This week marks exactly one year since the only local supermarket disappeared in the East Brabant village of De Rips. After almost 100 years, the village shop closed its doors because the owners retired. The more than 1,100 residents have to travel 12 kilometers out of their hometown to reach a supermarket.
Window stickers of cauliflowers and fresh croissants reveal where the last local supermarket in the village was located. The mossy roof and tall weeds tell the hard truth: it is a thing of the past. The construction fences are already ready. The building will eventually be demolished and apartments will probably be built there.
“If you have forgotten something, you have to leave the village immediately,” says Nicole van Kuringen, who lives right next to the old local supermarket. “You have to go to Gemert, Sint Antonis or Deurne for a supermarket. The nearby farm vending machine offers a solution for some vegetables in ‘case of emergency’.”
Local residents have still not forgotten their beloved local supermarket. “It feels very empty here. It is a great pity,” says Albert Knijnenburg, who was chairman of the village council. “We have done everything we can to keep the super.” In 2010 the store almost went bankrupt, but after a letter of caution from the village council, customers returned.
Successor withdrew
On September 24 last year, Rietha and Gerry Bal Tussen closed the door on Ripsestraat for the last time. After almost a century, no successor could be found. “We were working on a successor for a few years, but he eventually withdrew,” Rietha said on Tuesday afternoon.
“It is very difficult. We would have preferred to transfer the supermarket for the quality of life and solidarity in the village,” says Gerry. The couple sold the supermarket and house. The two are now enjoying their retirement in a village further away.
No ghost village
Yet the residents of De Rips certainly do not want to call it a ghost village. The core still has a party center, primary school, associations and a hamburger restaurant. But for clothing stores, a hairdresser, butcher, dentist or supermarket you really have to leave the village. “You also have to travel at least ten kilometers from home to go to the bakery. We are used to that here,” says Erwin van Bakel.
The residents have a bright future. “Soon 34 new houses will be built here. In about fifteen years there may be another supermarket. There is certainly hope,” Albert continues. Erwin adds: “Many children have been born lately. It’s just good soil here,” he laughs. “Many people from the city want to relax here. It will grow again, there is a future.”