Kids Day in Wijnegem shopping center: children and grandchildren of traders lend a helping hand (Wijnegem)

Anyone who went shopping in Wijnegem – Shop Eat Enjoy on Saturday March 30 will have seen a surprising number of children. For the very first time, all traders were allowed to bring their (grand)children for an afternoon. The children were allowed to walk with mom and dad all afternoon and some were even allowed to ‘help out’ a bit.

The first edition of the Kids Day was already a success. There were beaming faces everywhere. “As a (grand)parent you sometimes talk about your work at home, but it is often difficult for children to understand what that actually means. To change that, all children were allowed to come along for an afternoon. The reactions were fantastic,” says Katrien Geysen, manager of Wijnegem Shop Eat Enjoy.

Lewis (9) was allowed to spend a day at Fnac. “I was hoping that I would also be allowed to take a look behind the cash register and yes… that was allowed.” Amber (9) had already seen Yves Rocher’s shop, but she was now also allowed to discover the beauty institute at the back. “My nails were painted a nice red and I had make-up done.”

Damien (5) was also thrilled to be able to look behind the scenes at the Olleke Bolleke candy store. “I was even allowed to fill a tasty candy bag,” he said enthusiastically.

But you also met two enthusiastic children at Name It: Hailey and Ayla also want to work in a clothing store later. “I helped mom fold clothes,” says an enthusiastic Hailey.

In addition to many shops, the caretaker and manager also received assistance. Caretaker Thomas brought three girls – appropriately in overalls – and manager Katrien Geysen received help from her daughter Hanna. “Two new stores will open on Tuesday – Lab 9 and Yatta! – with the installation of their building. Hanna has made a beautiful poster to welcome them,” daughter received a good evaluation from her mother.

Tired but satisfied, the kids returned home at 5 p.m.