Belgian retailer Delhaize has announced that it is phasing out its Delhaize City convenience store format, according to ESM magazine.

The group's 15 branches located in Antwerp, Brussels and Geneva will reportedly be convertd to the convenience-oriented banner Proxy Delhaize.

The retailer put the decision down to a lack of flexibility and profitability, and revealed that the stores would remain open until independent shopkeepers have been identified to take the outlets over.