Blocker more than 50 million in the red

Main reason for the negative result, the pressure on margins. Revenue fell slightly.

At household stores (Blokker, Blokker) the problems are greatest and turnover dropped by 1.7 percent. The toy shops (Bart Smit and Intertoys) saw sales decline by 0.3 percent. At furniture stores (Xenos and Leen Bakker) rose by 0.4 percent.

turbulent

Another cause is the cost of reorganizing the various stores. At Blokker and Xenos last year laid off more than 400 employees. The restructuring made ​​in 2015 according to Blokker a "turbulent years".

This year, the retailer will again bid farewell to more than 300 employees, but that is not yet reflected in the figures presented today. Along with the layoffs recently announced a comprehensive restyling of the brand Blokker. There is also a refresher operation ranging from a number of stores.

Despite the red sees the management of Blokker bright spots. The rate of sales decline from previous years is in fact slowed. Turnover decreased from 2.1 billion to 2.08 billion in 2014, according to Blokker a "marginal decrease".

The result would have been much worse if the online sales had not been increased. Which went up by 37 percent, to 133 million euros. This increase is in accordance with the management in line with those of companies that only sell through the internet. Are the Internet sales 6.5 percent in total sales.

not limitless

Meanwhile Blokker is working with a transformation strategy. The family Blokker would have them confident and that is why last year the company's equity padded with 130 million. In time, the family is willing to invest more.

The shareholders agreed a multi-year credit facility. The financial base of the company is stronger than that of other companies in the same sector, says the new financial director of Blokker, Jeroen Visser.

The management is well aware that the family will not endlessly cover the losses."Therefore, now intervened hard and fast," said Blokker CEO Casper Meijer. He does not rule out going further redundancies this year than the previously announced 300.

The Dutch family-owned company has eleven store formats in eight countries, with approximately 2,400 stores and 22,000 employees.

By: NOS Editors: Photo: ANP / NOS