Hema

Dutch retailer Hema saw strong online sales increase its third quarter turnover by more than 4 %. The chain also intends to conclude more partnerships in the coming years.

Dutch chain Hema and French Franprix are going to expand their collaboration, which started in August. The number of Franprix stores in which the Hema range gets its own corner, will be quadrupled.

Hema is experimenting with self-checkouts and online ordering from the shop floor: the chain of department stores has developed a 'shelf scanner', so that customers can scan their own products and pay for them using contactless payments.

Dutch chains HEMA and Albert Heijn have announced the first locations where they will test a combined store concept. This autumn, Rotterdam and Utrecht will see the first stores in which both chains share the floor.

Hema had a bumpy ride last year: comparable turnover dropped and losses increased due to the change in ownership. The department store chain is therefore making some bold choices: it's selling its bakeries and developing wholesale activities for the first time.

The unusually hot weather and the transition to a new e-commerce platform and distribution centre for online orders have taken a toll on Hema's quarterly turnover.

Dutch retailer Hema has finally found a new owner: Ramphastos Investments. This investment company in the hands of Dutch enterpreneur Marcel Boekhoorn has paid an undisclosed amount for the internationally successful chain.