SPAR Netherlands has expanded its student-focused SPAR University network with the opening of two new Grab&Go stores at HAN University of Applied Sciences, strengthening its presence in the Dutch campus retail market.
The new stores, in Arnhem and Nijmegen, were developed in partnership with Compass Group Netherlands, one of the country’s leading education caterers. Together, the two companies are targeting the fast-growing demand among students for quick, healthy, and affordable food options.
The Arnhem branch occupies the former Douwe Egberts Café, while the Nijmegen outlet has transformed a popular student pub on Kapittelweg into a modern convenience hub. Both are centrally located on campus, placing them within reach of HAN’s 35,000 students.
Blending convenience with student life
SPAR University was created to fit into the lifestyle of students and young adults. The concept combines a physical Grab&Go store with digital tools, including a mobile app that offers personalised discounts, click-and-collect ordering, and a loyalty programme designed to reward repeat visits.
Unlike traditional convenience outlets, the stores double as social and study spaces, reflecting the changing role of retail on campus. “We want to be more than a shop,” SPAR University’s team has said previously, positioning the brand as part of student culture rather than just a food provider.
The launch of the Arnhem and Nijmegen sites coincides with an updated version of SPAR University’s loyalty scheme, giving students additional incentives for frequent use.
Partnership with Compass Group
The openings were made possible through a collaboration with Compass Group Netherlands, which has a strong foothold in the education sector. The partnership blends SPAR’s retail experience with Compass’s expertise in campus catering.
By combining retail and hospitality, the initiative aims to create a better daily experience for students — from grabbing breakfast between lectures to finding healthier lunch and snack options than those traditionally available on campus.
Strengthening national growth plans
SPAR University is one of several formats within SPAR Netherlands’ portfolio, alongside SPAR neighbourhood, SPAR city, SPAR enjoy, and SPAR Express. While the group maintains a strong national footprint, the student-focused format has emerged as a key growth driver in recent years.
SPAR Netherlands has previously outlined ambitions to reach ten million annual transactions, with SPAR University stores playing a central role in that target. Student campuses are viewed as a strategic growth area because of their concentrated footfall, high frequency of visits, and demand for affordable, ready-to-go options.
A growing trend in campus retail
The move also reflects a broader trend: retailers and foodservice providers competing more actively for campus customers. In Germany, REWE has tested student-focused formats, while in the UK, Tesco and Co-op have strengthened their university partnerships.
SPAR Netherlands’ decision to double down on its university concept puts it in direct competition with traditional canteens and vending services, as well as newer tech-led delivery players targeting students.
What comes next
With the Arnhem and Nijmegen openings, SPAR University now extends its footprint to more campuses, with further locations under review. Both SPAR and Compass Group signalled that additional collaborations are likely, given the early success of the model.
For HAN University students, the stores mean a fresh alternative to traditional campus foodservice — a space where convenience, quality, and community are designed to meet.
