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Belgium-based retailer Colruyt is planning to open around 70 new supermarkets over the next few years, according to executive chairman Jef Colruyt.

In an interview with Belgian newspaper L'Echo, Mr Colruyt said that the group was planning to launch 17 new stores in Belgium this year, including five supermarkets, eight Okay stores and three Dreamland shops.

'In the long run, we have a list of 70 possible locations for Colruyt (supermarkets),' he told the publications. 'If we could open 40-50 at four to five per year that would be good.'

Colruyt is also plotting expansion in France to the tune of 10 new outlets per year, he added, while possibilities were also being studied in Eastern Europe – but not for another two years, Mr Colruyt said.