Blokker Franchisees Reject Brand Name in Mass Exodus; Only 12 Remain
Amsterdam, Netherlands – In a notable blow to the revived Blokker retail chain, a ample majority of its independent franchisees have opted to abandon the brand name, choosing instead to pursue alternative business models. Of the 36 independent branch holders,only 12 have agreed to continue operating under the Blokker banner. The remaining 24 have severed ties and will no longer be permitted to use the Blokker brand name.
The decision comes as Blokker, a household goods retailer founded in 1896, attempts a comeback after declaring bankruptcy in November. The companyS financial struggles were attributed to mounting debts, including tax liabilities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and a decline in store turnover, partly due to increased competition.
Entrepreneur Roland Palmer, associated with blokker-Log, spearheaded the restart initiative. Recent months have seen the gradual re-establishment of the Blokker presence, with the old logo reappearing on storefronts and a renewed focus on household items, mirroring the company’s past product strategy.
Prior to its bankruptcy, blokker operated approximately 400 stores nationwide. The current iteration of the chain, under Palmer’s leadership, comprises a significantly smaller footprint. According to Palmer, the remaining stores are those that previously demonstrated strong performance.
The departure of the franchisees leaves Blokker with fewer than fifty branches post-restart. A spokesperson for Blokker expressed a degree of satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “You start at zero franchisees and then you have to see who is joining. That everyone would do that is a utopia. That decision is for every entrepreneur. Twelve we find a good number. That the rest does not want is a shame.”
Reports indicate that some of the independent shop owners who have left Blokker are transitioning to the competing retailer Marskramer. Others are exploring the possibility of forming an independent cooperative to continue their operations.
