Dutch retailer Zeeman has recorded a 9 % turnover growth last year, allowing the textile discounter to rise above pre-pandemic levels. Last year, the company invested more than ever in expansion, renewal and sustainability.
“Consistently good”
Zeeman achieved a net turnover of 678.5 million euros last year, 9.1 % more than a year earlier and also 5.8 % more than in 2019. The textile discounter does not share profit figures, but “operating profit has been consistently good over the last few years. We have come through the COVID-19 period financially well. As a result, our debt position is relatively low”, the retailer said in a report published yesterday.
The total number of shops grew from 1297 to 1303 last year. In the Netherlands, the number of shops did fall from 468 to 459, while in Belgium there was a net increase of one store to 269. At the end of last year, the retailer had 304 shops in France (+ 6), 117 in Spain (+ 34) and 141 in Germany (- 8). Moreover, the chain has twelve stores in Luxembourg and a single one in Austria.
Living wages
Zeeman invested 41.1 million euros in 2021, 71 % more than in 2020. The chain opened a webshop in France, renovated shops and is currently testing a new store concept at four locations, two of which are in Belgium.
Sustainability remains high on the company’s agenda. Customers can hand in and buy second-hand clothing in all Dutch shops – and in two test shops in Belgium. The share of sustainable cotton in the clothing and textile collection was increased to 59 %. In the coming years, the retailer wants to commit to living wages throughout the production chain.
