C&A unveils expanded Rue Neuve store

Brussels' flagship C&A on Rue Neuve has completed two years of renovation and expansion works - creating a 7,600m² store that it claims is the biggest of its kind in Belgium.

The retailer has spent €10.5 million updating its central Brussels outlet, which has been trading since 1963. An additional floor has been opened, creating 1,800m² of extra retail space, as well as a new entrance on Place des Martyrs.

The 1960s facade, designed by Belgian architect Léon Stynen, has been restored. The Rue Neuve shop now claims to have the biggest men's and children's clothing departments in Brussels.

"Despite growing competition online, we still strongly believe in our physical stores and their proximity to customers," said C&A Belgium director Eric Brenninkmeijer, whose family has run C&A since Clemens and August Brenninkmeijer opened their first outlet in the Netherlands in 1841.

"Faced with a shifting market, we have been able to consolidate our market leadership in Belgium in recent years," he added.

C&A is not the only store expanding on Rue Neuve. Primark has taken over its neighbouring premises, vacated by Hema, and work is under way to combine the two units.