With revamps and renovations in the pipeline as well as plans for new leadership, Karaglen SUPERSPAR is entering an exciting new chapter.

Harry Karamichael explained that there will be a whole revamp of the centre, introducing new stores such as Senqu, Pep Home and Bootleggers.

He said in the months to come, the SUPERSPAR will also undergo a series of renovations.

The renovations, which will start mid-year, will see a variety of internal changes to the store.

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“The renovations will bring about a refreshed, refined feel that will give the look and sensation of a new store; however, it will still be the same Karaglen SUPERSPAR the community has grown to know and love.”

He said that, despite the changes, the SuperSpar will keep its focus on community-orientated, in-person shopping, giving shoppers the best possible experience.

“Through the rebranding, we’ve modernised the Karaglen brand to a younger-looking brand with the help and input of my two sons, Nickolas and Yianni Karamichael,” explained Harry.

He said the duo had a lot of input into the new look of the brand and the store.

Harry said Nickolas, who has a computer science degree from Wits, and Yianni, who has a BSc in Property Studies from Wits, could both have gone into corporate roles.

Nickolas and Yianni both matriculated from Saheti School.

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Harry explained that Nickolas and Yianni are taking greater roles in the family business.

“They both decided to take half the salaries they could have gotten in the market and decided to slog it out with me because one day this will be theirs.

“Their calling to serve the Edenvale community is greater than the short-term gains they could achieve working for a corporation,” said Harry.

He said the focus will be on building for the long-term rather than the short term.

Harry explained that as Nickolas and Yianni step into their new roles, they will be joined by Karaglen SUPERSPAR’s store manager, Angel Mdlalose.

Manager Angel Mdlalose has been at the store for 20 years. She started when Harry’s father, Andrew, still owned the business, working as a data capture systems operator.

“My journey with Karaglen has been a great one. I remember one of the first questions Mr Andrew asked me was if I knew how to use a computer,” said Angel.

She said over the years she learned countless lessons from the Karamichael family.

“I learned to improve myself daily and to be involved where I can,” said Angel.

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Over the years, Karaglen SUPERSPAR has won numerous accolades. This includes winning the platinum award for best meat market butchery in Gauteng, while its butchery, led by Marius Jordaan, has received the Cleaver Award on numerous occasions.

Most recently, Harry Karamichael received the Mr Spar Award. “This recognition was really big, and I was really emotional.”

He said receiving the award was a special moment. “For us, this is more than a business; this is a family.”

Gary North, senior regional manager for Spar, highlighted that the Karaglen SuUPERSPAR is deeply rooted in its community.

“The family has created a landmark supermarket in the community which they serve. The award is well deserved.”