Blokker moves forward with cautious relaunch, planning new stores despite uncertainty
Household retail chain Blokker, which declared bankruptcy in November, is making a cautious comeback, with plans to open multiple company-owned stores, according to RTL. One of the new locations is confirmed for Steenwijk, but the company has yet to relaunch its online store.
Esther Heinen, a Blokker franchisee in Bunschoten-Spakenburg and a board member of the Blokker franchisees’ association, confirmed the plans in an interview with the broadcaster. She stated that Blokker intends to open several of its own stores, though the exact number and timeline remain unclear.
Blokker had struggled for years before filing for bankruptcy in mid-November. Of the approximately 400 remaining stores, around 350 shut down. Only 40 franchise-owned locations remained open, as they operate independently, paying fees to use the Blokker brand and stocking its products.
The launch of new stores will reportedly depend on negotiations with landlords. While Heinen could not confirm which location would open first, she verified that Steenwijk would be among the new stores. The Meppeler Courant previously reported that Blokker planned to return to Steenwijk, citing a source who claimed it would be “one of two new company-owned Blokker stores.” A landlord also confirmed that the store would reopen in the same building that previously housed a Blokker location.
More details are expected in the coming weeks. Roland Palmer, the businessman who, along with investors, acquired the Blokker brand and online store, has not responded to RTL's repeated requests for comment.
In December, an investor group led by Roland Palmer acquired the Blokker brand and online store. Palmer, a nephew of Jaap and Ab Blokker—who built the company into a retail powerhouse in the 1970s—outlined ambitious plans to revive the business, including stronger collaboration with franchisees. Some franchise owners also expressed interest in opening new stores, but none have materialized yet.
Records from the Dutch Chamber of Commerce reportedly indicate that several new corporate entities were established in late January to oversee Blokker’s relaunch, all under Palmer’s management. While the company’s website remains active in a limited form, a new promotional site, "Blokker Blijft" ("Blokker Stays"), has launched with the slogan, "Your grandparents went to Blokker, your parents went to Blokker, and now you go to Blokker." The site helps customers locate the remaining 45 franchise locations, primarily in smaller towns.
Earlier this year, some franchisees considered opening new Blokker stores, but those plans remain on hold. Heinen emphasized that franchisees need more certainty before moving forward, noting that “there is no Blokker organization left—just a name.”
She pointed out the absence of central distribution and logistics support, stating, “Franchisees don’t know what they’re getting into.” In recent months, the 40 remaining franchise stores have operated independently, without assistance from a central management structure.
