Carpetright files for bankruptcy in the Netherlands

Carpetright has filed for bankruptcy in the Netherlands. Its 75 stores have closed, while 350 jobs are at risk. It is the latest in a long series of troubles for the former retail giant.

Failed takeover

On Friday morning, the chain applied for protection against creditors, but that was already converted into bankruptcy by the afternoon. Management blames a new software system, which caused problems during start-up, but claims the company is “fundamentally sound”.

At the end of 2024, Carpetright’s Dutch branch was taken over by Gideon Tienkamp, then managing director for the chain’s European activities. Tienkamp wanted to continue with the Dutch activities, after the bankruptcy of the Belgian division in September that year. He focused on home consultants and a renewed store concept, which was trialled in four stores in early 2025.

For now, all 75 stores will remain closed as the administrator must consider whether a full or partial restart could be possible, possibly through a takeover.