A store in Delden: the beginning of Wegter
The story of Wegter begins with Frans Wegter. In Delden, a town with a village feel, where everyone knew each other and where a store was more than just a place to buy goods. There, he ran a store where you could find everything for the home and household. From porcelain and pottery to seasonal items for Sinterklaas and Christmas. A store like the ones you used to see more often, which became a trusted destination for many people in the region.
What made the store truly special was not just its selection, but above all the way it was run. At a time when religion and ethnicity still played a major role, and people often made conscious choices about where they shopped, Frans Wegter took a different approach. For him, it was simple: everyone is a customer. Without judgment, without distinction. That open attitude made people feel welcome and helped the store become a trusted destination for many.
That way of thinking says a lot about the foundation of the company as it still exists today.
More than just a store
In addition to running his own store, Frans Wegter began supplying products to other stores in the region early on. What started as a side business gradually grew into something bigger. Entrepreneurs who were willing to look beyond their immediate surroundings saw opportunities. Even a trip to Germany was a special occasion back then. But it was precisely by taking those kinds of steps that space was created to expand the product range and build new business.
It was those early forms of entrepreneurship and boldness that ultimately laid the foundation for the wholesale business as it was later expanded.
Small moments, big memories
A company’s history isn’t just about big decisions; it’s also about the little moments. For example, Frans Wegter was known for placing a weekly ad in the local paper. Sometimes it featured special offers, and other times it offered creative solutions when there wasn’t actually anything on sale. One of those ads simply read:“All birdhouses sold out.”It captures the spirit of the times, but also a way of thinking. Entrepreneurship wasn’t just about big plans, but also about the small, smart choices made every day.
The foundation for what was to come
In 1960, the store in Delden was sold. This marked the end of an important chapter, but at the same time paved the way for the next step. The focus shifted entirely to wholesale. It was a decision that would prove decisive for the company’s future development.
What began in a store in Delden continued to grow based on the same philosophy: a down-to-earth approach to business, recognizing opportunities, and treating everyone as a customer. A foundation that remains evident to this day.