Fifty Eindhoven residents have bought the organic supermarket Liek in their city. They became co-owners by buying a fraction of a share of the company.
Dian van Horrik invested in the supermarket on Roostenlaan. “It is a very small part that I contribute. I hope that Liek will become more widely accessible, so that the shop will continue to exist here. I also hope that there will be more branches.”
Angelique Wijnen is the founder of the supermarket with dining area: the test kitchen. The financial situation was bad because of corona. In January, she got the idea to sell parts of stocks. It turned out to be a golden move. “It was necessary to be able to do business again.”
You don’t just do it for returns.
People can become a member of a cooperative from 250 euros. In 5 years it should be worth about 20 percent more.
Making a big profit right away is not an option for investors. The money is put back into the business first. “You don’t just do it for returns. People also say that they want to contribute to a bit of sustainability and that things can be done differently. We are going to invest in an app, in marketing and in people. Due to corona we had to lay off our team a number of times.”
Local farmers and horticulturists can sell their products in the supermarket. The plan is to open even more supermarkets, a total of five stores in five years. All in Brabant.
The sense of community is heartwarming.
The next branch is planned for early 2023 in Den Bosch. “There are people from Venlo and Den Bosch who are now investing and indicating that they hope that there will be a branch there. But most of the people who invest come from Eindhoven.”
They are existing customers who would like to help the business. “The sense of togetherness is heartwarming.” A total of 150,000 euros worth of shares will be for sale. So far, 48,000 euros has already been raised. The store hopes to have the entire amount together by the end of July.
