Okay opens sustainable neighbourhood supermarket in Vilvoorde

On Thursday, 14th August, Okay will open its 147th store in Vilvoorde. Located at Abeelstraat 151, this convenient neighbourhood supermarket offers a wide range of products for every time of day. The store spans more than 600 m² and has been built using sustainable techniques and materials. Store manager Chris Engels and the eight-person team at Okay Vilvoorde look forward to welcoming their new customers.

Convenient and fresh

The local supermarket is part of Colruyt Group's newest generation of Okay stores and has a fresh, modern design. Customers will find everything they need under one roof – from fresh meat, fish, and vegetarian options, to prepared meals and salads. It also offers newspapers, magazines, gift baskets, and more.

Fresh products are one of Okay's greatest assets. “In our Freshmart, the wide aisles and glass walls provide a pleasant shopping experience. "Our broad range of daily fresh fruit and vegetables will stand out well in there." Whether for a tasty aperitif evening, meat, fish, or vegetarian, we have snacks to suit every taste,” says store manager Chris.

At Okay Vilvoorde, fresh bread is delivered[AD1] daily, and staff bake high-quality pastries and sandwiches multiple times a day. Chris: "Our bread corner is organised very ergonomically and well-arranged and thus very user-friendly, both for our customers and our co-workers." In the frozen products department, there are chest-type freezers with glass lids. That way, customers can find their favourite products fast and easily.

Easily accessible

The new Okay store is located at Abeelstraat 151, on the former Gifi site. There is ample parking space, and electric cars will find a charging point with a fast charger. Customers arriving by bike can use the spacious bike racks, which also accommodate cargo bikes.

Minimal environmental impact

Like the other Colruyt Group store formats, Okay is firmly committed to building sustainably and with a minimal ecological footprint. "In Okay Vilvoorde, we do not use gas or heating oil. We generate our energy using solar panels. Our green roof purifies the air and also contributes to greater biodiversity," explains Chris. "Additionally, our environmentally friendly cooling system emits 90% less CO2 compared to traditional units."

The heat released by the cooling system is recovered to heat the store and 75% of the heat is recovered by the ventilation system. Furthermore, a large portion of rainwater is collected in a wadi, a shallow basin that allows water to slowly seep into the ground, replenishing groundwater and relieving the sewage system. This also relieves the sewer system.

Need photos for your article? Download them here.