Rivièra Maison, which was declared bankrupt last month, may make a relaunch. Trustee Erik Schuurs confirmed to the media that "several interested parties" have come forward to take over the brand. Meanwhile, the shops will reopen provisionally from Friday, a bright spot for staff and customers alike.
From this week, consumers can once again visit Riviera Maison's physical shops. 'The shops will be open from Thursday to Sunday in the coming weeks, according to regular opening hours,' Schuurs said. The move was made possible through talks between the receiver, the company's financier and several suppliers.
The temporary reopening should not only provide space for ongoing negotiations, but also show that there are prospects for a relaunch of (part of) the formula. For staff, who have been in limbo for weeks, this development at least offers some breathing space.
Furniture and home accessories from Riviera Maison's spring & summer 2025 collection. Inset Erik Schuurs
Declining sales
Rivièra Maison, founded in 1948 and grown into an international brand with shops at home and abroad, was struggling with declining sales. Bankruptcy was declared in June. Rising costs, changing consumer behaviour and competition from discounters such as Action and HEMA made it increasingly difficult for the chain to stay afloat, retail experts had previously analysed.
Whereas Riviera Maison was successful for years with its luxurious, lifestyle-oriented home furnishing concept, that proposition no longer seems to withstand current market pressures. 'Dutch consumers have become extremely price-conscious in recent years,' Wonen360 wrote earlier. 'Brands with a clearly higher positioning have to prove today more than ever why they are worth their price.'
Future uncertain
Although a final relaunch is not yet certain, trustee Schuurs expresses hope that the brand can be retained. 'Constructive talks are ongoing with several parties,' he reports. Names of possible takeover candidates have not yet been disclosed. According to retail watchers, both investors and existing players in the home furnishings industry could be interested in Riviera Maison's brand, customer base and network.
Curator Schuurs urged customers in the AD to treat shop staff with respect, as they are in a difficult situation. At least for the brand's loyal fans, there will again be the opportunity to visit the shops and admire the distinctive Rivièra Maison range, for now, and hopefully for longer.
More information:
Rivièra Maison
Beiraweg 15
1047 HN Amsterdam
Tel: 020 72 32 199
The Netherlands
[email protected]
www.rivieramaison.com
