The Dutch department store chain De Bijenkorf is undergoing another reorganisation, saying it wants to work more efficiently. Teams must be able to “work more closely together and processes will be further streamlined,” according to the company.
Second round of downsizing
De Bijenkorf will announce how many jobs will be lost later this week, but it is already clear that the measures will affect positions at both the head office and in the stores. In a press release, the company states that it is reorganising to better equip the organisation “for future ambitions and changing market conditions.”
De Bijenkorf employs around 4,500 people. The company also underwent a reorganisation in 2023. At that time, approximately 116 full-time jobs were lost in phases, spread across the head office and stores. Under the leadership of CEO Sean Hill, who took office last year, De Bijenkorf recently closed its central bakery.
According to the company, the strategic focus is “on creating customer desire, local relevance, and an enriched shopping experience.” Hill, who belongs to the Thai family that owns the department store group, previously gained experience at the German department store KaDeWe in Berlin. There, he revamped the gourmet department, among other things.
