This is bad news for the world of booksellers and the Brussels economy more generally. the Cook & Book brand, located in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, will not escape bankruptcy, for lack of buyer. Thirty people will lose their jobs indicates the free.
Cook & Book was the subject of a judicial reorganization procedure (PRJ). The only buyer in the running – who does not wish to be quoted – and who had joined forces with two staff members, withdrew from the race a few hours before the hearing this Wednesday morning at the Brussels company court. Audience that ended around 1:30 p.m. He explained that he had not managed to find an agreement for the rental of the premises, located in the Wolubilis cultural village, which belong to the town of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert. If the latter did not give its green light, it is because it judged that there was no reassuring financial plan to sign a new commercial lease (which would have targeted only block a).””
We did not have sufficiently convincing elements of a reliable project “explains the bourgmestre Olivier Maingain to our colleagues.
Great disappointment
For the buyer candidate, it is indeed obviously a great disappointment, but the latter does not want to drag on the question.
The Cook & Book brand (which was also present at Fort Jaco in Uccle) had been created about twenty years ago by Déborah Drion. Business began to become more difficult at the time of the health crisis and aggravated because of the energy crisis and rampant inflation that followed the pandemic.To this,we had to add the high indexing of the wages of the 35 full -time equivalents working at Cook & Book and a ”
Burry of negotiations “ With the town of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert as to the rents to pay.
“We will undoubtedly make a small study on how to orient the call for candidates. We have a preference for the Horeca. It is a place with a lot of animation.”
”
While the commune supported us at the beginning of the covid, it changed its attitude during the second confinement.
Today our rents and property costs have been indexed by more than 10 % even when we are in the midst of a crisis. We are out of step with the municipal bodies.Our desire is to rebuild good relationships, urgently restoring dialog with the bourgmestre “,explained Deborah Drion
has
Free.
So what will become of the block to which is in particular next to the theater?
“We will undoubtedly make a small study on how to orient the call for candidates. We have a preference for the horeca. It is indeed a place with a lot of animation”still specifies Mr. Maingain to the free.
To access this article, please connect to the Internet.
Brussels, April 4, 2024
Cook & Book’s Final chapter
Beloved bookstore Cook & Book in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert is closing its doors, leaving 30 employees jobless.
- the iconic Cook & Book brand in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert is bankrupt.
- A potential buyer withdrew at the last minute.
- The closure will affect 30 employees.
Cook & Book, a well-known bookstore, is facing bankruptcy because a suitable buyer could not be found.
The Brussels-based Cook & Book brand, located in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, will close after a potential buyer, who had teamed up with two staff members, backed out just hours before a court hearing on Wednesday morning. The hearing concluded around 1:30 p.m.
Why the Deal Fell through
The prospective buyer cited an inability to reach an agreement for the rental of the premises.The location in the Wolubilis cultural village is owned by the town of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert. According to the town’s mayor, Olivier Maingain, a reassuring financial plan for a new commercial lease was lacking.
What’s next for the space? The town is considering options, with a preference for a business that offers a lot of activity, like the hospitality industry.
The Cook & Book brand, which also had a presence in Uccle, was established about twenty years ago by Déborah Drion. Business became challenging during the health crisis, and the economic situation worsened due to the energy crisis and inflation.
Wage indexing for the 35 full-time equivalents working at Cook & Book and disagreements with the town of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert regarding rent further complex matters. Drion explained that they wished to rebuild relationships and restore communication with the mayor.
“We will undoubtedly make a small study on how to orient the call for candidates. We have a preference for the Horeca. It is a place with a lot of animation.”
The mayor saeid they would study how to orient the call for candidates. They are leaning towards the hospitality industry.
The closure of Cook & Book marks another blow to the already struggling self-reliant bookstore scene in Europe, and specifically in Brussels, an area that prides itself on its vibrant cultural landscape. Economic headwinds, from the lingering effects of the pandemic to soaring operational costs, are taking a heavy toll.
A Broader Trend: The Struggles of Independent Bookstores
Cook & Book’s demise reflects larger challenges faced by independent bookstores across the continent. increased competition from online retailers like Amazon, which can offer lower prices and unparalleled convenience, has reshaped consumer habits.The rise of e-books also significantly disrupted the traditional market, drawing readers away from physical stores. compounded by high rents, rising energy costs, and competition from other forms of entertainment, these factors create a challenging operating habitat.
Many independent bookstores have attempted to adapt. Some have integrated online sales strategies, offering websites and social media presences, while others have focused on building community through events like author readings and book clubs, alongside stocking curated selections of books. Cook & Book was known for its unique concept of combining a bookshop with a restaurant and other retail offerings, aiming to create a unique experience for customers. Despite the brand’s success, the broader economic pressures proved too much to overcome.
The Impact on Brussels and Beyond
Beyond the immediate loss of jobs and the symbolic loss of a beloved cultural institution,the closure of Cook & Book will have a ripple effect in the local Brussels economy.The Wolubilis cultural village, where the Woluwe-Saint-Lambert store was located, will now face a vacant space. The town’s expressed desire to find a “horeca” (hospitality industry) tenant, could lead to perhaps higher foot traffic, but it also signifies a shift away from the more specialized cultural niche.
This issue is likely also to impact other bookstores throughout Belgium, especially those running in highly competitive environments.The pressure for a location in Uccle to secure extra funds through parking fees underscores the struggle for survival.
This is just the beginning. The implications extend beyond the specific location. This closure underscores the need for ongoing discussions about support from municipal officials, local residents, and community leaders to foster a thriving cultural scene.
Table of Contents
