Intergamma is the parent company for 2 DIY chains in the Benelux countries: Gamma and Karwei. Gamma has 166 stores in the Netherlands and 83 in Belgium. Karwei has 136 stores in Belgium.
It’s an interesting structure. While the stores are a franchise, they do not have the autonomy in product selection that a U.S. Coop store owner would enjoy. Purchasing decisions are made by the buyer and category manager at Intergamma corporate HQ and implemented in all stores. The stores are “home center” format, typically with the “racetrack” layout, traditional racking and a product mix nearly 100% DIY.
Unfortunately, no parking lot food to sample once again frown emoticon
