The SPAR Hofstade-Zemst supermarket in Belgium has reopened after renovation under new owners, Yannick Van Elst and Sophie Nuyens. The retail duo will continue to build on the strong foundation of the cosy neighbourhood supermarket that customers know and appreciate. While retaining the quality, freshness, and personal service the brand is known for, customers will enjoy a great shopping experience and a wider product range.

A family with a heart for good food

For Yannick Van Elst and Sophie Nuyens, the SPAR Hofstade-Zemst supermarket is now their third store. Having heard that there was a possibility the supermarket could be taken over from a colleague, they didn’t hesitate for long. After successfully converting their stores in Koningshooikt and Duffel to the updated SPAR format, they immediately saw the opportunity to continue their passion in this store.

That passion runs in the family. Great-grandfather Fons De Wachter started and ran a butcher’s shop in Koningshooikt together with his brother Jules. The next generation expanded it into a supermarket, which the third generation is now operating. In 2021, Yannick took over the store from his parents. A year later, the SPAR Duffel supermarket was added, and Sophie Nuyens also became part of the story.

Today, the stores remain a real family business. The parents and grandfather still help out regularly. Sophie and Yannick also want to bring that warm, family atmosphere to their latest SPAR supermarket in Hofstade-Zemst.

The retail duo’s philosophy is to create a place where customers enjoy shopping and leave with a smile. They look forward to starting a new chapter with the trusted team at the SPAR Hofstade-Zemst supermarket, which inspires them every day to create something delicious for shoppers. With a wide range of fresh products, personal service, and a warm team, they aim to make shopping a pleasant experience.

Investment in renovation

All shoppers will enjoy the expanded fresh food offer now available. The fresh produce departments were expanded, putting taste and craftsmanship in the spotlight. A fresh bakery now bakes products onsite; a wide range of home-made dishes is available, while cheese and charcuterie are cut and packaged onsite to ensure optimal freshness.

Local specialities will also be part of the range, with a focus on beers from Brouwerij Het Anker and Fondi chocolate, among other things. The store now has CO₂-powered refrigeration systems and energy-efficient LED lighting throughout.

Source: Colruyt Group

Read more about SPAR Belgium

About SPAR Belgium

SPAR was launched in Belgium in 1947, representing the first step in the brand’s international development. SPAR in Belgium is operated through two businesses: Retail Partners, which is part of the Colruyt Group, and the family-owned retail business Lambrechts. 

 SPAR Retail Partners Colruyt Group brings the brand to consumers through a combination of company-owned and sub-licensed independently operated stores. SPAR Lambrechts distribution centre focuses on serving sub-licensed independent retailer-run stores.