- 28/5/2025

La Bottega wants its customers to shine

2 min

A major challenge

In recent years, La Bottega has grown from a shoe shop to a concept store in the former Smeets distillery in Hasselt. You’ll find shoes, trendy clothes, fun accessories, styling advice and delicious food. That’s quite a step, which has taken quite a lot of work.

“When we bought the building, the banking crisis had just ended,” says Managing Director Karine Valy. "Outside the city, a new site with lots of shops was constructed. Many people thought the city would empty out, while we just wanted to expand in the city centre. Most banks didn’t believe in our project, but fortunately we were able to count on the support of BNP Paribas Fortis."

“This was also a major challenge for us,” says Fabio Romano, relationship manager at BNP Paribas Fortis, "because the shop was about five times as large. And that also means a much larger inventory. That has to be paid long in advance, so we had to come up with a financing solution for that too. In addition, Smeets Distillery is a listed building, which can significantly increase the cost of renovation. But with the support of the local management, we managed to bring the project to fruition."

Movin quickly

Karine looks back on that period with a lot of warmth. “At BNP Paribas Fortis, they knew with what passion and entrepreneurship we wanted to start this project,” she says. "That definitely made a difference. Even now, Fabio still comes round regularly for consultations and take stock of the situation. He knows very well who we are and where we want to go."

“That’s right,” confirms Fabio. "Together with Karine’s husband Marc, I discuss the plans for the near future every two months. This allows me to estimate in advance which investments will follow in the coming months. When the demand for financial support then becomes concrete, the bank can move quickly."

Grateful

Thinking ahead and wanting to be the industry reference remains La Bottega's motto.

“We always respond to market trends,” says Karine. "Last year, for example, we redesigned our webshop completely, and now our bistro needs to be expanded. We will also soon open a brand new outlet and a concept store for Nathalie Vleeschouwer. To realise all these projects, it’s important that we can rely on our trusted banker. Fabio knows us and knows how driven we are. Without the bank’s support, we would never have been where we are today. And I’m very grateful for that."

 "Without the bank’s support, we would never have been where we are today. And I’m very grateful for that."
Karine Valy, Managing Director of La Bottega