Colruyt Group will reopen its renovated supermarket in Gerpinnes on 8 July after completing an extensive refurbishment that expands the store, introduces artificial intelligence-powered checkout technology, and adds new sustainability features.
The renewed supermarket on Chaussée de Philippeville now covers almost 2,000 square metres, offering a broader product range alongside upgraded fresh food departments and improved shopping services. The investment forms part of Colruyt’s ongoing programme to modernise its supermarket network while improving operational efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
What is the Colruyt Gerpinnes renovation?
The refurbishment transforms the existing supermarket into a larger, more energy-efficient store equipped with modern retail technology and enhanced fresh food facilities.
At a glance:
- Reopens on 8 July 2026
- Store expanded to nearly 2,000 m²
- AI-powered Easy Check-out installed at every checkout
- Modernised butcher’s department and new bread unit
- Collect&Go click-and-collect and home delivery available again
- Sustainability upgrades include solar panels, heat recovery and LED lighting
Why did Colruyt renovate the Gerpinnes supermarket?
The renovation is designed to improve the customer shopping experience while increasing operational efficiency and supporting the retailer’s sustainability objectives.
The enlarged store offers both national brands and Colruyt’s own-brand products. A redesigned layout aims to make shopping faster and more convenient, while a new bread unit provides freshly baked bread throughout the day. The supermarket also introduces a Sushi Corner offering Asian-inspired ready-to-eat products.
How does the new AI checkout system work?
One of the most significant upgrades is the installation of Colruyt’s Easy Check-out system.
The technology uses cameras positioned above each checkout to automatically recognise products as they are transferred between shopping trolleys using artificial intelligence. The system is intended to speed up the checkout process while creating a more ergonomic working environment for employees.
The rollout reflects the growing use of computer vision and AI technologies across European supermarkets to improve checkout efficiency and reduce manual scanning.
What changes have been made to the fresh food departments?
The butcher’s department has been redesigned to bring several fresh categories together.
Pre-packed meat, cold cuts, fish and vegetarian products are now displayed within the renovated department using refrigerated glass-door cabinets. Customers can also receive assistance from specialist butchery staff.
Alongside the upgraded meat department, the supermarket now includes a new bread unit and an expanded convenience food offering.
How does Collect&Go support omnichannel grocery shopping?
Customers can once again order groceries through Collect&Go, Colruyt Group’s online grocery service.
Orders can either be collected from the supermarket’s pickup point or delivered directly to customers’ homes through local Drivers delivery partners. The service combines physical retail with online grocery fulfilment, supporting changing consumer shopping habits.
What sustainability features were added?
The refurbished supermarket incorporates several technologies designed to lower energy consumption and improve resource efficiency.
The building includes photovoltaic solar panels, refrigeration heat recovery systems, improved insulation, energy-efficient ventilation, LED lighting with motion sensors and rainwater collection for store cleaning. According to Colruyt, the lighting system can reduce electricity consumption by around 30%.
Outside the store, the car park provides more than 140 parking spaces, bicycle parking for up to 12 bicycles and five electric vehicle charging stations.
Why does this matter for the supermarket industry?
The Gerpinnes investment illustrates how established supermarket operators are combining digital technology, energy-efficient building design and omnichannel grocery services within existing stores rather than relying solely on new store openings.
As retailers continue investing in AI-assisted checkout systems, sustainable store operations and improved fresh food experiences, refurbishment projects are becoming an important strategy for increasing productivity while enhancing customer convenience.
What happens next?
The renovated Colruyt supermarket will officially reopen on 8 July 2026. The retailer is expected to continue modernising stores across Belgium through investments in AI-enabled retail technology, energy-efficient infrastructure and integrated online grocery services as competition within the supermarket sector continues to evolve.
