A small local store in Ghent called “Primeur” is sadly closing on June 18th following being owned by Martine Debbaut and Hans De Waele for forty years. The store, located on Glass Street, offered a wide variety of products and the couple selected fresh produce from the local market once a week, with Hans preparing everything himself. Despite working 80 hours a week and being open six days a week, the couple felt that their customers were part of their family. The reason for the closure is due to the increasing number of supermarkets offering lower prices than “Primeur”, which the couple blames on their municipal council for granting licenses to these supermarkets. The store is not currently searching for buyers.
This is sad news. “Primeur”, a small neighborhood store in Ghent, will have to close on June 18. Martine Debbaut and Hans De Waele had this shop for forty years, reports the Nieuwsblad.
“Primeur”, located rue Glass was this kind of store where you might find everything. “Once a week, we go to the primeur market to select the products and my husband makes all the preparations himself, using fresh products. We are open six days and work 80 hours a week. Everyone who buys from us is part of the family,” says Martine.
The fault of the closure according to them? The number of supermarkets, constantly increasing for several years, offering lower prices than “Primeur”: I blame our municipal council for having granted a license to all these supermarkets”. Today, they are no longer looking for buyers.
It’s always sad to hear regarding small businesses closing down, especially ones that have been around for four decades. Martine and Hans put their heart and soul into their store, “Primeur”, and it’s unfortunate that they have to close their doors on June 18th. It’s a loss not only for them but for their community as well. The rise of supermarkets with lower prices has taken a toll on small businesses like theirs. Let’s hope that our municipal council will take note of this and find ways to support local businesses. Remember, every time you shop small, you’re supporting a dream.
