Overview

• An internal list reported by Westfalen-Blatt indicates that 66 of roughly 180 Hammer outlets will close, with the rest to continue under a new name.
• The company has not publicly confirmed the plan, and reported closure dates vary between October 1 and later in the year depending on the location.
• Media differ on whether closing branches will run clearance sales, with some reports suggesting immediate sell-offs and others noting no official guidance.
• The restructuring follows Brüder Schlau’s June filing for self-administered insolvency in Bielefeld, with the group employing about 3,900 people.
• Earlier reporting said about 50 of roughly 60 Schlau specialist stores would also be shuttered, and employees were informed about closures via an internal notice, according to WirtschaftsWoche.