Belgian family-owned shoe and clothing chain Bristol has been facing losses for several years, despite recording an operational profit in 2022 for the first time since 2016. Despite this, the chain is still incurring a net loss of half a million euros. Insiders have reportedly revealed that Bristol’s stores in the Netherlands are facing challenges such as staff shortages and declining sales figures. Some stores had to adjust their opening hours or even close temporarily.
Despite these challenges, CEO Elise Vanaudenhove, the third generation leading the family business, has not confirmed any plans to exit the Netherlands. Instead, she stated that Bristol is working hard on turning things around in the country. However, insiders have told Dutch newspaper The Telegraph that Bristol is seriously contemplating exiting the Netherlands.
At Bristol Belgium, based in Beringen, Limburg, no one was available to comment on the situation. It seems that the future of Bristol in the Netherlands is uncertain as the chain evaluates its options in response to ongoing challenges.
