© Richard BeumerDutch furniture formula Huus is set to relaunch after its recent bankruptcy. It has now been revealed that Richard Beumer is taking over the company. Beumer, who had served as managing director since 2023, is making a fresh start following a bankruptcy that left the company with debts of nearly €8 million.
With a leaner team and a stronger focus on online activities and the Hengelo branch, the experienced financial specialist aims to turn the business around.
The restart was complicated by logistical chaos on the world's seas. According to trustee Hendrie Aarnink, securing 49 sea containers of furniture en route from Asia was crucial to Huus's continuation. Foreign manufacturers had threatened to sell the goods to other buyers while the containers were still at sea if no payment guarantees were provided.
Experienced financials at the helm
With Richard Beumer (57), Huus gains an owner with extensive experience in the financial sector. Before joining Huus in 2021, first as controller, then as general manager, and ultimately as managing director, he built up a broad track record. His CV includes board and management positions at organisations such as Van de Steeg, Novacom Europe and the well-known clothing brand GSUS Sindustries. Also notable is his background in the automotive sector, where he served as Finance Manager for Spyker F1 in 2006 and 2007.
Beumer, who also owns Beumer Financial Management, is now using his expertise to restore Huus to financial health. Under the new structure, the company will continue with 31 of its original 78 employees. The branches in Apeldoorn and Hazerswoude-Rijndijk will close permanently, while the store in Hengelo is expected to reopen next week.
Solution for hundreds of down payments
A notable bright spot in the settlement is the scheme for duped consumers. For the large group of customers whose furniture is already in the warehouse or currently on its way, the down payment made will be respected. They only have to pay the remaining amount to have their order delivered. With this, Beumer hopes to restore the damaged trust in the brand.
© HUUS
"Negative spiral since corona"
The new owner refutes the criticism on social media that the management would have continued selling for too long when the situation was untenable. According to Beumer: "We fought until the last minute to avoid bankruptcy. But we were in a negative spiral since the corona period."
High container costs and a million-dollar tax debt eventually proved too much of a burden, despite an earlier capital injection of EUR 1.2 million through NLInvesteert. The recent geopolitical unrest, which caused containers to travel even longer, gave the final blow to the liquidity position.
The trustee stresses that claims remain substantial. Besides a €2.8 million tax claim, some €4.9 million is still outstanding to suppliers and customers. "At least that is what claims have been submitted to me so far," said trustee Aarnink.
Source: De Stentor / LinkedIn
