The last branches of the bankrupt furniture retailer Kika/Leiner are set to shut down permanently by the end of January. The decision was confirmed by the company, putting an end to earlier plans to keep select locations open for clearance sales. Employees have been informed internally of the closures, which follow the company's financial collapse late last year.
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Kika/Leiner declared bankruptcy in early December, leading to ongoing clearance sales. The furniture chain has faced financial difficulties for years, marked by three ownership changes since 2013. In 2023, Signa, under René Benko, sold Kika/Leiner properties to Graz-based Supernova and its operations to retail manager Hermann Wieser. However, the business declared bankruptcy shortly afterwards, closing 23 of 40 branches in an initial restructuring. A second bankruptcy in November 2024 followed Wieser's inability to secure new funding or an investor.
As a result, 1,350 employees will lose their jobs. In Lower Austria, where 550 of them reside, a job foundation has been created to assist with job placement and further training. The fate of creditor payouts remains uncertain, with Leitner expected to provide updates during a court session next week.
Kika/Leiner's demise concludes years of financial instability and restructuring, ending its long-standing presence in Austria's retail landscape. The closures leave many customers and employees grappling with unresolved issues, while marking a significant chapter in the region's retail history.
Source: www.vienna.at