The supermarket that charges $80 to leave your car in its parking lot: “We do it for our customers”
A spokesperson for the retailer explains that they have tried other methods in the past and are hopeful about the new paid system.
In the Dutch municipality of Winterswijk, residents have encountered a new restriction introduced by the Albert Heijn supermarket. Until now, the store’s parking lot was free to the public. However, many locals were taking advantage of this by parking their vehicles there regardless of whether they made a purchase.
In response, a spokesperson for Europa Have, the company that owns the supermarket, stated that parking will remain free only for customers during the first two hours. After that period, the company will begin charging up to $80 (€70) for a full day of parking. According to the outlet De Stentor, the goal is not to create a new source of profit, but to prevent residents from using spaces intended for customers.
“We’re not doing this for the money, we’re doing it for our customers,” the spokesperson said. The idea behind the $80 daily fee is to discourage non-customers and ensure that shoppers can find a convenient parking spot for a quick and easy visit. If customers cannot find parking, they may choose to shop elsewhere, which also harms the business.
“This new system works better”
Residents and tourists alike often take advantage of the parking lot, especially on holidays. “We’re close to the city center, so it’s a convenient option,” the spokesperson explained. “But some people park their cars, unload their bicycles, and spend the entire day away. For example, on Labor Day, the lot fills up completely.”
The company had previously introduced measures to prevent this behavior. One approach involved parking tickets that had to be validated inside the store before exiting. Another method used parking tokens, which worked similarly but had to be obtained at the checkout. Neither solution proved effective.
“People started collecting tokens just so they could keep parking here,” the spokesperson said. “I think this new system works better. For us, it’s a significant investment, and it’s not about making money.”
Under the new system, customers can still park for free as long as they leave within two hours. After that, a €5 ($6) charge applies for stays between two and three hours. Beyond that point, the cost increases quickly. The first six hours can reach up to €26 ($30), and a full day costs €70 ($80).
This system eliminates the need to manage tickets or tokens and reduces the risk of misuse in the future. “We also plan to implement this system in our supermarkets in Doetinchem and Aalten,” the spokesperson added. “We’ve already had it in place in Friesland for some time, and it works very well.”
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