Opening of Spar Bertogne

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

The transformation of the well-known store on Place du Commerce has not gone unnoticed by the residents of Bertogne and the surrounding area. The store was closed for just one day, during which it swapped its old colours for those of the Spar brand. Independent entrepreneur Ingrid Collignon and her team, who focus on customer proximity, a pleasant in-store experience, and quality local products, are enthusiastic about the transition and eager to continue serving their customers with passion. ​

A local business

The transformed façade of the new Spar in Bertogne was revealed to customers on 5 March. The store is run by entrepreneur Ingrid Collignon; she opened it almost 20 years ago in 2005. Today, the store manager employs six people, a secretary, and several students from the area. “The store is also a family affair,” she explains. “My husband is in charge of the cooking for our catering service and our children are always involved in one way or another.”

But the family aspect doesn’t stop there: “The family spirit also extends to the team,” Ingrid Collignon continues. “The store has a friendly atmosphere, and at the end of the working day, we like organising a meal or an activity together. Last year, one of my employees even called to wish me a Happy Mother’s Day, saying, ‘You’re like a mum to us all!’ (she laughs) If that doesn’t prove just how close we are…”

When it comes to recruiting her employees, the store manager also makes a point of prioritising local candidates. Before using temporary employment agencies, the store shares job vacancies with local businesses and on local networks.

Fast transition

The transfer from one brand to another was completed very quickly. The store closed for one day, during which the store front was transformed, its product range reorganised, and its checkout system adapted. Ingrid Collignon continues, “Spar made sure everything was ready for the big day. Several experts visited us beforehand to ensure that the transition was as fast and efficient as possible. The biggest change is the new checkout and ordering system, which our employees will need some time to get used to.”

Customers will feel right at home as far as the shelf layout and product range are concerned. “Our regular customers can still find their usual brands in the store,” the store manager confirms. “We started placing new products on the shelves in January to make the transition as smooth as possible for our customers. Colruyt Group’s house brands, such as Boni Selection, Everyday, and Spar, have been added to our existing range. And we’re also continuing to focus on local products from suppliers in the region, particularly in our traditional butcher’s shop.”

Satisfied customers

The store is located at the entrance to the village of Bertogne, at the crossroads of two major roads linking Houffalize to Libramont in one direction, and Bastogne to La Roche in the other. Located at the midpoint of these four urban areas, the store is the business of choice, combining convenience, quality products, and a relaxed atmosphere. ​ ​

For customers, the transition to the new brand gives the store an additional advantage: “A lot of customers are pleasantly surprised when they get to the checkout,” the store manager reveals. “They are happy to see their purchasing power moving in the right direction, and can also continue the shopping habits they developed by frequenting our store.”

Initiatives still to come

Two opening folders, expected in April and May, will inform customers about the store’s new range. The Bertogne team is also planning to enlarge the store later in the year, which will include rearranging the shelves and providing an even better welcome for customers. ​

More information

• Spar Bertogne: Place du Commerce 2/1, 6687 Bertogne
• Ingrid Collignon, independent entrepreneur of Spar Bertogne
• Tel.: 061 51 18 11
• Colruyt Group Press Office

Tel.: +32 (0)473 92 45 10
​Email: press@colruytgroup.com

Spar Bertogne opening hours:
​Monday: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
​Tuesday to Saturday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
​Sunday: 9 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.