Buy bread, fresh fruit or a block of cheese in Esch? That has not been possible for more than a year. Since the supermarket has been closed, residents have to move to Boxtel or Vught. But that changes. From the end of September there is a small weekly market in the village every Saturday.
In July last year the only supermarket closed in the village. Too few customers and too high costs forced Waldo Kuijpers to close the doors of his Spar after 22 years. For many residents, that is a big loss.
“For many people, the supermarket was more than a place to do groceries, it was also a meeting place. That disappeared when the Spar closed, and that is really a shame,” says resident Marjolein van Hoeckel. “Get dinner just after work, buying fresh sandwiches on Sundays or buying a forgotten product is nice. But for some people the chat at the cash register is just as important.”
That is why Platform Esch ‘Perspectief (PEP), a club of residents who are committed to the village, investigated every opportunity to retain a neighborhood supermarket. From a cooperative supermarket to collaboration with care organization Cello. Without results. “We tried everything, but a supermarket just wasn’t in it anymore,” says Marjolein.
“A weekly market is a good alternative to a supermarket.”
The fishmonger also stopped in October last year. The size is full for Marjolein. She comes to the municipality with the idea for a weekly market, but they can’t arrange anything there. With three other women she goes looking for possibilities. “We are committed to keeping the village livable in various ways,” explains Mechie van Pinxteren. “A survey shows that many residents miss it enormously to be able to buy fresh products in Esch. A weekly market is seen by many as a good alternative to a supermarket.”
In April the women come together for the first time to make plans. Mechie decides to visit dozens of weekly markets in Brabant, Van Boxtel and Vught to Empel and Oisterwijk. She asks everywhere if entrepreneurs also want to be on the market in Esch. “We were constantly rejected. Most have a permanent place on Saturday or are too busy,” says the resident. Yet she kept full and managed to find three location holders.
“There is a chance that there is not enough enthusiasm.”
Every Saturday morning from nine to noon there is now a market on the Marktplein in Esch with a fruit and vegetable stall, a cheese trader and a bakery. “Those are the products that most people need, that’s why we certainly wanted them on our market,” says Corrie Steenbergen.
There is room for a maximum of five stalls on the square. An entrepreneur is being sought for the other two places. “Preferably someone with meat, chicken or nuts. You can get the most important fresh products in the village,” Mechie explains.
The weekly market is a test for the time being and runs until the end of December. Then it must be apparent whether enough residents visit the market to continue to exist. “There is a chance that there is not enough enthusiasm,” says Marjolein. “The supermarket also closed due to too few customers. If the residents want to keep the market, they will really have to invest in it. Of course we hope so.”
The first weekly market will be festively opened on Saturday 27 September.
