So far, integrated stores are the only ones that have been closed for a fortnight. The franchised stores have, for the most part, recovered the customers of the stores on strike. But the situation has changed since a picket blocked access to the Zellik general depot.
If it lasts two or three more days, we’ll run out of everything
We have contacted several franchise store managers and the situation, according to them, is becoming “disturbing“. Denis is the manager of a franchise store in the Namur region. He tells us: “We have the same deposits for affiliate and franchise stores. We are delivered fresh every day, according to the request we make the day before. Two to three times a week, we receive groceries and frozen foods. For now, we don’t lack anything but if it lasts two or three more days, we’ll run out of everything: fresh, groceries, frozen. Except in the butcher shop because we work with a local independent butcher.”
Many of these franchisees don’t hide it, they don’t want to express it in front of the camera, but they feel held hostage in a conflict that doesn’t directly concern them. While not taking part in this conflict, they are therefore penalized.