In Arnhem’s Jansstraat, a violinist plays Jingle Bells as Olaf Zwijnenburg, Rabobank’s retail sector manager, reads a closure notice on The Body Shop’s window. Zwijnenburg, experienced in retail transitions, questions if the public will miss the cosmetic chain, attributing its closure to the thin line between profit and loss.
In 2024, 336 retail businesses were among the 4,000 Dutch bankruptcies, marking a 21% increase from 2023, with December data pending. Notable closures include The Body Shop, Dunkin’, Game Mania, among others.
Zwijnenburg cites inflation, declining sales, rising costs, and debt as factors. While Blokker’s brand sale to Roland Palmer is positive, Zwijnenburg notes future growth challenges as only certain Blokker operations remain.
Retail vacancies have risen since early 2024, with no recovery yet. Rabobank research shows nearly a quarter of stores have vanished since 2010.
Despite closures, consumer spending in 2024 spurred economic recovery, expected to continue with 1.3% growth in 2025, especially in health and wellness. Zwijnenburg stresses innovation for retail success, noting Blokker’s past growth from early international sourcing but recent loss of relevance.
He observes new stores like an eyewear brand, a jewelry chain, and a men’s fashion outlet thriving by combining online and physical presence, known as “bricks and clicks.” Zwijnenburg sees opportunities for both large enterprises and niche players, highlighting thriving local businesses in Arnhem.
Source: NOS