2 Brüder supermarket in Venlo restarts after insolvency

The Dutch supermarket 2 Brüder in Venlo has successfully restarted operations following a period of insolvency. Managing director Bart Rehe confirmed that the business was saved through cooperation with an insolvency administrator, despite having to lay off more than one-third of the workforce (62 employees) to ensure continuity.

The financial difficulties were attributed to heavy investments in modernization prior to the pandemic, followed by a prolonged closure and the subsequent requirement to repay 8 million euros in COVID-19 relief funds.

Rehe addressed rumors regarding the store's bankruptcy, stating, “We were never closed, and that is how it will stay!” The supermarket relies heavily on German consumers, particularly from the Ruhr area, who account for approximately 80 percent of its 2.5 million annual customers. Popular items driving sales include coffee, due to the absence of Dutch coffee tax, as well as various international brands, sweets, and pharmacy products.