Surprised faces among customers who wanted to enter electronics store BCC in Veghel on Thursday afternoon. Although the shops would remain open for the time being, the doors were closed. But those who stayed a little longer could still enter. “We are open to a limited extent,” says an employee. “In principle you can still buy something, but we don’t recommend it.”
The atmosphere in the shop is relaxed. On Thursday morning, employees of the electronics chain were told that BCC’s bankruptcy had been filed. That’s why there are notes on the doors stating that the business is bankrupt. But the employees don’t know exactly what that means.
Although they are not actually allowed to say anything, one of the employees says that the bankruptcy came as a surprise to him. “We had seen fewer deliveries for a number of weeks, but I did not expect that we would go bankrupt.”
BCC employees will not receive a salary this month, but only an advance of 250 euros. The 22-year-old boy is disappointed about it, but has already resigned himself to it. “You don’t do anything about it. I just started applying for jobs. I have an interview for a new job next week.”
“I bought all the electronics I have at home here.”
In the meantime, several customers are standing at the door with a questioning face. The employee walks over and explains that they can simply enter. But he advises against buying expensive equipment. “They no longer receive a warranty from us in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty. So I wouldn’t do it,” he says. “A washing machine often lasts two years, but maybe not five years.”
A customer who comes for an air fryer then decides to pass up the purchase. “I always like that extra service, so I order it somewhere online,” says Lemmia Laaroussi. She is a regular customer and is disappointed about the bankruptcy. “I bought all the electronics I have at home here. The service and extra warranty were always very nice. And it’s a shame for Veghel, now another large store is gone.”
“Then let’s watch TV today.”
A little later a young woman is at the door. She has a gift voucher and wants to know if she can still redeem it. But the manager explains to her that unfortunately that is no longer possible. “It is what it is,” says Jay Marso. “It’s only a 50 euro gift voucher. I find it more annoying for them that they have lost their jobs.”
In the meantime, the staff stands awkwardly at the entrance, waiting for the next customer. The employee who is already looking for another job has sat down on a chair in front of the large television screens. “We don’t have much to do now. So let’s watch TV today,” he concludes with a smile.
