The Belgian shoe and clothing chain Bristol is reportedly considering pulling out of the Netherlands, according to insiders who spoke to the Dutch newspaper The Telegraph. Bristol operates 120 stores in Belgium and 80 in the Netherlands but has been operating at a loss for years. Although the chain saw an operational profit in 2022 for the first time since 2016, there was still a net loss of half a million euros.
In November 2023, it was reported that Bristol’s stores in the Netherlands were facing staffing shortages and declining sales, leading to adjusted opening hours and even some store closures. Sources told The Telegraph that Bristol is seriously contemplating exiting the Dutch market. However, CEO Elise Vanaudenhove refused to confirm this. She stated that they are working on turning things around in the Netherlands and acknowledge the challenges but are not ruling out the possibility of success.
Bristol Belgium, headquartered in Beringen, Limburg, was not available for comment on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, various online forums were discussing topics ranging from electric scooters to fashion trends and relationships, showcasing a diverse range of interests and discussions.
