The Dutch Zeeman Group, regarded as the largest textile store chain in Europe, has announced plans to close 150 stores across several European countries by 2028. These plans include a complete withdrawal from the markets in Austrian and Portuguese territories, where the group had previously attempted to expand over the past years.
According to information released on Tuesday, May 26, it is expected that 51 stores will close in both France, Germany, and Spain by 2026. However, the company has yet to specify which of its 341 stores in France will be affected by this decision. The first Zeeman store was established in the city of Roubaix in northern France in 1991.
Details of the Announcement
Zeeman, founded by Jan Zeeman, who passed away in 2020, aims to provide affordable products for consumers seeking economical options. Although the company has not faced financial difficulties, as its revenues have shown significant growth, there are concerns about a decline in the number of products sold, prompting management to implement a "rationalization" plan aimed at improving efficiency.
Reports indicate that Zeeman's revenues reached €984 million in 2025, compared to €969 million in 2024. However, the number of products sold decreased from 270 million to 264 million during the same period, reflecting challenges the company faces in maintaining its customer base.
Background & Context
Founded in 1967, Zeeman has grown to become one of the largest retail chains in Europe. The company has always sought to meet consumer needs by offering competitively priced products. However, changes in consumer behavior, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, have impacted corporate strategies worldwide.
Zeeman faces increasing challenges in the European market, competing with numerous other brands that offer similar products. This intense competition may be one of the reasons behind the company's decision to scale back operations in certain markets.
Impact & Consequences
This decision is expected to affect many employees and customers in the impacted markets. The closure of stores may lead to job losses, increasing economic pressures in those areas. Additionally, scaling back operations could limit options available to consumers, particularly in markets already suffering from a shortage of retail stores.
Despite Zeeman still generating good revenues, the challenges it faces in retaining its customer base may lead to a reevaluation of its strategies in the future. The company may need to consider new ways to attract consumers and boost sales.
Regional Significance
While there are no Zeeman stores in Arab countries, this type of news reflects the challenges faced by global companies in adapting to changing markets. These experiences can serve as lessons for Arab companies looking to expand into European or global markets.
Ultimately, Zeeman remains one of the brands closely monitoring market developments and adjusting its strategies to ensure continued success in an increasingly competitive environment.