The household chain Blokker is in serious trouble. The company requested a deferment of payment today and the webshop is already closed. Experts think bankruptcy is inevitable. How did it get to this point? “They have become dispensable.”
The company speaks in a press statement of ‘unforeseen setbacks’ that have led to ‘acute financial shortages’. Quote journalist Barbara Rijlaarsdam wrote a book about the rise and fall of the family business. Whether the setbacks are indeed unforeseen can be disputed, she says. “De Blokker has been doing very poorly for a long time. It has been a loss-making company for years.”
Already clear in the summer
At the beginning of this year, things were already over for the household chain. “Then they barely made it, because they found a new lender,” says Rijlaarsdam. “They said that would last them 3 years.”
“But it actually became clear in the summer that it would be stuffy this autumn. And last week there were more leaves on the ground than on the tree. Then the time had come.”
See also
‘Bankruptcy inevitable’
Deferred payment is usually a prelude to bankruptcy. Administrators are now being appointed who will see whether they can keep the company intact and whether the company is viable.
“I think filing for bankruptcy is inevitable,” Rijlaarsdam concludes. “And that is of course sad for all 3,500 employees. Blokker still has 400 stores and people have often been working there for a very long time. People with a Blokker heart, you could say.”
Financial crisis and death of Jaap Blokker
And that is a stark contrast to the situation about 13 years ago. Blokker Holding, the parent company, then owned chains such as Marskramer, Leen Bakker, Xenos, Intertoys, Bart Smit and Tuincentrum Overvecht. “They had a turnover of billions at that time,” recalls Rijlaarsdam, who investigated how the company could have declined so much.
“A number of things went wrong at the same time. Jaap Blokker, who built the company together with his brother, died in 2011. And at that time the financial crisis was already underway, but it only reached the shopping street with a delay. That was the moment when companies had to arm themselves against this.”
embed Place this item on your own site
Blocker in trouble
No connection
The death of Jaap Blokker caused a power struggle. “In this case, between the cousin who had taken over from Jaap Blokker and his other uncle. They had a fight and that paralyzed the entire company. And things didn’t work out after that.”
The company missed the connection with consumers, who, according to Rijlaarsdam, prefer to shop online or go to Action or HEMA. “Blokker has lost on all fronts. The Blokker brothers did not believe in the internet. They thought that consumers would continue to come to stores to sniff and feel products.”
Overtaken by competitors
But that wasn’t the case. Director of Research at real estate data company Locatus Gertjan Slob also saw that Blokker was being ‘overtaken to the left’ by other chains. “Blokker did not respond well to that,” he says.
“You have to ensure that as a store you remain an alternative to the online channel. And then you have to ensure that you remain truly innovative with what you offer. Action or Flying Tiger do that better. And HEMA has many products that you need immediately. , for which you can walk into the store so you don’t have to wait for it to be delivered.”
See also
Vacancy
Adding to that pile of problems was the location of the stores. Blokker was not always in the best position in cities, Slob saw. He expects that Blokker’s buildings could remain empty for a long time. “Not all places are suitable for something else, also because they are quite large buildings. It will be difficult to find a new tenant, especially in the smaller cities. Shopping there has been under pressure for some time.”
And so we will soon see shopping streets without the famous orange letters of the Blokker. A loss? “If it really was a loss for the Netherlands, then it would not have happened, of course,” Slob emphasizes. “We had the same discussion with V&D. If you mind that Blokker is going bankrupt, then as a consumer you should have bought more.”
Piece of Dutch heritage
Rijlaarsdam also thinks that we do not need a Blokker in the Netherlands. “I think that’s the sad conclusion, if you look at today’s news. They have become dispensable. They have made themselves redundant.”
The journalist thinks that a piece of Dutch glory is being lost. “In my opinion, yes. I have of course studied Blokker for so long. It is a piece of Dutch heritage for me. It has existed since 1896 and it has grown so big over the years. That rise was a fantastic story of two successful brothers.”
See also
To ask? Ask them!
Do you have any questions or would you like to respond? Send us a message here in our chat. Every Thursday we tell you in the Get Involved newsletter what we do with all the responses. Do you want it in your email? Then register here.
Certainly! Let’s dive into this article on Blokker with a combination of wit, observational comedy, and just a dash of cheekiness, leaning a bit into the styles of Jimmy Carr, Rowan Atkinson, Ricky Gervais, and Lee Evans.
—
Blokker’s Bankruptcy: A Household Name in Trouble
Well, well, well! It appears Blokker—once the bastion of household goods and dubious décor—is now hurtling towards bankruptcy faster than you can say “why isn’t this on Amazon?” Seriously, a deferment of payment? That’s akin to asking for more time on your mortgage after bidding adieu to your last paycheck. Experts are already dusting off their playful “RIP Blokker” banners. Spoiler alert: it’s not looking too good!
