Intermarché Anthée: A Supermarket Delivered by Exkal and Designed 100% with People with Reduced Mobility in Mind
Intermarché Anthée has reopened its doors following a complete renovation. It is the first supermarket in Belgium to be adapted to the needs of people with disabilities.
“People with reduced mobility can not only shop more easily in our store, but we also provide them with a workplace adapted to their needs. In this way, we aim to promote inclusion and enable them to participate actively in society.”
The Anthée store has been fully fitted out with the needs of people with disabilities in mind. The initiative was inspired by the owner’s personal experience: his wife had to undergo the amputation of both legs as a result of an infection.
Specially adapted shopping trolleys for wheelchair users are available at the entrance to the supermarket. These trolleys can be easily attached to a wheelchair, enabling customers to move around the store comfortably and independently.
Upon entering the supermarket through the fruit and vegetable section, it is immediately apparent that the aisles are wider than those of a conventional store, making it easier to move around and improving overall accessibility.
The fresh food section features a dedicated crêpe and olive bar, an extensive rotisserie area offering both hot and cold dishes, as well as a “kitchen” concept where a team of professionals prepares ready-to-eat meals and fish dishes in a food preparation area that is visible from the store.
Local products are prominently featured throughout the supermarket, including locally produced cheeses, honey and dairy products, as well as potatoes, fish and eggs, beer, wine and other beverages, together with a wide selection of meat and deli products.
The display cases installed by Exkal enable all customers to easily view and select the products they want. They also provide a direct view into the preparation area where staff prepare the meat, allowing customers to see the process first-hand and highlighting the freshness and quality of the products.
Three checkout counters are fully adapted to the needs of people with disabilities and feature the “Handivisible” logo. This label is linked to the Handivisible app, a tool that is also used in France.