Almost 40% of former Blokker stores still empty a year after bankruptcy
Almost 40 percent of the stores that were owned by retail chain Blokker prior to their bankruptcy are still empty a year later. A total of 148 stores out of the original 397 are still empty, a recent study using data from market research company Locatus shows. Property experts describe the outcome as “excellent,” considering the present state of the market.
Blokker itself has not disappeared entirely: the chain has been reopening stores under its brand name since mid-2025. 12 locations opened in June 2025, with plans to expand to dozens more. Former Blokker franchisees have also launched a new chain, Allesz, featuring their own concept and supply system across several sites nationwide.
In addition, numerous franchise operators have continued their stores, while other premises have shifted to former affiliated brands like Intertoys.
Just one in five of the locations has been taken over by a household goods retailer. Shoppers are increasingly turning to online stores, supermarkets, or discount chains like Action for these products. Beyond established national chains, several new store concepts have taken over former Blokker premises, including discount retailer Die Grenze in Leeuwarden.
A large number of the properties have been snapped up by discount retailers. Wibra leads the way with 46 new stores, while Kruidvat, Normal, Takko Fashion, and Van Haren have also expanded into former locations. Professor Kitty Koelemeijer says the stigma once attached to bargain shopping is gone. “Bargain hunting no longer carries a stigma, and some retailers are clearly reaping the rewards,” she said to BNR.
Some larger premises have been subdivided. In one former Blokker location, a Douglas store has moved in, while the adjacent Intertoys has taken over the storage area.
The Blokker bankruptcy, together with closures of chains like Bristol and Esprit, helped drive higher vacancy rates in shopping streets last year. Market researcher Locatus notes this as part of wider shifts in the retail sector.
