One hundred of the over 400 Blokker retail stores in the Netherlands will close on December 21, according to a letter from management to staff obtained by NOS news. The household goods chain, which was declared bankrupt last month, is currently holding clearance sales planned until the end of the year. However, for these 100 stores, the sales period will end earlier.
Blokker director Pauline Boerman stated in the letter that the phased closures aim to "optimize sales at store level." Staff from the closing stores are expected to assist in branches that remain open until the end of the year. The trade union FNV has expressed concern, noting that while employees are loyal to their teams and customers, they may be reluctant to work at different locations.
Blokker asserts that this decision is separate from ongoing efforts to find candidates for a potential takeover of part or all of the chain. Discussions with interested parties are reportedly continuing.
Source: NOS News