Overview
- The chains have run nationwide clearance sales that conclude on Saturday, 14 November 2026, marking the operational end for most branches.
- Reporting counts roughly 111–114 affected stores and says about 35 locations have investor or chain takeover plans while many others will close permanently.
- Companies advertised extreme discounts up to 95–99 percent but on-site reporting shows many markets are largely emptied and only residual stock remains.
- Precautionary dismissals have been issued to thousands of staff with one report citing around 4,000 employees affected and local markets such as Neuburg reporting about 30 terminations with no severance.
- The insolvency is tied to weak consumer demand, rising costs and higher rents in the DIY sector and follows BayWa Bau & Garten's 2012 sale to Hellweg which left both brands exposed in this collapse.