Merksplas (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On January 25, 2025, Kringwinkel WEB opened a new 2,000-square-meter store in Merksplas, directed by Bart Wuyts. This location will feature a lunch spot, “de kom’af,” and an IT project, Informatik, creating jobs for about 30 people and supporting the circular economy
Starting from January 25, 2025, people in the Kempen region will have a new place to shop for second-hand items in Merksplas. A new Kringwinkel WEB store will open at the former Veja site on Veldenbergstraat 67. This store is 2,000 square meters, which is double the size of their Turnhout store.
The company noticed a gap in their service area in the Noorderkempen. Bart Wuyts, the director, said this area had been a “blind spot” for them. With the new store, they hope to help customers who had to travel far to donate or buy second-hand goods.
What features and job opportunities do the new Kringwinkel Merksplas offer?
Authorities mentioned that the store will feature Informatik, a project that refurbishes old computers and laptops. They mentioned that the location will support the circular economy by allowing customers to donate reusable items.
Kringwinkel Merksplas will create jobs for about 30 people. They will focus on helping those who have trouble finding work. The store will be open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except Sundays.
“We are active in the Noorderkempen and always keep a close eye on which region people come from to bring goods or come shopping with us. Merksplas was a blind spot that we wanted to fill,”
Says director Bart Wuyts.
According to Bart Wuyts, the smaller stores had problems with not enough room for some items. Now, they can display a wider range of products. There is more room for baby and children’s items like cots and buggies.
He mentioned that the clothing section is also bigger and offers more choices than other stores in the chain. To make shopping more enjoyable, the Merksplas store has a new food option called “de kom’af.” Visitors can enjoy sandwiches and classic dishes.
“We have noticeably more space here for baby and children’s items, such as cots and buggies. The clothing department is also larger than in our other stores”.
Director Bart Wuyts says
The new Kringwinkel store in Merksplas has more than just a bigger shopping area. It is moving from the Turnhout store to the new location. Bart Wuyts mentioned that this helps promote the circular economy by repairing old devices.
He highlights that the larger store will create job opportunities. It plans to hire about 30 people, many of whom have trouble finding work. There will also be a place for visitors to donate reusable items. The new Kringwinkel will offer a bigger selection of products and help social initiatives.
