The smallest Albert Heijn in the Netherlands closes, despite residents’ resistance

NOS News•today, 4:19 PM

The smallest Albert Heijn branch in the Netherlands in Naarden-Vesting is permanently closing. Residents of the fortified town have tried to stop the closure for months. The activists want residents to fly the flag at half-mast this weekend because of the disappearance of the supermarket.

The store will be open for the last time this Saturday. “We are very disappointed, there is a very sad mood in the fortress,” Rob Coppenhagen told NH. It is the only shop in the fortress for daily groceries.

When it became known at the end of last year that Albert Heijn wanted to close the branch in 2024, Coppenhagen and five others took action. They entered into discussions with the company several times, organized a petition that was signed almost 1,900 times and held several actions. They made an almost 9-minute YouTube video with interviews from people who want the branch to stay.

According to them, the supermarket is so important because many elderly people live in the small fortress who can still walk to the supermarket. The social aspect also plays a role, say the activists. “It’s not about the groceries, but that you can keep people independent for as long as possible. Get out of their house and exercise. It stops loneliness,” says Coppenhagen.

“We certainly did not make this decision overnight and it is the result of several factors. We understand that customers are sad that our store in Naarden-Vesting is closing and we appreciate their involvement. The store will close in mid-2024,” says Albert Heijn in response.

Rob Coppenhagen tells NH that next Saturday will be a “sad day” for residents. The activists want to have a “fitting farewell” that day. “We also ask residents to fly the flag at half-mast.”