For the residents of Naarden-Vesting, the smallest supermarket was not just one. It had great social importance, says Naarder Rob Coppenhagen. He and five others rebelled against the closure of Albert Heijn.
He says that many elderly people live around the store and can still just take a walk to the store. “It’s not about the groceries, but about keeping people independent for as long as possible. Get out of their house and exercise. It stops loneliness.”
Coppenhagen was quite upset when he heard that ‘their’ shop would close. “It was no longer about anything else in the neighborhood app, everyone was incredibly shocked. Then I thought: we have to do something.”
Action!
He and a group of activists contacted Albert Heijn, who quickly announced that they would not change their minds. Yet they did not give up hope; they started a petition – which received almost 1,900 signatures, passed several times in discussions with the retail chain and took action. For example, 14-year-old Ole explained in a video of almost nine minutes why the shop is so important for the Fortress.
But Albert Heijn stood its ground. “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.” Albert Heijn did not reveal what exactly these factors are for the closure.
A sad day
Rob Coppenhagen tells NH that he is extremely disappointed with this decision. “May 11, 2024 is a sad day for the residents and entrepreneurs of Naarden-Vesting. We tried everything to make Albert Heijn understand the importance of the branch for our town, but they were not open to that. Close to, small-scale , the human dimension no longer fits into their formula.”
A ‘fitting farewell’ will be organized for the store and its staff on Saturday afternoon. “We call on all residents and entrepreneurs through all media to attend. We also ask residents to fly the flag at half-mast.”
Little bit of hope
Yet Coppenhagen has not completely given up hope. “We still have hope for an entrepreneur who will enrich our city with a small-scale supermarket. How grateful we will be to him and how festive we will welcome him. The flag will go out again that day!”
