The story of: Jan de Koster – MCD Stavenisse

In the village on the Oosterschelde with a magnificent view over the sea with the contours of the Zeeland Bridge, the stubby tower of Zierikzee and the always sailing inland vessels and pleasure boats, Jan de Koster's supermarket has been located since 1998. The store is now almost twice as large and there are big plans for the near future.

Jan de Koster settled in Stavenisse with his family in 1998. He started with a Meermarkt supermarket and from the very beginning things went very well. Each time it had to be expanded. It all started with an area of ​​450 square meters and has now grown to 850 square meters. After a period of two years Golf supermarket it became the current MCD in 2010. The staff grew from six people to fourteen. Stavenisse's MCD supermarket was voted the best MCD in the Netherlands in 2018.

Butcher

Jan first worked in various businesses as a traditional butcher for which he also obtained his professional diplomas. Later he became a chef butcher in a supermarket and the desire arose to start his own business as an entrepreneur. He chose the supermarket because it offers more options, brings more people on their feet and is therefore also more pleasant. His first supermarket was in Oosterland and from there he left for Stavenisse. “The strength of our supermarket lies mainly in the freshness and quality of the products and I also find it a challenge to constantly introduce new products.” Sometimes this is requested, but often Jan does this on his own to see if there is a demand for it and if things are going well. Conviviality and convenience also play a part in visiting the store. The butcher's trade is still preferred by Jan and he experiences it as the best job there is in the supermarket.

Service

Service also plays an important role in his shop, which is why he also provides buffets and breakfasts. In addition to Stavenisse, MCD Stavenisse's customers also come from Sint-Annaland, Sint-Maartensdijk and Scherpenisse. “We provide buffets throughout the island.” Jan's supermarket also has an extensive webshop. “The emphasis here is mainly on fresh products and on Wednesdays we deliver for free throughout the island.” The webshop is increasingly expanded and of course Jan is very supportive of the local entrepreneur. “That is not only about preserving one's body, but it is also important for the quality of life.” Jan hopes that all kinds of activities can be organized again soon, such as fairs.

Future plans

There are big plans for the near future. “Everything will be given a facelift: an extensive drugstore, liquor store and tobacco shop.” Jan also benefits from the summer crowds. “Many tourists come from the campsites and from the harbour. I estimate it at an increase in turnover of fifteen percent.”