Retail at the station

New and adapted formulas

Last year saw the launch of several new formulas: Relay at Breda station (the first of a total of seven stations), and Backwerk and IJscuypje (at Amsterdam CS and Rotterdam CS). NS opened LUCA’s by Julia’s at Zwolle and Den Bosch. Eight AH to go outlets were converted to the latest retail format, and 13 Kiosk outlets were converted to the new concept for this chain.

Rail Catering ended

After more than 14 years, NS has decided to terminate the Rail Catering service in our trains. The availability of shops at the stations means that demand for this service among our passengers has declined. Rail catering staff have already started work in NS’s shops at the stations.

Responsible range of products

NS Stations aims to make it easier for customers to make responsible food choices at our stations. The share of products that are regarded as ‘healthier choices’ ranges from 31% at the vending machines and 32% at Kiosk to 53% at Julia's. The share of vegetable products is 43% at Kiosk and 61% at Julia’s. AH to go terminated tobacco sales effective 1 January 2021. Kiosk and Stationshuiskamer had already stopped selling tobacco in 2020. In this way we are all contributing to a smoke-free generation.

Sustainable retail

NS is pursuing various different strategies to make retail more sustainable. Some examples:

• All AH to go outlets are partnering with Too Good To Go to prevent food waste.

• The 35% discount sticker on products with a limited shelf-life has enabled us to prevent more than 85,000 items from being thrown out with the rubbish.

• We achieved an 18% reduction in the use of plastic lids on coffee cups by no longer proactively offering them.

• AH to go has also reduced carbon emissions thanks to the choice for a different coolant for new refrigerating systems.

• LED lighting, electrical sliding doors and reduced use of air curtains all help to reduce energy consumption.