These are the 15 stores Delhaize will sell in the coming weeks

Belgian retailer Delhaize has just announced a list of fifteen supermarkets that it will sell to independent operators. They will reopen as independent supermarkets during October and November.

First concrete step

After a lengthy process following Delhaize’s original announcement to franchise all its remaining stores last March, the retailer has now made the first concrete step and announced fifteen stores that will be transformed into independent Delhaize supermarkets, reopening in October and November. “This is an important step for our supermarket employees, our new independent operators, our customers and our suppliers. Together we continue to build a sustainable future for the Delhaize brand”, the chain said in a press release.

Among the fifteen acquirers are five who already operate other Delhaize supermarkets, five new entrepreneurs and five Delhaize employees. They will be introduced to their team over the coming weeks.

Further announcements to follow

The retailer confirms that it plans to find a buyer for all 128 supermarkets, and that the supermarket will remain open until a new owner is found. Delhaize also reiterates that the affected employees will retain all pay and working conditions, despite the fact that in Belgium franchised stores often have less strict employee protection.

Delhaize also repeats it has at least one interested candidate for all of its 128 supermarkets , and least two for 90 % of the stores. In the coming months, we can expect further announcements about supermarkets that will make the transition.

The fifteen stores