A Classic Case of Blokker-itis
Ah, “unforeseen setbacks” – the universally accepted euphemism for, “Wow, we really messed this one up!” Barbara Rijlaarsdam, the investigative journalist with more insight than your average sofa coupon, has pointed out that Blokker has been an epic financial train wreck for years now. I mean, they’ve been doing so poorly it’s a wonder their employees haven’t staged a walkout to protest the escalating price of their own survival.
It’s like watching a soap opera where the only surprise twist is that it refuses to end. Apparently, their financial situation in January was so promising, they found a lender brave enough to lend them a lifeline—or at least a rubber band. And as Rijlaarsdam mentions, this was supposed to last a whopping three years. What insurance company sold you that, Blokker? It’s like trying to finance a house with nothing but Monopoly money.
Leaves on the Ground, Leaves in Your Pocket
In classic autumn fashion, it seems Blokker has discovered that every falling leaf signals more than just the changing of the seasons—it’s also an omen. “More leaves on the ground than on the tree?” Sounds like someone has been watching too many nature documentaries! But really, let’s face it: you can’t just wait until the trees are bare and hope for a miracle.
Goodbye Jaap, Hello Trouble
The company’s downfall stems from losing a guiding force, Jaap Blokker, who sadly departed this mortal coil in 2011. And wouldn’t you know it—right around the same time, the financial crisis reared its ugly head. If this was a movie, it would be called “The Blokker Chronicles: An Epic Mismanagement,” and trust me, it wouldn’t win any awards!
Internal Strife: More Drama Than a Reality Show
And what’s this? A family feud akin to a Shakespearean tragedy? Cousins squabbling over control while the company and its employees spiral into chaos! You’d think they’d have learned from the Kardashians, but alas—they thought retail was the way to go. Who knew furniture and household items created more drama than keeping up with the Joneses?
Missing the Digital Boat
Blokker apparently didn’t believe in online shopping. Can I get an “ugh”? It’s 2023, not 1990! Their belief that consumers would prefer to stroll into a store and “sniff and feel” products is as outdated as a VHS tape. Meanwhile, the competition—hello, Action and HEMA—has left Blokker in the dust, waving from the online checkout as consumers sprint off with their new gadgets.
The Location Dilemma
And now we’re learning that Blokker’s retail space was less prime real estate and more “this could be a great spot for a trendy café if we wait long enough.” Not exactly the high street magic you’d hope for! Expect those empty buildings to turn into ghost towns. Maybe they can offer guided tours of their spectacular misfortune. It’d be like visiting a museum of ‘what not to do.’
A Piece of Dutch Heritage? Or Mismanagement?
Indeed, Rijlaarsdam likened the demise of Blokker to losing a piece of Dutch heritage. That sounds majestic, doesn’t it? But let’s be real. If it was really that great, consumers wouldn’t be shopping elsewhere! The sad truth is Blokker has made itself absolutely dispensable. They’ve gone from a household name to just another “who’s that?” at a dinner party.
Final Thoughts: A Cautionary Tale
So here’s the takeaway, folks: when you hear “global pandemic,” “financial crisis,” or “family feud” in the same sentence as “retail giant,” clutch your wallets and prepare for the inevitable. It’s a harsh world out there, and if Blokker’s demise teaches us anything, it’s that you should probably invest less in orange signage and a bit more in online shopping. Because if you aren’t selling those rubber duckies online, honey, you’ve already lost the race!
So to all of you Blokker loyalists, what’s next? Grab your stuff before everything goes on clearance, because at this rate, they’ll be giving it away just to avoid carting off the stock into bankruptcy court! And remember, folks, as the saying goes, “When one Blokker door closes, another Internet window opens!”
—
Well, there you have it—a blend of insightful commentary layered with a slightly cheeky tone, hopefully engaging enough to keep you smiling while pondering the retail apocalypse we seem to be witnessing.
The household chain Blokker is facing a critical crisis. Today, the company officially requested a deferment of payment, prompting the closure of its webshop. Analysts believe that bankruptcy is all but certain. How did it reach this dire situation? Experts suggest, “They have become dispensable.”
In a recent press statement, the company cited ‘unforeseen setbacks’ as the catalysts for its ‘acute financial shortages’. Journalist Barbara Rijlaarsdam, who documented the rise and fall of this family-run enterprise, questions whether these setbacks were truly unforeseen. “De Blokker has been struggling for quite some time. It has been a loss-making entity for years,” she points out.
Already clear in the summer
By the start of this year, the outlook for the household chain was already bleak. “Initially, they barely survived thanks to a new lender,” Rijlaarsdam recalls. “They projected that this funding would sustain them for up to three years.”
