPAR's strength is the neighbourhood store close to home, while the Shoprite Group leads on scale and delivery reach.

How to read a SPAR leaflet

1. Check the dates. After the end date the price can go back up.
2. Compare unit prices. A bigger pack is not always cheaper per litre or kilogram.
3. Read multi-buy wording. "Any 2 for" means you must buy two.
4. Note the saving. Judge it against what you usually pay, not just the crossed-out price.
5. Build the list from the leaflet. Highlight only what you use.

SPAR Rewards and SPAR2U

SPAR launched a rewards programme with e-coupons in 2015 and relaunched it as the SPAR Rewards card in May 2023, reportedly passing one million sign-ups in six days. SPAR says it is free to join and starts earning once activated. In February 2024, FNB customers could start earning eBucks at SPAR. SPAR2U covers weekly shopping, recipes, rewards and competitions, and SPAR also announced a 2025 partnership with Uber Eats. Delivery depends on your local store.

Option	Pros	Cons
Online leaflet	Free and good for planning	Stock not guaranteed in your store
SPAR2U app	Specials, recipes and rewards in one place	Needs data; delivery fees may apply
Shelf tags	Show the exact price you pay	You must be at the shop

A short history behind the leaflet

Year	Milestone
1963	SPAR starts in South Africa in Cape Town
1975	SaveMor launched
1990	KWIKSPAR launched
1998	SUPERSPAR launched
2000	tops! at SPAR launched
2004	Listed on the JSE
2015	First rewards programme
2022	SPAR2U delivery launched
2023	SPAR Rewards card relaunched
2025	SPAR Gourmet and Pet Storey; head office moved to uMhlanga in December

Store counts differ across sources: Wikipedia lists 3,726 locations in 2025 across all countries, while press reports cite roughly 2,000 to 2,500 outlets in Southern Africa depending on year and definition. Treat any single figure with care.

Pros and cons of shopping SPAR specials

Pros

• Neighbourhood stores, often within walking distance.
• Free rewards card and an app that ties into the leaflet.
• Regional leaflets that reflect local demand.

Cons

• Prices and ranges can vary from store to store.
• Smaller stores may not stock every leaflet item.
• Popular specials can sell out.

Tips, sharp and simple

• Open the leaflet at the start of the cycle for the best stock.
• Stock up on staples like rice, pasta and washing powder only when you have the cash and the cupboard space.
• Scan your Rewards card every visit.
• Check your slip against the leaflet before leaving the till.
• Ask the store about delivery before assuming it is offered.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I find the latest SPAR catalogue?

On the specials page of spar.co.za under national and regional leaflets.

How long does a SPAR leaflet last?

It varies. The one we saw ran 19 October to 8 November 2026. Always read the dates on the current leaflet.

Are SPAR prices the same everywhere?

Not necessarily, because stores are independently run.

Is the SPAR Rewards card free?

Yes, SPAR says you can join for free.

Can I buy liquor from the SPAR leaflet?

Liquor is sold through tops! at SPAR and SaveMor Liquors, and you must be 18 or older.

Common leaflet mistakes

• Assuming a leaflet from another province applies to your store.
• Skipping the unit price and choosing the biggest pack.
• Forgetting to scan the Rewards card.
• Not checking the till slip against the leaflet.
• Buying perishables on special without a plan to use them.

Sources

• spar.co.za specials page (leaflets, SPAR2U, SPAR Rewards, formats)
• Wikipedia: Spar (South Africa) (history, formats, rewards, group facts)
• Wikipedia: Shoprite Holdings (comparison figures)
• BusinessTech and trade press on SPAR store numbers