Yves Rocher will close stores in the Netherlands

All seven stores of the French cosmetics chain in the Netherlands will stop operations in 2021.

Yves Rocher, which operates stores in 88 countries worldwide, said it would shut down all of its physical stores in the Netherlands in 2021. The number of stores planned for closure is currently seven. In comparison, in the 1980s, the brand operated 40 physical stores in the country, most of which were closed due to financial difficulties several years earlier. 

Stores will cease operations at the lease expiration date of each outlet. Agreements with landlords have been decided not to be renewed. In March 2021, it will close its first store in The Hague, and by the middle of the year, it will become one of the leading stores in Amsterdam, Zwolle, and Rotterdam. Stores in Utrecht, Almere, and Groningen will close at the end of the year. 

The closure of stores was the adverse effect of the pandemic, which led to a reduction in customer traffic. The turnover of physical outlets represented in the country has not shown growth for a decade. Meanwhile, about 66% of sales are made via mail order, 20% through the online store, and only 14% of purchases are made through physical stores. The company has been struggling with this sales channel for several years now. The crisis has only accelerated an already inevitable decision. 

Yves Rocher products will be available only through the brand’s official website, which will continue to operate as usual. The company also assured that the delivery of goods would also function without changes. 

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