Paul te Grotenhuis, a spokesman for Inretail and the trade association for non-food retail entrepreneurs, recognizes the figures.
“It is no surprise that the number of shoe stores has declined. This process has been going on for some time, and shoe stores are capitalizing on it with their own web shops. There has not been much talk of bankruptcies.”
Translation: Number of shoe stores in the Netherlands
State 2019 Q2 - 2024 Q2
According to Te Grotenhuis, entrepreneurs quit for various reasons, including: the impact of the corona period, reaching retirement age, due to expiration of leases and the choice not to continue for another five or 10 years. But chains also make the choice to quit certain locations based on results.
Corona period
According to Te Grotenhuis, the corona period certainly had an impact on the declining number of shoe stores.
“During that period, the debt increased enormously, and then retailers had to deal with the huge price increases for energy and extreme rent increases. Then when your lease ends, that can be a good time to quit,” Te Grotenhuis said.
Largest percentage decrease in Limburg and Flevoland
In Limburg and Flevoland, the number of shoe stores decreased the most over the past five years. In Limburg, the number of shoe stores decreased by 29% and in Flevoland the number of stores decreased by 33%. Te Grotenhuis cannot explain these regional differences, but sees that many stores also have an online presence and that consumers are making great use of that as well.
Translation: Number of shoe stores by province
Status 2019 Q2 - 2024 Q2
Is INretail afraid that soon only so-called chains will remain? “I have absolutely no fear of that. There will always be good stores. If your offer is right, if you know how to excite and inspire your target group in the right way and if you, as a customer, are also helped in the best way, then there is room in the shopping street for the shoe store. That customer journey does not stop there, but continues even after the purchase. That is why a signal for shoe maintenance, some tips for autumn or an impression of the new collection are smart and pleasant ways to stay in the customer's mind,” says Te Grotenhuis.
Beginning entrepreneurs
Despite there being nearly a quarter fewer shoe stores in five years, there are still entrepreneurs starting new shoe stores. This year alone, 47 newly-started establishments were added to the Trade Register. Te Grotenhuis notes that these are mainly entrepreneurs with guts, entrepreneurial spirit, who have a well-thought-out plan and a clear target group in mind.
“There is always a market for niche markets. For very special sneakers, hiking shoes, special selective brands, etc. And with an aging population, you can see that shoe stores with podiatric knowledge or that have a partnership with pedicures and physical therapists also have a growing customer base.”
Image and source: KVK
