After the bankruptcy, the Blokker is back in Drenthe. The store chain today opens its doors on Noorderstraat in Emmen. At the same time, branches of Blokker open in eleven other places in the Netherlands.
In the coming weeks, 28 new store openings will follow in other cities, including in Assen.
Blokker was declared bankrupt in November last year. The chain founded in 1896 was struggling with persistent losses and problems with paying off debts. Blokker had nearly four hundred branches last year. About 45 franchise filials were not involved in the bankruptcy and were staying open, including in Zuidwolde, Coevorden, Borger and Roden.
Roland Palmer, a cousin of Jaap and Ab Blokker, has bought the brand name Blokker and wants to rebuild the store chain. After the reconstruction, the retail chain hopes to again become a “model of the shopping street”.
Palmer finds it “very special” to be able to continue Blokker and hopes “to give a new impulse to this familiar brand with a modern, innovative way”.