Working Together on the Future of the Supermarket in Baexem

Alderman , Michel Graef, Synco van der Klei owner, and Michiel Boers, account manager for the municipality of Leudal, discussed this topic last week during a visit to Buurt.Baexem.

The future of the supermarket is an important issue for Baexem. In this regard, the focus is explicitly on a new model: a supermarket supported and organized by the village.

After all, a supermarket is more than just a place to do your grocery shopping. It’s also a gathering place and contributes to the quality of life and social cohesion in the village. That’s precisely why it’s important to work with residents, business owners, and other stakeholders to find a solution that will work in the long term.

Ownership by the village

The strength of this initiative lies in local ownership. The residents of Baexem themselves are exploring ways to preserve the supermarket while also transforming it into a facility that aligns with the village’s future.

Moreover, the ambition extends beyond the supermarket alone. The project is exploring partnerships with local and regional suppliers and farmers to create a place where local products come together. This will allow Buurt.Baexem to grow into a local hub for both the village and the region.

For the municipality of Leudal, this is a great example of how entrepreneurship, local engagement, and quality of life can come together.

Looking Ahead Together

We’ll be continuing our discussions on this topic in the coming period. After all, a vibrant community resource is ultimately created together: by and for the village.

And who knows—perhaps Baexem will become an inspiring example for other villages facing a similar challenge: taking collective responsibility for amenities that are important to the village’s quality of life.