“However, it became increasingly apparent by summer that challenges loomed large for the autumn months. Last week, there were more leaves on the ground than on the trees. That was the moment of reckoning.”
‘Bankruptcy inevitable’
The request for deferred payment typically serves as a precursor to bankruptcy proceedings. Administrators are now being appointed to assess whether the company can be salvaged and if it still possesses any viability.
“I believe that filing for bankruptcy has become unavoidable,” Rijlaarsdam concludes mournfully. “This is undoubtedly tragic for all 3,500 employees who work at Blokker. The chain still operates 400 stores, employing many individuals who have dedicated years of service to the business. They have what you might call a ‘Blokker heart’.”
Financial crisis and death of Jaap Blokker
This stark reality stands in sharp contrast to the situation approximately 13 years ago. Blokker Holding, the parent company, once owned a range of popular chains, including Marskramer, Leen Bakker, Xenos, Intertoys, Bart Smit, and Tuincentrum Overvecht. “Their revenue was in the billions back then,” Rijlaarsdam recalls, reflecting on how the company’s fortunes plummeted.
“A confluence of issues coincided. The passing of Jaap Blokker in 2011, who had been instrumental in building the company with his brother, significantly impacted the firm’s trajectory. At that time, the financial crisis was already in motion, but its repercussions hit the retail sector with a delay. Companies had to brace themselves against this impending storm.”
No connection
Jaap Blokker’s death triggered a power struggle within the company, creating tensions between the cousin who took over and his uncle. “This internal conflict hindered operations and left the company in a state of paralysis. Subsequently, things never quite stabilized,” Rijlaarsdam explains.
The company ultimately lost touch with its consumer base, which has increasingly gravitated toward online shopping or discount stores like Action and HEMA. “Blokker has faltered on multiple fronts. The Blokker brothers underestimated the significance of the internet. They believed that consumers would continue to prefer physical stores to browse and touch products,” she adds.
Overtaken by competitors
Unfortunately for Blokker, the reality was starkly different. Gertjan Slob, Director of Research at the real estate data firm Locatus, noted that Blokker was ‘overtaken to the left’ by rival chains. “Blokker’s response to this competitive landscape was inadequate,” he argues.
“As a store, remaining a viable alternative to online shopping is crucial. Innovation in product offerings is essential. Retailers like Action or Flying Tiger excel in this regard. Meanwhile, HEMA offers many immediate purchase options that expedite shopping and eliminate the need for delivery delays.”
Vacancy
Further complicating matters, Blokker’s store locations have not always been strategically placed in urban areas. Slob observes that many of Blokker’s properties may remain unoccupied for an extended period. “Finding new tenants may prove challenging, particularly in smaller cities where shopping activity has been declining,” he cautions.
In the near future, consumers may traverse shopping streets devoid of Blokker’s iconic orange signage. Yet, Slob asserts that if the demise of Blokker were truly a loss for the Netherlands, it wouldn’t be happening. “We’ve had similar discussions regarding V&D. If consumers lament the disappearance of Blokker, they should reflect on their own shopping behavior.”
Piece of Dutch heritage
Rijlaarsdam sadly concludes that perhaps a Blokker may not be necessary in the Netherlands anymore. “That realization is indeed melancholy, especially in light of today’s developments. They have made themselves redundant.”
For Rijlaarsdam, this represents the erosion of a piece of Dutch heritage. “Blokker has a long legacy dating back to 1896, growing into a giant over the years. The ascent of the Blokker brothers is a remarkable story of success that seems to be coming to an unfortunate end.”
To ask? Ask them!
Do you have any questions or wish to provide feedback? Feel free to send us a message here in our chat. Every Thursday, we share insights from our responses in the Get Involved newsletter. If you’d like updates delivered to your inbox, consider registering here.
G”>A Reflection on the Retail Landscape
The rapid evolution of the retail environment has posed formidable challenges for many traditional retailers, and Blokker is no exception. As competitors adeptly adjust to consumer demands—capitalizing on e-commerce and embracing innovation—Blokker seems to have been left behind. The changing landscape, compounded by Blokker’s internal turmoil, created a perfect storm that has now led the company to the brink of collapse.
Lessons Learned
The demise of Blokker serves as a cautionary tale for all retailers. It underscores the importance of adaptability and foresight in an industry that is continuously evolving. Retailers must not only recognize but also act on emerging trends—particularly when it comes to digitization and consumer behavior shifts. The convenience and immediacy offered by online shopping have reshaped expectations, and those who fail to adapt risk becoming obsolete.
Conclusion
the saga of Blokker not only reflects its own missteps but also mirrors broader trends within the retail world. With the company’s future hanging in the balance, one can only hope that this chapter will lead to a renewed understanding of what it takes to survive in an increasingly digital age. As Blokker faces an uncertain future, the lessons learned could help inform a more resilient approach for retailers moving forward.
