Maison de Bonneterie dept. stores shut down

After 125 years the family owned chain department store, Maison de Bonneterie, closes the doors to its two main locations in Amsterdam and The Hague. The 100 staff members were informed this morning. The company will not file bankruptcy,

but rather chooses to close its doors now because 'there are insufficient expectations for economic recovery' and 'due to the prolonged and persistent recession it's no longer responsible to go on,' said a spokesperson for the department store. The web store will also be closed. The outlet store in Heemstede, however, will remain open for now, pending a final decision. The unions were invited to discuss a social plan. 'We will try to relocate as many people as possible, although not within the company,' said the spokesperson. The stores will remain open until August at least. The owners are looking for parties, interested in renting the historical buildings in Amsterdam and The Hague.