Local supermarket Ons Leyendorp in Lierop has been saved. Residents can still do their shopping in their own village and customers are very happy with that. “I’ve even had people crying in the store,” says owner Angela.
Mien Hendrikx can be found in Ons Leyendorp every day. She also collects leftover bread to feed to her Shetland ponies. She even owned the local supermarket in the center until 2006. “We were very sad when it became apparent that the supermarket might close,” she says.
One supermarket in the village
Gerard Slegers and Angela Bijl took over Ons Leyendorp two years ago, so that there is at least one supermarket left in the village. They actually sell everything: bread, cheese, coffee and regional products.
Ideal if, for example, you discover while cooking that you don’t have something at home. Then you don’t have to get in the car to Someren or Asten, the nearest towns that are kilometers away..
Ward Van Rooij recognizes that. He came to the local supermarket on Tuesday ‘between the soup and the potatoes’ for a pack of butter. Besides being practical, the social aspect also plays a role for him. “There is someone behind the cash register who makes it. She is very involved with the customers. That is why I prefer to go here than to the Jumbo, for example.”
Meeting place
Ons Leyendorp is therefore not only a supermarket, but also a meeting place. “When I come here, there is always someone who has a chat. It’s about positive things, but also when something sad happens in the village. Then it is important that this is also discussed,” says customer Mien.
Customers are happy to hear that the store can remain. That was still uncertain before. Turnover declined, making it unfeasible for the owners to invest in mandatory sustainability measures. “I aged thirty years during that time. I was under so much stress,” says Angela.
According to village cooperative Lierop Leeft, the village cannot do without it. In addition to your groceries, you can also go there for a bouquet of flowers or to drop off a postal package. “Such a store does something with the quality of life and liveliness,” says chairman Anne-Riet Vermeulen. “But young children also go shopping there for the first time,” the chairman gives as an example.
Shop is being pimped
When residents learned that the store might be closing, a petition was even launched. With results. Supermarket chain Spar, of which Ons Leyendorp is part, eventually came up with a solution: the store will have a ‘new formula’ that must be profitable. Angela cannot yet say what exactly will change. “I can already reveal that the store is being pimped inside and out.”
Residents can go to Ons Leyendorp for at least the next three years, the contract states. To the delight of Gerard and Angela as well as the customers. “I have really received hugs. Even crying customers in the store. That they are so happy that we are continuing,” says Angela.