Blokker Holding stopsceases selling via its separate e-commerce arm Nextail with immediate effect. The company chooses to operate via an Omnichannel, integrating Nextail's operations into its shops.
In this way, Blokker Holding, which besides Blooker also includes Xenos, Big Bazar and Marskramer, hopes to grow online. Nextail started in 2014 for exactly that reason, which seemed to succeed nicely. The holding company's turnover grew from 70 million to 173 million euros in 2016; to cope with online growth, it even opened a new distribution centre in Gouda.
Divest
The strategy change is mainly caused by a major reorganisation. Last week it was announced that Xenos' head office and distribution centre in Waalwijk were closing, after the 110 shops were sold to retail chain Casa. Earlier, it was announced that the distribution centre in Mijdrecht was to close. This was sold to Hudson's Bay.
By setting up an omnichannel, the company hopes for better times. For years, there have been disappointing sales figures, changing executives and logistics that leave much to be desired. It is currently focusing entirely on the Blokker stores, divesting other shops such as Xenos, Leen Bakker and Intertoys.
At Nextail, about half of the staff will be laid off following the reorganisation. Around 50 people are affected.
