After more than thirty years, the curtain falls for the well-known flooring chain Carpetright in the Netherlands. The trustees have confirmed that a restart is not feasible, bringing a definitive end to a familiar face in the Dutch home retail sector.
Carpetright, part of parent company Carpet-Land, was declared bankrupt last month by the court in Amsterdam. The stores have since been closed in anticipation of a possible restart, but that scenario proves financially unfeasible. "Although the trustees were hopeful, it has become clear that there will not be a restart with job retention," their statement to the NOS said.
A complicating factor is that part of the lease agreements for the 75 Dutch branches have already been terminated by landlords. The trustees will also terminate the remaining contracts. With this, it is clear that Carpetright will disappear from the streetscape.
© Carpetright
Customers can turn to CBW
Consumers who made a deposit with Carpetright can contact the CBW (Central Trade Association for Living) or submit their claim directly to the trustees. CBW-recognised stores offer customers extra security, including a deposit scheme in case of bankruptcy.
'It felt like a second home'
The definitive end of Carpetright prompted a wave of reactions on social media, particularly on LinkedIn. Many (former) employees shared their sadness and pride over the years of collaboration. Wilco de Goede, retail project manager at Carpetright and in service for 33 years, expressed what many felt: "After a total of 33 years of working with pleasure, pride, and dedication at Carpetright, it is sad to hear that it is really over now. Carpetright was not just an employer for me and many colleagues; it felt like a second home."
His post received hundreds of responses from the industry. Store manager Kevin Broer writes: "It feels like a loss that this beautiful company will leave the streetscape. The hope for a restart kept us going, but now the Carpetright book is really closed."
The industry sympathises
Other home retailers are also reacting to the news. For example, Van Speijk Wonen posted a warm message of sympathy on LinkedIn: "What a shame, especially for all the employees and customers affected by this. We sincerely sympathise with everyone who worked at Carpetright or recently made a purchase there."
Additionally, the store offers help to consumers with outstanding orders: "Do you have an outstanding order with Carpetright? We would be happy to see if we can help you further."
Van Speijk Wonen, which is CBW-recognised, emphasises the importance of security and reliability within the home sector. At the same time, the company calls on interested parties to apply for open sales positions.
Significant loss for home retail
Carpetright has been a mainstay in Dutch home furnishings for decades, with a wide range of floors, carpets, and window coverings. The chain was known for its national coverage, recognisable red logo, and accessible pricing strategy.
With Carpetright's disappearance, the Dutch flooring industry loses another major player. The news underscores the ongoing pressure on home retail, where rising costs, changing consumer behaviour, and the growth of online sales channels are fundamentally changing the playing field.
Gratitude and hope
Despite the sadness, many former employees feel gratitude as well. "It truly hurts that a company with so much potential and involved people has to disappear," said Wilco de Goede. "Hopefully, every employer will one day have a team of 'Carpetrighters'; people with the same dedication, passion, and team spirit that made our organisation so special."
More information:
Carpetright
www.carpetright.nl
