SPAR Netherlands has expanded its SPAR University store network with the opening of two new Grab&Go stores on the campuses of HAN University of Applied Sciences in Arnhem and Nijmegen. These new locations were developed in partnership with Compass Group Netherlands, a leading caterer in the education sector. The stores are designed to meet the growing demand for convenient, healthy, and sustainable food options for students.

The Arnhem store is located in the former Douwe Egberts Café, while the Nijmegen branch has transformed the old student pub on Kapittelweg into a modern Grab&Go destination. With HAN serving over 35,000 students, the new stores offer a central location where convenience, quality, and experience come together.

Innovative retail concept for student life

SPAR University is tailored to the lifestyle of students and young adults, combining a physical store with a smart app that offers personalised discounts, ordering features, and a loyalty programme. The stores serve not only as retail outlets but also as social and study spaces. The launch of the new locations coincides with the rollout of an updated loyalty programme, providing students with added value through repeat purchases.

Strategic collaboration enhancing campus experience

The store openings were made possible through a strategic collaboration with Compass Group Netherlands. By integrating retail and hospitality, both partners aim to enhance the campus experience for students. The initiative supports Compass Group’s mission to deliver innovative and accessible hospitality solutions to younger audiences.

SPAR University is part of SPAR Netherlands’ broader retail portfolio, which includes formats such as SPAR neighbourhood, SPAR city, SPAR enjoy, and SPAR Express. The brand continues to grow with the ambition of reaching ten million transactions annually, reinforcing its commitment to serving student communities across the country.

Source: SPAR Netherlands

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About SPAR Netherlands

The SPAR brand was founded in the Netherlands in 1932 by the Dutch wholesaler Adriaan van Well. It was established as a voluntary chain of grocers under the name DESPAR – an acronym of a slogan created by van Well to describe the organisation: Door Eendrachtig Samenwerken Profiteren Allen Regelmatig. SPAR Netherlands’ main distribution centre supports licensed independent retailers operating throughout the country.