SPAR Netherlands has achieved another great milestone with the opening of its first SPAR Express forecourt store located in Geertruidenberg, in the province of North Brabant. The launch of additional SPAR Express stores is now in the planning.

To develop its network of SPAR Express forecourt stores, SPAR Netherlands has entered into an agreement with EFR, the operating company of Texaco service stations. The SPAR Express format has been in operation in a number of other SPAR countries for many years now. While suitable for a variety of high-footfall locations like railway stations, airports and city centres, for the time being SPAR Netherlands has chosen to only develop the SPAR Express format at service stations.

Following the launch of the Geertruidenberg forecourt store two additional SPAR Express stores were opened recently in the Netherlands, one in The Hague and another in Amstelveen, close to Amsterdam. Both store openings were celebrated with a festive opening ceremony and promotional campaigns, including discount coupons for residents and local companies. Two more SPAR Express stores will soon be opened in Arnhem and Wateringen.

The new forecourt stores will add to the existing SPAR City store developments in the country, which also focus on the combination of convenient, Food-to-Go products with daily grocery ranges.

The product range for each store will be adapted to the location and needs of local residents. Each store’s range will also feature car related products such as engine oil and washer fluid. “The new SPAR Express stores are going to be grocery stores where you can also fill up the car and not the other way round”, said SPAR Netherlands Commercial Director, Susanne Kroon.