Spar Opwijk Reopens on May 30 with a Fresh Focus
On Thursday, May 30, the Spar Colruyt Group store in Opwijk will reopen after a major renovation. The De Baerdemaeker family, who have passionately managed the store for three generations, have enhanced the focus on sustainability, freshness, and local produce. Independent entrepreneurs Stijn and Jo De Baerdemaeker are excited to welcome customers back to their newly upgraded, eco-friendly store. “This renovation aligns us with the latest generation of Spar stores, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint,” says Stijn. “Yet, we remain the friendly neighborhood store where everyone feels welcome and can expect quality products.”
Thorough Renovation for Spar Opwijk
Starting May 30, the rural town of Opwijk will enjoy a completely renewed Spar Colruyt Group store. The beloved Spar Opwijk on Fabriekstraat 7 is reopening after more than a month of extensive renovations. “The store has been here since 2000 and was due for an update,” explains independent entrepreneur Stijn De Baerdemaeker. “The building was completely gutted and renovated from ceiling to floor, and the facade received a fresh new look.”
Third Generation Family Business
Spar Opwijk is a family business with deep roots. Today, brothers Stijn and Jo De Baerdemaeker lead the store, which they took over from their parents. Their grandparents originally established the store in 1961. “We’ve been in business for three generations,” says Stijn proudly. “We’ve been a cornerstone neighborhood store in Opwijk for all those years. Our butcher’s shop, offering fresh meat and preparations, has always been the heart of our business.”
The store’s warmth is evident in its loyal team. “We have a dedicated team of 13 to 14 employees, familiar faces to our many regular customers,” Stijn adds.
Enhanced Shopping Experience
The renewed Spar Opwijk follows the latest Spar Colruyt Group store concepts, prioritizing shopping convenience with a focus on fresh, local, and sustainable products. “The layout is completely revamped,” Stijn notes. “The first thing you’ll notice is our renovated bakery, which emphasizes craftsmanship and authenticity. Other products have moved to new aisles, with a strong emphasis on freshness and quality.” The new floor plan may take some getting used to for customers. “Even I might need a moment to find the mayonnaise in the new setup,” Stijn laughs.
Minimal Environmental Footprint
In line with Colruyt Group’s commitment to sustainability, Spar Opwijk emphasizes eco-friendly construction and operations. “We’ve updated our cooling system to use CO2, which is currently the most environmentally-friendly and safe cooling method,” Stijn explains. “We also installed solar panels and charging stations in our parking lot, allowing customers to charge their cars while they shop.”
Festive Reopening
The store will officially reopen on Thursday, May 30. To celebrate, there will be special discounts featured in the opening week flyer. On Saturday, June 1, a festive reception with snacks and drinks will welcome customers. “We’re a modern neighborhood store with a heart for our customers. Delicious meat, fresh products, and warm service are guaranteed,” Stijn concludes.
