Blokker to reopen 30 to 40 stores months after bankruptcy

Blokker, the Dutch household retail chain that was declared bankrupt at the end of last year, is planning to return to the market with 30 to 40 new stores across the Netherlands. That figure, while not officially confirmed by the company, has been cited by several suppliers and individuals involved in ongoing negotiations with the new Blokker organization, according to RTL Z.

Businessman Roland Palmer, a nephew of longtime Blokker directors Jaap and Ab Blokker, acquired the brand name from the bankrupt estate four months ago. Palmer has since remained largely silent about his plans for the company, but sources told RTL Z the relaunch is now taking shape.

A former supplier who was approached to work with the new company said he was informed by Blokker that it intends to open between 30 and 40 company-owned stores. That number is also recognized by Loys Karel of Euroseat, a company that buys and resells surplus store inventory. Euroseat has been listing inventory from several former Blokker locations.

In Breskens, located in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, a Blokker store is set to reopen in the same location it previously occupied before closing last year. Ronald Lohman, owner of the shopping center there, told RTL Z that he repurchased the store’s inventory in December in anticipation of a possible restart. According to Lohman, the location consistently performed well in terms of sales and profitability.

“Some time ago, we were approached by a real estate agent representing Blokker, who was looking for suitable locations. This property met Blokker’s requirements,” Lohman told RTL Z. He confirmed that by the time he signed a lease agreement, Blokker had already secured more than 30 storefronts. He expects the properties to be outfitted throughout May and June but said he does not know the exact reopening date. “I can imagine Palmer wants to open all 30 to 40 stores at once,” Lohman continued. A post he made on Facebook mentioned that the Breskens location is expected to open “sometime in June.”

Additional locations are also confirmed. Esther Heinen, a franchisee who operates a Blokker store in Bunschoten-Spakenburg and sits on the board of the Blokker franchisees association, said the new Blokker will open “multiple” company-owned stores. One of those stores will be located in Steenwijk, in the province of Overijssel, although Heinen was not able to tell RTL Z whether it would be the first to open.

In Pijnacker, between Rotterdam and The Hague, Blokker will also open a new store. Erwin Fortuin, chairman of the Ackershof merchants' association in Pijnacker, confirmed the news. “I don’t know why Pijnacker was chosen,” Fortuin told RTL Z. “I think they looked at which stores performed well.” Cor Eschmeijer, Director of Property Management Retail at real estate agency Colliers, confirmed that the property was delivered on April 30.

Currently, about 40 Blokker stores remain open, all operated by independent franchisees. These stores were not affected by the bankruptcy and continue to function under the Blokker brand. The company previously stated that it intends to work with these entrepreneurs as it rebuilds. If all 30 to 40 company-owned stores are added to the existing franchises, the brand could soon operate around 70 locations.

However, retail experts note that a network of at least 100 stores is generally required to achieve cost benefits in areas such as purchasing and marketing.

Bankruptcy trustee Robin de Wit confirmed to RTL Z that the new Blokker is actively working to reopen stores. When asked how many stores are planned and when they will open, he referred inquiries directly to the company.

Blokker has not provided official comment. Palmer has not responded to calls or messages from RTL Z, and the company has not had a spokesperson since the bankruptcy.

Last week, RTL Z reported that Palmer is working with a group of former Blokker executives. However, those individuals declined to speak publicly or have their names disclosed. Former financial director Fred Letschert told RTL Z, “We are not in favor of that. We are working on things and want to choose the right moment to share them.” When contacted again by phone, Letschert hung up. He later declined to comment in a message, replying “no comment” when asked whether he could confirm or deny plans to open 30 stores.