Dutch branch of retailer Carpetright declared bankrupt; Hundreds of jobs in jeopardy

The Dutch arm of retail chain Carpetright was declared bankrupt in the District Court of Amsterdam on Friday, according to law firm Okkerse & Schop Advocaten. The flooring company has 75 locations in the Netherlands, where approximately 350 people work.

In a statement, the administrators asked Carpetright customers waiting for their orders to be patient, and not to contact them. They say they cannot answer any questions at this stage. As soon as there is more clarity, the administrators will contact them directly.

The stores will remain closed for the foreseeable future until the administrators have more clarity on a potential restart and parties come forward with interest in acquiring the firm, the law firm said on behalf of the bankruptcy trustees. The flooring and decorating company's website was still online on Friday evening, but new orders could not be completed.

Carpetright's management said the company was "fundamentally sound." However, investments and problems with the initial implementation of a new software system have led to problems, the administrators stated.

Over a year ago, the retailer was hit in a cyberattack that knocked the website offline, and meant customers could not complete debit card transactions. At the time, Capetright said it operated over 80 stores in the Netherlands.

Initially, Carpetright was granted creditor protection by the District Court in Amsterdam. With the firm declared bankrupt, the case has been transferred to the District Court for Midden-Nederland, closer to the company's Dutch headquarters in Utrecht.