Under the (Money) Tree at Spar

Since arriving in Ireland, I can’t help but notice the number of Spar shops, each street corner is illuminated by the green and red beacon.
However my view of Spar is tarnished by my experience of running in to buy 3 items and finding myself €20 poorer.
Whilst I can appreciate the convenience that Spar offers, for me it comes at a price. Paying for the convenience of later opening hours, location and the speed of your supermarket visit is acceptable however, in my case I can’t help but feel that the brand takes advantage of what is referred to as a cash-rich, time-poor population! Whilst the store is expensive in Germany it’s more expensive in Ireland, the ironic thing being “spar” is the German word for saving money.