Amsterdam-based Blokker, a prominent household retail chain, ceased its operation at most of its locations after filing for bankruptcy in November 2024.
The company, which had struggled with financial difficulties for years, closed approximately 350 of its remaining 400 stores by the end of December, reports NLTimes.
Only about 40 independently operated franchise locations continue to function, as they operate under separate ownership, paying fees to use the Blokker brand and sell its products.
Blokker raises €103M in bankruptcy sale
According to the report by RetailTrends, the bankruptcy process concluded with a liquidation sale that generated €103M, marking the end of Blokker’s widespread retail presence in the Netherlands.
By the time Blokker went bankrupt, it had lost nearly half of its annual revenue in just six weeks during its liquidation sale.
The €103M made from the sale is about half of what the company earned in the seven months before.
As part of the bankruptcy proceedings, PB Capital—a firm led by Ans Blokker, sister of former company heads Jaap and Albert “Ab” Blokker, and her son Roland Palmer—acquired the Blokker brand, its online platform, and select assets for €1M.
This acquisition ensures the brand’s survival, though its future direction remains under a new leader.
The closure of 348 company-owned stores resulted in over 3,300 job losses, significantly impacting employees across the country.
Meanwhile, approximately 45 franchise outlets remain operational, maintaining a limited presence for the brand as they navigate an uncertain retail landscape.
Despite the widespread closures, Blokker is exploring a potential relaunch, with plans to establish new company-owned stores.
One confirmed location is set to open in Steenwijk, as previously reported by the Meppeler Courant.
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