Colruyt invests in new store format at D’Ieteren site in Schaarbeek
Colruyt invests in a new store format at the D’Ieteren site along Leuvensesteenweg in Schaarbeek. The 4 000 m² surface has room for 2 separate stores. On the one hand, Colruyt tests a new store format for professional customers, adapted specifically to the needs of customers in the Brussels region. This brand-new establishment, Colruyt for Professionals Meiser, opens on 17 June and is evaluated thoroughly in view of expanding it to other regions. On the other hand, a new Colruyt store for private customers will be organised on the site. It is an alternative for Colruyt stores in the area that are temporarily closed for renovation or expansion.
Friday, June 5, 2020
As from 17 June, Colruyt tests a new store format for professional customers
Answer to the need of Brussels people
The site makes it possible for Colruyt to test its new 'Colruyt for Professionals' format elaborately. The new store's assortment is completely geared to professional customers.
"The Brussels region is very challenging and also offers many opportunities", regional director André Giglio explains. "The population structure of this region is constantly changing. Small, neighbourhood stores are on the rise. Our revenue through professional customers is almost twice as big in Brussels as in other regions. So it is evident that we offer them a store format responding to their needs.
Improved shopping experience
Typical of Brussels is the Regional Destination plan, which allows only 1 000 m² as maximum store surface. "As a result, Colruyt stores are smaller than average in Brussels and accommodating two store formats - private and professional - under one roof is not feasible. With this new store format, the shopping experience of both customer groups improves", André Giglio concludes. This test project is monitored and evaluated elaborately in view of its future expansion in the Brussels region.
2 500 articles
The commercial surface of the new Colruyt for Professionals amounts to 2 500 m². The car park with 20 places is reserved for Colruyt Professional Plus card holders. Store manager Vincent Kestemont: "The store proposes a range of about 2 500 products. We determine this based on the best sellers for professionals in neighbouring Colruyt stores. We constantly adjust the assortment depending on the demand. At Colruyt for Professionals, we offer professional customers the lowest prices in the area. We achieve this by comparing our prices with other retailers and by monitoring prices in wholesaler folders. Within this store format, we regularly offer discounts on top of the exclusive benefits for professionals."
Customised layout
On top of adapted opening hours, from Monday to Saturday between 7 am and 8 pm, Colruyt for Professionals is organised especially for professional customers. The aisles are wider and the racks higher. The flat shopping carts are also ideal for buying big volumes. In order to load them into the car or van easily, this store is equipped with a practical loading platform. Access to the store and parking places is strictly reserved for customers with a Colruyt Professional Plus card.
Colruyt store
One week earlier, a Colruyt store for private persons will open on the same site. This is an alternative for customers, who cannot shop at their usual Colruyt store due to renovation or expansion work. On a store surface of 974 m², Colruyt offers a broad range of food and non-food of private labels as well as national brands. This store has 115 parking places. Store manager Suleyman Urfali: "Our surface is smaller than the average Colruyt store. For this reason, we made a careful selection from the assortment. Customers can find a basic assortment at the lowest prices in the area here. Because it is a temporary store, there is no butcher's shop but the meat will be on the shelves in handy portions. With respect for the cold chain and the corresponding, strict hygiene rules of course."
Strict precautions for the opening
Originally, both stores were planned to open early April. Due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, Colruyt Group had to focus on safety and continuity in existing stores.
"Our co-workers' and customers' health is our top priority, as are the measures to prevent the virus from spreading", André Giglio emphasizes. As in all other Colruyt stores, the company takes measures here: co-workers will wear face masks, regularly disinfect their hands and shopping carts and serve customers at the check-out from behind a plexi screen. Unfortunately, the usual opening receptions preceding the official opening cannot take place.
Practical information:
Colruyt Meiser
Official opening: 10 June 2020
Address: Leuvensesteenweg 510
Tel.: 02/374 27 82
Opening hours:
Mon to Sat : 8.30 – 20.00
Fri: 8.30 – 21.00
Colruyt for Professionals Meiser
Official opening: 17 June 2020
Address: Leuvensesteenweg 510
Tel.: 02/734 22 19
Opening hours:
Mon to Sat: 7.00 – 20.00
More information about the Professional plus card:
https://www.colruyt.be/nl/over-colruyt/klantenvoordelen/voor-professionals/onze-kaarten
More information
Contact:
- Gilles Godin (regional manager) at 02 345 23 45
- Press office Colruyt Group at 0473 92 45 10 (NL) or 0473 82 27 15 (FR) - press@colruytgroup.com