Spar Delmas bids farewell for NOW as municipality assures community of return

DELMAS — DELMAS — Residents of Delmas have been assured that the local SPAR store is not permanently closing, but will temporarily shut its doors as part of a transition to new ownership and upgrades.

The Office of the Executive Mayor confirmed that the business has been sold following the retirement of long-time owner Peter Paraskeva, who has operated the store for many years.

According to the municipality, the new owners, Excelsior Trade and Invest, will take over the establishment and temporarily close the store for approximately one to two months to allow for renovations and rebranding.

“The Office of the Executive Mayor wishes to address concerns arising from recent reports suggesting that the local SPAR store is closing down,” the statement read.

“We would like to reassure residents that this development does not represent a permanent closure, but rather a transition that is expected to bring renewed investment and improved services to the area.”

The municipality also acknowledged Paraskeva’s contribution to the local economy, noting his long-standing role in serving the Delmas community.

The business will be transferred to the new owners on 01 May 2026, from which date they will take possession. It is not yet clear when the store will reopen, but loyal customers have expressed hope that the closure period will be short.

Municipal officials said they will continue engaging with the new owners to ensure that the reopening process proceeds smoothly and that community interests, including employment opportunities, are safeguarded.

The store is expected to reopen under new management once renovations and rebranding are completed.

For many residents, however, the transition marks the end of an era.

In a farewell message to customers, Delmas SPAR thanked the community for decades of support.

“It is with sadness that we say goodbye to our loyal customers. Most of you became our friends and family, and it is heartbreaking for us to come to the end of our road,” the store said.

“We want to thank each one of you for all the years of loyal support. We are going to miss all of you.”

The store confirmed that its last trading day was 30 April 2026, marking the end of a 42-year journey under Paraskeva’s leadership.

Local resident Hanri Ehlers reflected on the store’s place in the community.

“For us, it was 42 years of Saturdays — more than just a store, it was part of our home,” she said.

The Office of the Executive Mayor confirmed that the business has been sold following the retirement of long-time owner Peter Paraskeva, who has operated the store for many years.

According to the municipality, the new owners, Excelsior Trade and Invest, will take over the establishment and temporarily close the store for approximately one to two months to allow for renovations and rebranding.

“The Office of the Executive Mayor wishes to address concerns arising from recent reports suggesting that the local SPAR store is closing down,” the statement read.

“We would like to reassure residents that this development does not represent a permanent closure, but rather a transition that is expected to bring renewed investment and improved services to the area.”

The municipality also acknowledged Paraskeva’s contribution to the local economy, noting his long-standing role in serving the Delmas community.

The business will be transferred to the new owners on 01 May 2026, from which date they will take possession. It is not yet clear when the store will reopen, but loyal customers have expressed hope that the closure period will be short.

Municipal officials said they will continue engaging with the new owners to ensure that the reopening process proceeds smoothly and that community interests, including employment opportunities, are safeguarded.

The store is expected to reopen under new management once renovations and rebranding are completed.

For many residents, however, the transition marks the end of an era.

In a farewell message to customers, Delmas SPAR thanked the community for decades of support.

“It is with sadness that we say goodbye to our loyal customers. Most of you became our friends and family, and it is heartbreaking for us to come to the end of our road,” the store said.

“We want to thank each one of you for all the years of loyal support. We are going to miss all of you.”

The store confirmed that its last trading day was 30 April 2026, marking the end of a 42-year journey under Paraskeva’s leadership.

Local resident Hanri Ehlers reflected on the store’s place in the community.

“For us, it was 42 years of Saturdays — more than just a store, it was part of our home,” she said.