Family relative takes over ownership of Blokker; previous CEO assumes the reins

The Dutch retail chain Blokker, founded in 1896, has undergone a significant change as Roland Palmer, a relative of the Blokker family, has reportedly taken over the name and webshop of the bankrupt chain, which was announced in mid-November 2021 with debts of approximately €93 million.

Roland Palmer, who served as the CEO of the company between 2011 and 2015, faced opposition while attempting to modernize the Blokker company. He was eased out of the position in 2015. However, he now returns as the new owner with plans to relaunch the Blokker brand using the 45 franchisees.

The curators of the Blokker retail chain did not reveal the name of the buyer in their press release, but the information about the new ownership and relaunch of the Blokker retail chain was reported by the Telegraaf. The specific details about the relaunch plans for the Blokker brand remain undisclosed.

Jaap and Ab Blokker, who ran the company for years, had careers at Unilever, Coca-Cola, and in consultancy before moving to the Dutch high street staple. Jaap Blokker passed away in 2011, and Palmer took over the helm of the company at that time. Palmer's mother is a sister of Jaap and Ab Blokker.

Blokker's bankruptcy was reported by the Financieele Dagblad, and the curators' statement and intention to rebuild the Blokker retail formula were also reported by the same publication. The buyer of the Blokker household goods retail company, as of Monday's press release, has not been identified in the available search results.

The Blokker retail chain, with its rich history dating back to 1896, is now poised for a new beginning under the leadership of Roland Palmer. The exact details of the relaunch plans remain to be seen, but the intention to rebuild the retail formula of the Blokker chain offers a glimmer of hope for the chain's loyal customers and franchisees.