SPAR Hvide Sande Wins Danish Retail Award – Driven by People and Technology

Merchant Michael Sangill from SPAR Hvide Sande has received the Danish Retail Award 2025, the retail industry’s highest honor. The award recognizes a management style where growth, local values, and modern technology are elevated by a strong employee culture.

The prestigious award was presented at a ceremony at Axelborg in Copenhagen, where Michael Sangill was highlighted for healthy growth, strong local values, and a management style centered on people. The Danish Retail Awards have been presented for the 15th time this year. The award is given by the Danish Chamber of Commerce and ZBC.

Together with his partner Thomas Dalsgaard Pedersen, he runs three stores in western Jutland: SPAR on Parallelvej and SPAR on Stormgade in Hvide Sande, as well as Min Købmand in Bjerregård, 17 kilometers to the south.

Since 2017, they have transformed worn-down stores into top-level performers in the chain – with a clear focus on development, digitalization, and well-being. Today, around 70 employees work in an environment characterized by responsibility, community, and stable operations.

Year after year, they have managed to increase turnover in the stores while investing heavily in green energy, modern technology, and long-term development of both stores and local communities.

“First and foremost, I’m just local. The local aspect is what’s important to me, and I’m proud that while we grow and invest in development, we give money back to the local area by using local craftsmen and buying locally. We also have many local products in our stores, so we can help promote local producers,” says Michael Sangill.

A Role Model for the Future Merchant

With his focus on sustainability, digitalization, and local community, Michael Sangill represents the modern merchant who combines tradition and innovation – in the midst of a holiday home area with large seasonal fluctuations and demands for flexibility.

The jury behind the Danish Retail Award calls him a role model and frontrunner who shows how humanity and technology can elevate retail – even in areas with high customer turnover.

Modern Technology Frees up Time and Energy

While the values are classic merchantry, the operations are digital and efficient. Michael Sangill has purposefully invested in innovative solutions from Delfi Technologies that free up time and make everyday life more customer-oriented.

In Hvide Sande, wireless headsets and push buttons are now placed at key areas in the stores – the butcher, bottle return machine, flower department, goods reception, and gates.

One press from a customer or supplier, and the call goes directly to the employees’ headsets. Staff can react immediately without leaving their tasks, and customers experience faster and more personal service.

Digital price tags simultaneously ensure correct prices in the stores – without manual updates – and free up time for customer service and product care.

“Technology helps us use our time correctly – on customers and on the store. Technology is only valuable when it makes us quicker on our feet. It takes care of the routines, so we can take care of the personal touch. That’s the balance customers feel when they walk through the door,” explains Michael Sangill.

Leadership with People at the Center

Michael and Thomas have created an inclusive and developing work environment with around 70 employees. Here, there is freedom with responsibility, room for ideas, and a constant focus on well-being and efficiency.

“We came in as two young merchants with lots of ideas, so it has also been a journey for the employees. They have been on board with our unconventional ideas. The same goes for the chain. I believe that SPAR is Denmark’s best chain because there is so much freedom with responsibility. As a merchant, you have room to think for yourself. It’s not all so rigid and top-down. There’s room for unconventional thoughts and ideas,” says Michael Sangill.