Out of over 400 Blokker stores, 100 will close by December 21, according to a letter from management to staff, obtained by NOS. The household chain was declared bankrupt last month and is currently holding clearance sales, originally scheduled until year-end, but for these 100 stores, it will end sooner.
Blokker director Pauline Boerman stated in the letter that phased closures aim to optimize store-level sales. Staff will be informed of which stores will close soon and those locations will not receive new stock.
Employees are expected to continue working in stores remaining open until the year’s end and support colleagues in closing stores. Union FNV expressed dismay, with Linda Vermeulen stating that employees, loyal to their teams and customers, are reluctant to work elsewhere.
Blokker claims the closures are unrelated to a potential restart, as the receiver seeks suitable candidates to take over all or part of the chain. Talks with potential buyers are ongoing, but details remain unclear.
Source: NOS