Brico
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail (hardware, DIY, gardening) |
| Founded | 1973 in Schoten, Belgium |
| Headquarters | Schoten , Belgium |
Area served | Belgium |
| Products | Hardware, DIY products, gardening supplies |
| Parent | Maxeda (formerly Vendex) |
Brico is a hardware retail chain based in Belgium, focusing on products for DIY enthusiasts and gardening. As of February 2016, the company manages 140 stores throughout Belgium, with approximately 95 of these operated as franchises.
History
Established in 1973 in Schoten, the brand name Brico originates from the French verb bricoler, meaning to engage in DIY activities. During the 1980s, the company introduced two private label brands: Stop and Bricobi, which have since been rebranded as Central Park and Sencys. Up until 2002, Brico was part of the GIB Group, which was later acquired by the Dutch retail firm Vendex (currently known as Maxeda), owner of other hardware chains including Praxis and Formido.
Brico NV incorporated former Belgian outlets of Leroy Merlin under the Plan-It brand, focusing on larger-scale DIY and home decoration projects.
In 2006, Brico introduced Brico City stores—compact urban locations situated in cities like Antwerp, Brussels, Liege, and Ghent—which provide essential, space-efficient products.
Sponsoring
During the 1990s, Brico supported the Mapei cycling team through its Bricobi label. This sponsorship highlighted the company’s involvement in sports marketing and increased its presence within competitive cycling circles.
Online store
Brico launched its online shopping platform in 2006, allowing customers to browse and purchase products via an integrated section on its website, aligning with changing consumer retail behaviors.