The Belgian supermarket group Colruyt has announced plans to convert the majority of the 57 Match and Smatch supermarkets it acquired from Louis Delhaize into Comarkt outlets.
The Comarkt concept is a temporary format being used by Colruyt before the stores undergo a complete transformation into their final design, according to a company press release issued on Monday.
"The aim is to ensure a smooth transition for both customers and staff," said a company spokesperson. Over the next few years, the stores will be remodelled and rebranded according to each store’s size, the local market, and customers’ needs.
Starting Monday, the integration and transformation process begins for 25 Match and 24 Smatch stores. Seven stores will close for a few months for remodelling as part of the transition to a definite Colruyt store concept.
Last September, Colruyt Group announced it was acquiring 57 Match and Smatch stores from operator Louis Delhaize. These stores generated approximately €300 million in revenue in 2022, employing 1,069 people.
However, for 19 of the 27 Match and Smatch stores not being taken over by Colruyt, no solution has been found, which will result in approximately 330 staff losing their jobs.
