Dutch luxury department store chain De Bijenkorf is cutting 37 managerial positions in its seven stores as rising costs threaten its profitability. The move follows a reduction of positions in its headquarters and of its international activities.
More efficiency
According to De Bijenkorf, the elimination of 37 jobs should lead to “a better customer experience and more efficiency”. The retailer told business newspaper FD that it regrets “the necessity of these measures”.
The department store chain is struggling with sharply increased costs for energy, transport, packaging and staff. On a turnover of 524 million euros, the company posted a net loss of 10.8 million euros, although there was a small operating profit of 2.8 million euros.
Earlier this year, De Bijenkorf already cut fifteen jobs at its head office. The retailer also discontinued its e-commerce activities in other languages: only the Dutch webshop in the Netherlands and Belgium is still open.
