A large furniture retailer is closing its location in Bielefeld after operating for 23 years. The store is offering discounts of up to 90 percent on its entire inventory as part of a clearance sale that will continue until the end of July.
The affected store occupies 10,000 square metres across five floors and specialises in a wide range of kitchen and furniture items. The closure follows challenges related to growing competition from online retailers, increasing marketing and logistics costs, as well as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the energy crisis, and inflation.
Möbel Akut, established in 2001, initially positioned itself as the largest retailer of special-order items in East Westphalia-Lippe. Over time, it evolved from an e-commerce pioneer to an omnichannel furniture retailer. However, the company has decided to close the Bielefeld store and shift its focus to online retail. The new location in Herford will function primarily as an office space, where employees will manage customer support, purchasing, and logistics.
Store manager Patrick Welp explained, 'We are increasingly focusing on online retail. Our employees in the new offices will be on the phone, providing advice, and coordinating purchasing and logistics.'
The ongoing clearance sale features a variety of items from all living areas, including special furniture pieces. As part of the transition, the company aims to reduce its inventory significantly before relocating.
The closure reflects the evolving dynamics of the retail furniture industry, with more emphasis on digital channels and streamlined operations.
Source: www.wa.de