tops! at SPAR Specials: History, Size and How to Judge the Deals

Quick answer: tops! at SPAR is SPAR's liquor store brand, launched in 2000. A November 2024 Financial Mail article reported 913 Tops stores, up from about 20 at launch. Specials are published through SPAR's channels and in store; they vary by outlet and you must be 18 or older to buy.

Last updated: October 2026. Facts come from Wikipedia (Spar South Africa), Financial Mail (28 November 2024) and Business Day (2 March 2026).

The tops! at SPAR story

SPAR launched tops! at SPAR in 2000 and listed on the JSE in 2004. Financial Mail's 2024 article counted 913 stores. A March 2026 Business Day report said Shoprite had overtaken Tops as the retailer with the most liquor outlets, and that SPAR responded with a campaign called "Turn Up Epic" to strengthen the brand.

Year	Milestone
2000	tops! at SPAR launched (about 20 stores at start)
2004	SPAR listed on the JSE
2024	913 Tops stores reported (Financial Mail)
2026	Shoprite reported to have overtaken Tops by outlet count; "Turn Up Epic" campaign

Tops versus other liquor chains

Chain	Group	Loyalty	Notes
tops! at SPAR	SPAR Group	SPAR Rewards	913 stores (2024)
Checkers LiquorShop	Shoprite Group	Xtra Savings	Net 80 new stores in the year to Dec 2024
Ultra Liquors	Private	Not confirmed	About 80 stores, trade focus
Pick n Pay Liquor, Boxer Liquor	Pick n Pay and Boxer	Smart Shopper / Boxer Rewards	Boxer had 159 liquor stores in Aug 2024

How to find Tops specials

1. spar.co.za specials and regional leaflets.
2. SPAR2U app.
3. Shelf tags and end-of-aisle displays in the store.

Judging a liquor special

• Calculate the price per 100 ml or per can.
• Compare with other chains' normal prices.
• Read limits, dates and pack sizes.

The rules

• Minimum age is 18; ID may be requested.
• Trading hours depend on provincial and municipal rules and the licence.
• Never drive after drinking.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Large network, often next to a SPAR.
• SPAR Rewards linkage.
• Wide choice of wine, beer and spirits.

Cons

• Independent ownership means prices vary.
• Smaller outlets carry fewer lines.
• Competition means specials from rivals may beat it on some items.

Frequently asked questions

When did Tops launch?

2000.

How many Tops stores are there?

913 per a November 2024 report.

Is Tops part of SPAR?

Yes, tops! at SPAR.

Why competition matters to you

When Business Day reported in March 2026 that Shoprite had overtaken Tops by outlet count, it highlighted a fight for market share between the big grocery groups. For shoppers that usually means sharper promotions and loyalty perks, so check at least two chains before a big purchase.

Question to ask	Why it matters
Is the member price available without a card?	You may pay more at the till
Is the special per bottle or per case?	Changes the per-unit sum
Does the outlet carry the pack size advertised?	Smaller outlets may not
When does the promotion end?	Avoid arriving after the price returns

Hosting checklist

1. Count adults and decide drinks per person.
2. Choose the mix of wine, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic options.
3. Compare per-unit prices at two chains.
4. Buy ice and mixers separately; they are often cheaper at a supermarket.
5. Plan lifts home.

How the Tops network grew

A jump from roughly 20 stores in 2000 to 913 in 2024 shows how quickly SPAR scaled the brand through its independent retailers. Just Drinks has covered SPAR's ambition to expand its liquor outlets, and the group's reports during the Covid-19 liquor restrictions showed how sensitive the category is to regulation. For shoppers, a bigger network means a Tops outlet is often close by, but it also means standards and pricing can vary between independently run stores.

Tops specials versus supermarket specials

Aspect	Tops outlet	Supermarket grocery
Age limit	18 or older	None for groceries
Hours	Set by licence and local rules	Usually longer
Promotions	Liquor-specific, often per pack	Weekly leaflets

A simple habit that saves money

Note the usual price of the wine, beer or spirit you buy most. When a Tops special appears you can tell immediately whether the saving is real.

Sources

• Wikipedia: Spar (South Africa)
• Financial Mail: Liquor sales bring cheer in tricky times (28 November 2024)
• Business Day: SPAR's Tops intensifies fight for market share (2 March 2026)
• Just Drinks coverage of SPAR liquor expansion