louis delhaize with new grocery store concept

25. April 2023 | Food Service Equipment, Food Service Equipment, Gallery, Visuals, What´s new in Retail

Local culinary delights among supermarket shelves and marketplace stalls in Belgium

A louis delhaize OPEN MARKET from the outside

by Julia Pott (exclusively for EuroShop.mag)

louis delhaize launched a new grocery store concept in two branches of July 2022. In Gembloux and in Braine-le-Comte, customers of the Belgian retail chain can visit the louis delhaize OPEN MARKET.

The OPEN MARKET concept combines the assortment of a supermarket with the freshness offers and the atmosphere of a marketplace within a large store area.

In 1875, Louis Delhaize founded the company which today operates as the Louis Delhaize Group in Belgium, France, Luxembourg and Romania, mainly with grocery stores.

Floor plan of a louis delhaize OPEN MARKET with French department labels

The two markets in Braine-le-Comte and Gembloux, south of Brussels, follow an open concept with thematic zones focusing on food of all kinds and their preparation. From fresh food counters and ready-meal offerings to the marketplace to the specialty niches and the “warehouse” – this diverse offering forms a small culinary journey where customers can find what they are looking for, but also gain inspiration. At the same time, the market remains easy to navigate and is characterized by a cozy atmosphere.

A meat counter in louis delhaize OPEN MARKET

At the fresh food counter (“le comptoir”) there are sausages and meat products, but naturally cheese is also not to be missed in Belgium.
© louis delhaize

The open, simple design of the stalls with steel framework and narrow light wooden panels creates a friendly market atmosphere.
© louis delhaize

An open vegetable and fruit department with merchandise tables in the louis delhaize OPEN MARKET

The center of the whole (“le marché”) are the merchandise tables full of fruits and vegetables. The open, welcoming design and the canopy enhance the market atmosphere.
© louis delhaize

The range of fresh products and treats also includes juicers, slushy iced drink machines …
© louis delhaize

An automatic coffee maker with "louis" written on it

… as well as a fully automatic coffee machine.
© louis delhaize

A meat cooling rack in front of a sheet metal wall in a louis delhaize OPEN MARKET

In “les ateliers” (meaning small production shops), ready meals, soups, salads and sandwiches are prepared, fish and meat are portioned for sale …
© louis delhaize

A bread shelf in the louis delhaize OPEN MARKET

… and fresh breads baked.
© louis delhaize

U-shaped wine racks in louis delhaize OPEN MARKET

Several niches (“les alcôves”) offer goods from Belgium or other countries, as well as beers, wines, coffees and various specialties.
© louis delhaize

A shelf for local products in the louis delhaize OPEN MARKET

Thus, regional and local products aren’t lacking, which are not only well received by locals, but also often by tourists.
© louis delhaize

An unpackaged section with filled containers of loose food at the louis delhaize OPEN MARKET.

In both markets, there is also a large bulk station where customers can fill their food in the desired quantity at the dispensers. This includes, for example, pasta, rice, pulses, cereals or confectionery.
© louis delhaize

Supermarket shelves in louis delhaize OPEN MARKET

Finally, the “warehouse” (“l’entrepôt”) with 400 square meters offers everything for daily needs – from food and beverages to hygiene and cleaning products, as you would expect from large supermarkets.
© louis delhaize

Two self-checkout counters in the louis delhaize OPEN MARKET

Customers can pay however they prefer: at traditional checkouts with staff or at self-checkout stations.
© louis delhaize

In addition, louis delhaize OPEN MARKET’s services include fast-charging stations for electric cars, click & collect offers and a recycling center for batteries, light bulbs, small electrical appliances and more.

Many grocery retailers and supermarket chains are expanding their concepts beyond simply putting merchandise on rows of shelves. The quality and origin of food are increasingly moving to the center of customer attention; inspiration for shopping and food preparation is taking on an ever more important role; sustainability issues such as the packaging-free sale of products and materials used are increasingly in the spotlight; and the demand for flexible services and payment options is also rising. Retailers are challenged to be creative and to take a close look at the customer journey from the customer’s point of view in order to create a compelling shopping experience.