On Wednesday 8 and 15 April, Colruyt Professionals is opening its first two stores in Flanders, more specifically in Ghent and Machelen. The stores are exclusively aimed at professional customers and are an important next step for Colruyt Group in the roll-out of its B2B store offer. There are already five Colruyt Professionals stores in Wallonia and Brussels. In the coming years, Colruyt Professionals is aiming for solid growth in the Belgian B2B market, with potential for a total of about ten stores spread across Belgium.
Accelerated growth and clear ambition
The opening of separate Colruyt Professionals stores started in 2020 as a test concept, and since then five stores have already opened their doors in Brussels and Wallonia. The first stores in Flanders will be added to those this week.
Jo Willemyns, Food retail director: "As the only Belgian retailer, we find it essential to be there for all our customers. The demand of professional customers in Flanders for a separate store offer is high. The success of our stores in Brussels and Wallonia confirmed our growth plans, and the strong presence of night shops, neighbourhood stores and the hotel and catering industry in Flanders also played an important role. In addition to the more than 260 Colruyt stores where both professional and private customers can go for their purchases at the lowest prices, we will be opening at least 3 Professional stores in Belgium this year: in Ghent, Machelen and Alleur."
Efficient professional shopping at the lowest prices
A Colruyt Professionals store is fully equipped to meet the needs of professional customers such as traders, resellers, catering entrepreneurs and associations with a VAT number. However, the growth of Colruyt Professionals stores is a win for private customers as well. The concept unburdens the regular Colruyt stores. Large volume purchases shift to the specific Professionals stores, where only those with a Professionals Plus card can shop. This allows them to enjoy additional promotions on top of the lowest prices. Customers can only shop there with the platform trolleys, in extra wide aisles to shop even more efficiently. The product range consists mainly of large packaging, bulk and pallets. In addition, there is a loading platform for pallet collection, an enclosed tobacco zone for registered resellers and a spacious car park suitable for vans. The stores have adjusted opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 6.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
