E5 Mode

E5 Mode, commonly known simply as e5, is a Belgian fashion retail chain headquartered in Sint-Niklaas. Founded in 1979 by Etienne Kaesteker and his wife Margriet Talpe, the company opened its first store along the E40 motorway — then still designated E5 — in Sint-Denijs-Westrem near Ghent, which gave the brand its name. Over more than four decades it has grown into a regional chain with 58 stores across Flanders and an online shop, employing roughly 480 people. The business moved its base to Lokeren in 1982 and then to Sint-Niklaas in 1987, where its distribution centre also operates. e5 positions itself as a pioneer in affordable fashion, built around personal service and a boutique-style shopping experience. Its collections consist of comfortable, contemporary womenswear and menswear for a range of occasions, spanning sizes 34 to 52. The brand emphasises quality and more sustainable choices, including timeless pieces designed to last and in-store alteration or repair services. It also runs reuse initiatives, such as annual clothing collection drives in partnership with Oxfam Belgium, and refive-days where customers can bring in garments for a second life. The company describes five pillars — style, boutique, for everyone, quality, and close to you — that guide its retail concept. Its stores are designed around outfit inspiration and personal styling advice, while the webshop aims to replicate that experience online. As a Belgian family business, e5 combines physical boutiques with e-commerce and highlights accessibility through large store floors and ample parking. Ownership has evolved over the years. In 2017 Alexander Talpe, a nephew of the co-founder, became CEO. At the end of 2019 the chain was acquired by Feniks Holding of Frédéric Helderweirt, who became the new CEO. In January 2021 the 58-store chain passed into the hands of the De Sutter textile family. In 2025 e5 was recognised as a Best Managed Company by the Deloitte Private-led programme, won a Bronze Effie Award in the Sustained Success category for its Ageless Fashion campaign, and received the Mercuriusprijs 2025 from Belgian retail federation Comeos.

E5 Mode was founded in 1979 by Etienne Kaesteker and his wife Margriet Talpe. The first store opened along the E40 motorway — at that time still numbered E5 — in Sint-Denijs-Westrem near Ghent, which inspired the brand name. In 1982 the company relocated to Lokeren, and five years later, in 1987, it moved to Sint-Niklaas, where its headquarters and distribution centre remain. Over the following decades e5 expanded into a chain of fashion boutiques across Flanders, building a reputation for affordable, accessible clothing and personal service. In 2017 Alexander Talpe, a nephew of co-founder Margriet Talpe, became CEO. At the end of 2019 the chain was acquired by Feniks Holding of Frédéric Helderweirt, who took over as CEO. In January 2021 the 58-store chain came into the hands of the De Sutter textile family. Under this ownership e5 continued to operate as a Belgian family business, combining physical boutiques with an online shop and emphasising service, quality and more sustainable practices. By the mid-2020s e5 employed roughly 480 people and operated 58 stores in Flanders alongside its webshop. The company articulated five pillars — style, boutique, for everyone, quality, and close to you — and pursued initiatives such as clothing collection drives for Oxfam Belgium and refive-days for garment reuse. In 2025 e5 was recognised as a Best Managed Company by the Deloitte Private-led programme, won a Bronze Effie Award in the Sustained Success category for its Ageless Fashion campaign, and received the Mercuriusprijs 2025 from retail federation Comeos.

• 2025

  e5 recognised as Best Managed Company 2025.

• 2025

  e5 wins Bronze Effie Award in Sustained Success category for Ageless Fashion campaign.

• 2025

  e5 wins Mercuriusprijs 2025 from Comeos.

• 2021

  The 58-store chain comes into the hands of the De Sutter textile family.

• 2019

  E5 Mode acquired by Feniks Holding of Frédéric Helderweirt, who becomes CEO.

• 2017

  Alexander Talpe, nephew of co-founder Margriet Talpe, becomes CEO.

• 1987

  Company moves to Sint-Niklaas, where headquarters and distribution centre are located.

• 1982

  Company moves to Lokeren.

• 1979

  Founded by Etienne Kaesteker and Margriet Talpe; first store opens along the E40 (then E5) in Sint-Denijs-Westrem near Ghent.

Affordable, quality fashion for everyone with a personal, boutique-style service and a focus on timeless, longer-lasting clothing.

• Womenswear

  Dresses, skirts, blouses, trousers, jeans, knitwear, outerwear and occasion wear in sizes 34–52.

• Menswear

  Suits, shirts, trousers, jeans, knitwear, outerwear and casual wear.

• Accessories

  Bags, scarves, jewellery, belts, hats, sunglasses and more.

• Golf & leisure wear

  Sportswear-oriented lines for golf and leisure activities.

1. 1e5 | Damesmode, herenmode en accessoires onlinee5.be
2. 2e5 uitgeroepen tot Best Managed Company | Persberichten | e5e5.be
3. 3E5 Mode - Wikidatawikidata.org
4. 4E5 (winkelketen) - Wikipedianl.wikipedia.org