SPAR Closure in Oroszlány: Tax & Price Regulations Cited as Reasons

A small SPAR store located at 35 Népekbarátsága út in Oroszlány will close on February 15, 2026. The decision prompted questions from Oroszlány’s mayor, Takács Károly, who inquired about the reason for the closure, as reported by 24.hu.

Store Closure and Local Impact

Mayor Takács Károly stated that the municipality was not informed about the store’s impending closure. He expressed concern that the closure would negatively impact access to retail services for residents in the area.

SPAR’s Explanation

Maczelka Márk, SPAR’s communications director, responded to Mayor Takács Károly, explaining the decision. According to SPAR, the closure is linked to economic factors impacting the retail sector. These include a retail tax that cost the company 32.4 billion forints in 2024 and price controls that result in monthly losses of 1.5–2 billion forints.

Did You Know? According to data from the KSH (Hungarian Central Statistical Office), approximately one thousand stores permanently close each year in Hungary.

SPAR indicated that smaller stores, like the one in Oroszlány, are disproportionately affected by these economic pressures due to higher fixed costs. The company stated that another SPAR store will remain open in the city and that efforts will be made to relocate employees from the closing store to nearby locations.

Political Reaction

Czunyiné Bertalan Judit, a member of parliament representing the Komárom-Esztergom county’s 3rd electoral district, criticized SPAR’s response as “truly insulting to citizens.” She noted that Mayor Takács Károly had sent a courteous letter, but received what she considered an unsatisfactory reply.

Expert Insight: The situation highlights the complex interplay between government economic policies, the operations of multinational corporations, and the impact on local communities. The differing perspectives presented suggest a potential for ongoing debate regarding the balance between national economic goals and the needs of both businesses and consumers.

Czunyiné Bertalan Judit argued that the government’s taxes and price caps have negatively impacted SPAR, while also questioning the company’s past profits. She concluded by stating she would no longer shop at SPAR.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the closure of the SPAR store in Oroszlány?

The closure is attributed to economic factors, including a retail tax and price controls, according to SPAR’s communications director, Maczelka Márk.

Was the municipality informed about the closure?

Mayor Takács Károly stated that the municipality was not informed about the closure of the store.

Will there still be a SPAR store in Oroszlány?

Yes, SPAR confirmed that another store will remain open in Oroszlány.

How might these types of closures affect smaller communities in the long term?