HISTORY
1925
Franz Colruyt, a baker in Lembeek (near Halle), sets up a wholesale business importing goods from overseas (coffee, spices, etc.). He supplies his foodstuffs to the grocers in the area. His activities quickly spread to include the Brussels region.
The history of Colruyt goes back to 1925.
1950
Establishment of the Etn. Franz Colruyt N.V., foodstuffs wholesaler.
1958
Jo Colruyt and his brothers take over the company, which now supplies foodstuffs to more than 800 independent grocery stores.
1964
A turning point in the Belgian distribution world: the first supermarkets open their doors. Colruyt also experiments with new, modern sales ideas: small supermarkets, self-service stores, Super Boni, Cash & Carry (self-service shops for independent grocers), etc. The first supermarkets appear in the 1960s. Colruyt tests a number of new sales practices
1965
In Brussels, the first 'Discount' store springs from the Cash & Carry concept. From now on, the consumer profits directly from the lowest food prices. This unique formula proves to be an immediate success and spreads quickly. Colruyt becomes the first ever store to have a computer at the checkout and punch cards on the shelves. This system makes it possible to restock the shelves automatically, and leads to a significant reduction in costs; yet another guarantee of the lowest prices.
1976
Colruyt starts to operate under its own name: the Discount stores are renamed Colruyt.
1977
The company "N.V. Colruyt" is quoted on the stock exchange for the first time.
