SPAR Australia says it has reluctantly closed its Byron Bay outlet due to difficult trading conditions and a decline in the tourism trade.
According to SPAR Australia’s Chief Executive, Leigh Carson, the economic downturn and subsequent decline in tourism in the region left the company with no choice but to close the Byron Bay store.

‘After trading for seven months, this is extremely disappointing, particularly for the staff who have worked tirelessly to make the store a success.
‘But in a region that relies heavily on the tourism trade, the last seven months have been extremely challenging,’ Mr Carson said.

‘The team at SPAR Byron Bay performed exceptionally well to provide customers with an outstanding retail offer, despite very difficult ­circumstances.’
Mr Carson said that while the Byron Bay store would close, SPAR still had a very strong presence in the region with stores in Suffolk Park, Lismore, Murwillumbah and Pottsville.

‘These stores are all independently owned, doing well and providing an outstanding service to their local communities. They are not impacted by the Byron Bay closure in any way.’
SPAR says it is ‘a global success, operating in 31 countries around the world.
‘SPAR stores are all 100 per cent locally owned. SPAR injected almost $400 million in sales into Australia’s retail economy last year.

‘Worldwide, the SPAR group serves more than ten million customers every day and supports local communities all over the world by sponsoring local sporting clubs, charities and community events.’