IN THE often unpredictable world of retail, Alasia and Stratos Moumtzis faced an extraordinary challenge just eight days into their venture. The roof of their newly opened SPAR store in Lorraine, Port Elizabeth, collapsed, only prevented from hitting the floor by the store’s shelving.
Despite this dramatic beginning, the Moumtzis family, with support from SPAR’s head office, reopened the store six months later. This second chance was the cornerstone of a fruitful 35-year journey with the SPAR brand.
A legacy of growth and innovation
After their initial hurdles, the Moumtzis family expanded their retail footprint, opening a KWIKSPAR in the city and the Figtree SPAR in Lorraine. Eventually, they consolidated their efforts into the Newton Park SUPERSPAR, which opened in 1999. This store became a pioneer in transforming grocery shopping into a destination experience, a vision overseen by Alasia and her family.
Following Stratos’ passing in 2017, Alasia’s daughter, Narissa, stepped up to lighten her mother’s load, utilising training from the SPAR Academy of Learning. With her mother’s guidance, Narissa took over day-to-day operations, ensuring the store’s continued success. In 2021, Alasia’s dedication was recognised with the prestigious National SPAR Retail Award, acknowledging her commitment to SPAR’s values in customer service, community engagement, and store performance.
Empowering women in retail
Alasia has made significant contributions to SPAR’s brand, serving on the marketing board for the Eastern Cape and the regional and national Guilds. Notably, she was the first woman to serve on the national Guild, advocating for the unique strengths women bring to retail, such as customer connection and attention to detail. Her impact is evident in her community involvement, supporting nonprofits, animal welfare, and monthly events for senior customers.
SPAR’s commitment to entrepreneurial growth
According to Mpudi Maubane, PR and Sponsorship Manager at The Spar Group, the brand is committed to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting community store owners. SPAR’s strategy includes empowering women like Alasia, with over 30 women storeowners across South Africa.
The SPAR Academy of Learning plays a key role in developing future female leaders and store managers, aiming to bridge the gender gap in retail.
Action points for aspiring retailers:
- Embrace challenges: View unexpected events as opportunities for growth.
- Engage with your community: Build strong relationships with local organisations and customers.
- Leverage training opportunities: Make the most of learning programmes to enhance management skills.
- Celebrate diversity: Recognise and utilise the unique contributions women bring to retail.
Unforeseen changes and new opportunities have shaped Alasia Moumtzis’ rewarding career with SPAR, transforming her life from running an aerobics studio in Athens to owning a successful retail business in South Africa. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and seizing unexpected opportunities.
