From outdated Delhaize to experience-driven supermarket: “We deliberately wanted to be truly different from the rest.”
When Géraldine Vanhonsebrouck (29) together with her husband Clément Vanbesien (29) took over the 2,100 m² Delhaize store in Oudenaarde (Belgium) last year, one thing was clear: this would not be an ordinary supermarket. They dreamed of a modern store with craftsmanship, freshness and experience at its heart. With a fish and butcher’s workshop where everything is cut fresh on site, a unique wine department with a true wow factor, and an open bakery where you can literally see the bread rise.
The shelving and checkouts from Gondella now help set the scene for their new retail story.
Smart layout, tight timing
The store, a well known supermarket in the heart of Oudenaarde since 1977, underwent a complete makeover, including a smarter layout. “We worked in the old store for a year or so, which allowed us to prepare the construction plans down to the last detail and get to know the shop inside out,” says owner Géraldine.
In mid‑May 2025, the store was revamped at high speed: demolition, flooring, electricity, HVAC, cold rooms, the entire fit‑out… literally everything. “We had scheduled three weeks to complete the whole conversion. Very ambitious, but thanks to good partners such as Gondella, we succeeded,” says Géraldine.
The shelving, checkouts and display furniture were seamlessly integrated into the overall concept: “Gondella had three days to install everything: they knew the file well, had a lot of experience with Delhaize supermarkets and worked very fast. That was crucial with such a tight schedule.”
Fresh with a capital F
From their backgrounds—Clément trained as a butcher and Géraldine with experience in food retail, among other things through her family background—they knew exactly where they wanted to go. “We didn’t want to be just another store. There had to be something to experience here, with the emphasis on truly fresh,” Géraldine explains.
And that vision is visible in every corner of the 2,100 m² store. The butcher’s department became a real workshop; the meat is purchased locally and cut on site. You can literally look into the fish counter. And the bakery? As a customer you can see the bread rise yourself. “We want to show what we do. And above all: be truly different from the rest.”
Wine cellar with a wow effect
On the left side of the store you walk into a real eye‑catcher: a stunning wine cellar, filled with more than a thousand types of wine, neatly displayed on sleekly designed racks. “That is really our pride,” smiles Géraldine. “We wanted a wine section that amazes people. And we pulled it off.”
Together with the team
The staff also had a say. “The staff areas were redesigned with their input. There is now a rest area where they feel welcome.” That approach paid off: both customers and team members respond very enthusiastically. “A fresh wind is blowing through the store.”
In addition, the checkout zone was equipped with, among other things, eight spacious Gondella state‑of‑the‑art conveyor‑belt checkouts, with attention to shopping comfort on the one hand, but work comfort on the other.
“Make sure you know what you want. Think it through carefully. Measure everything properly. And choose partners who understand your vision. For us, Gondella was the right choice.” Tip for other entrepreneurs who want to renovate? Géraldine
Delhaize Oudenaarde in figures
- 2,100 m² sales area
- 45 employees
- 20,000 products
- 195 parking spaces
- 8 checkouts and on top of that 5 quick‑scan checkouts
Plans for a new supermarket or refurbishment?
Do you also want a store where every detail is right and your customers are truly surprised? Contact Gondella and discover how we can make your project stand out.
