Opening of Brussels’ largest low-energy Colruyt store in the district of Etterbeek

On Wednesday 11 December, the brand-new Colruyt shop in Etterbeek will reopen its doors after works lasting two and a half years. Covering almost 2,000 m², this supermarket will be able to serve many customers and offer an extensive range of products. On top of that, the launch of this new store has created 22 new jobs. Built according to the Colruyt low-energy consumption model, this sustainable shop fits beautifully into a project that combines commercial and residential properties. One of its special features? A trial vegetable garden project dedicated to research and education is to be installed on the roof.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

A successful urban challenge in the Jourdan district
​ ​ ​ The challenge for local authorities, the Brussels Capital Region and the Colruyt chain was to integrate new homes, a commercial infrastructure and an underground car park in a limited area in Rue Gray, whilst also optimising the quality of life for local residents. In fact, the renovated Colruyt shop in Etterbeek fits perfectly into the urban environment. It is located on the ground floor of a building which contains 37 apartments on the upper floors, a large car park accommodating 158 cars on two underground storeys and a vegetable garden on the roof to be used in a pilot study. The manager, Ali Canli, explains: “The big challenge during the store renovation was to optimise the space available in order to be able to serve a large number of customers, as well as being involved in the development of an entire district.”

A store with low energy consumption
​ ​ ​ During the renovation of its Etterbeek store, Colruyt paid particular attention to the insulation, ventilation, lighting, refrigeration and heating. In addition to the use of a cooling system operating on propane, which reduces its carbon footprint by over 90%, the shop will also recover residual heat produced by the refrigeration units. Meanwhile, the complete covering on the unloading bay increases store insulation and soundproofs it for local residents. Finally, the store no longer uses any fossil fuels. “This project is part of a much wider renovation plan: by 2029, all Colruyt Group stores must be designed according to the low-energy model. The group’s CO2 emission rates should then decrease by a further 4%”, says the manager. 

A pilot vegetable patch on the roof
​ ​ ​ As part of the Contract for a Sustainable District “Maelbeek”, a partnership has been established with the district of Ixelles and the U.L.B. to develop an urban vegetable garden on the store roof. The rooftop garden will be used as a laboratory in urban farming and will benefit from subsidies in the district contract; guided visits as well as professional training will be organised there. The manager adds: “This rooftop garden will be perfect insulation for the shop and will benefit the city’s biodiversity.” It will be opened in the spring of 2020.

A complete range over 2,000 m²
​ ​ ​ Covering a surface area of almost 2,000 m², the new Colruyt in Etterbeek is almost twice the size of the old one. The manager, Ali Canli, continues: “The fresh zone is three times bigger than before, the aisles are wider and 14 checkouts have been installed.” The head butcher, Ibrahim Ozkara, adds: “Customers can now help themselves to fresh meat from our butcher’s counter. They can see our butchers at work in the open butcher’s workshop, which is handy if they have any questions or special requests. For a clearer view of the complete range, cold cuts and salads in the fresh zone are now gathered at the butcher’s counter.”

The enlargement of the store’s commercial area along with the extended product range means employing a grand total of 22 new recruits, all of whom have been trained to guarantee the best customer service.

A car park for all users
​ ​ ​ A large car park accommodating 158 cars has been built on two underground storeys and two spaces have been provided with facilities for the charging of electric vehicles. The car park on level -2 is also accessible to those living in the building. The manager adds: “On the ground floor and for the very first time at Colruyt, fans of two-wheelers can now park their bikes, mopeds and cargo bikes in a dedicated area, complete with a terminal for recharging electric bikes.”

A Collect&Go collection point does the shopping for customers
​ ​ ​ The renovated Colruyt store in Etterbeek is equipped with a Collect&Go collection point. This is located in the underground car park on level -2. The manager explains: “Collect&Go is Colruyt Group’s practical online shopping service. Customers submit their shopping lists on collectandgo.be or via the app. We then put their shopping ready at the pick-up point on the day and time of their choice. “

Official opening on 10 December
​ ​ ​ From Wednesday 11 December, the manager Ali Canli, the head butcher Ibrahim Ozkara and their 44 colleagues will welcome customers in the new Colruyt in Etterbeek. “The evening before, from 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm, everyone will be able to have a sneak preview of the new store in the company of Vincent De Wolf, mayor of Etterbeek. At this special open evening we will also serve drinks and canapés. Everyone is welcome!” 

Brussels-Capital, Colruyt’s top priority in terms of sales outlets
​ ​ ​ Colruyt is currently working on the renovation, enlargement and optimisation of its existing stores in Brussels, including Anderlecht (Avenue M. Herbette), Schaerbeek (rue de Jérusalem), Woluwe and currently Etterbeek (Jourdan).Plus, with 3 local OKay Compact stores, the group is building its strength on the Brussels market, as a strategic market.

In doing so, Colruyt continues to look for new opportunities to establish its position in urban centres, with a focus on the capital. This is also a way to confirm its desire to be close to customers and to continue offering them the best service at the best price.

More information? A meeting with the manager, photos of the store or of the Collect&Go pick-up point? Don’t hesitate to contact us: 
​ ​ ​ -    Gilles Godin (Regional Manager) on 02 345 2345
​ ​ ​ -    Yana Morren (Colruyt Meilleurs Prix Press Manager) on 0479 72 29 10

Useful information:

Colruyt Etterbeek
​ ​ ​ Rue Gray 102
​ ​ ​ 1040 Etterbeek

Opening hours:
​ ​ ​ Mon - Sat: 8.30 am - 8.00 pm
​ ​ ​ Fri: 8.30 am - 9.00 pm

Open evening: 
​ ​ ​ Tuesday 10 December, from 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm
​ ​ ​