The Spar was a trusted supermarket for many people in Gemert for 67 years. One of the few supermarkets where a chat with the customer was still made. But after next month that will stop. Because owners Paul and Adrie Maas-Brouwers are retiring and there is no succession. “I have already shed many a tear and there are many more to come,” says Adrie.
She and her husband took over the shop in Diederikstraat thirty years ago from Adrie’s parents. They opened a butcher shop there in 1956 and later it became a supermarket. The store has been known for its personal contact all along. “We even brought groceries to people’s homes when they were sick,” says Adrie.
“Of course I can go to the Jumbo or the Albert Heijn, but that is different.”
The couple is in the store six days a week from eight in the morning to seven in the evening. They still do that with great pleasure, but the old building is due for a makeover. “Spar wanted everything to have a new look, we had to replace all the refrigerators and there would be fresh sandwiches in the range,” explains Paul. “If I were ten years younger, we would have done that, but we can’t do that now. earn more.”
Not only Adrie and Paul think this is a pity. Customers like Rikie Boonaerts are also mourning a bit. She has been a regular customer for 57 years. “I find it very strange that it will soon be over,” she says. The shop is just around the corner from her and Adrie and Paul feel like family to her. “After all these years, it is very familiar and familiar. Of course I can go to Jumbo or Albert Heijn, but that is different.”
“A customer has been coming to the store for 63 years. He was even crying.”
Adrie and Paul have heard that from many people in recent days. “Someone has been coming to the store here for 63 years. He was even crying last week,” says Adrie. “That’s the best appreciation. I don’t need flowers, just for people to say, you’ve always been there. Because we have always done this with heart and soul.”
The five employees are also having a hard time with it. They have to look for a new job. “Of course you can see it coming at some point, because they will retire one day. I totally agree with them, but it takes some getting used to,” says Els Spierings. She has been working in the store since 1994. “I have already been asked to work in another supermarket, but I still have to let it all sink in.”
Adrie recently retired. Paul follows when the store closes at the end of September. “I have already shed many a tear and there are many more to come,” says Adrie with tears in her eyes. “But we will finally have time for ourselves and for our children. And I look forward to that.”
Nevertheless, the two are still ready to help out in other Spar stores. “If colleagues need help due to illness or vacation, we always want to help,” says Paul.
2023-08-14 19:05:25
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