After more than six decades serving the community of Mechelen, the iconic hardware store Trentels is preparing to close its doors at its historic location on the Grote Markt. The family-run business, which has been a fixture in the Belgian city since 1962, announced its relocation to a modern site on the outskirts of town, marking the end of an era for a shop that has supplied generations of residents with tools, building materials and household essentials.
The decision to move comes after years of mounting pressures on small retailers in historic city centres, including rising rents, changing consumer habits, and the growing dominance of large DIY chains and online retailers. Store owners say the shift reflects not just economic realities but also the evolving needs of customers who increasingly seek larger showrooms, better accessibility, and extended opening hours—amenities challenging to accommodate in the narrow, protected streets of Mechelen’s UNESCO-recognised historic centre.
Trentels, known locally for its wide selection of professional-grade tools and its knowledgeable staff, has long been more than just a shop. it has served as a meeting point for tradespeople, DIY enthusiasts, and homeowners seeking advice on everything from plumbing to woodworking. The announcement of its move has prompted an outpouring of sentiment from longtime customers, many of whom recall visiting the store with their parents or grandparents.
According to a recent interview with the store’s current owners, the decision to relocate was not taken lightly. “We’ve been thinking about this for years,” one owner said. “The building itself is beautiful, but it’s not practical for modern retail. We need space for a wider range of products, better loading access, and room to grow.” The new location, situated in a retail park near the E19 highway, will offer significantly more floor space and dedicated parking—features increasingly seen as essential for survival in today’s competitive retail landscape.
The move also highlights broader trends affecting small businesses across Europe. Data from the European Commission shows that retail employment in traditional town centres has declined by nearly 15% over the past decade, while out-of-town retail parks have seen steady growth. In Belgium specifically, the Confederation of Belgian Trade Unions (CSC) reported in 2023 that small retailers face disproportionate pressure from rising energy costs and commercial rents, particularly in protected heritage zones where renovations are tightly regulated.
For Trentels, the transition represents both a loss and an opportunity. While the Grote Markt location holds deep sentimental value, the new site will allow the business to expand its offerings, including a larger selection of power tools, garden equipment, and sustainable building materials. Owners say they plan to maintain the same level of personal service that has defined the store for generations, even as they adapt to a new environment.
As the store prepares for its final weeks at the Grote Markt, locals have begun leaving notes of thanks in the window and sharing memories on social media. One customer wrote: “I bought my first drill here when I was 18. My father bought his here in the 70s. It’s not just a shop—it’s part of the city’s story.”
The relocation is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, with the new Trentels location expected to open in early 2025. Until then, the historic shop remains open, serving as a reminder of the enduring value of small, independent businesses in shaping the character of European towns and cities.
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