Overview
- The Dortmunder chain applied for insolvency in Eigenverwaltung on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, and the Amtsgericht Essen approved the move while appointing lawyer Stefan Denkhaus as preliminary supervisor.
- Hellweg says all 68 stores and its online shop will remain open and that roughly 2,900 staff will receive insolvency pay from the Federal Employment Agency for three months.
- The company placed two lawyers into management as restructuring experts to run a turnaround under court supervision while creditors and the appointed supervisor review options for stores, suppliers and new financing.
- Reporting and company statements cite prolonged weak demand, higher procurement costs, rising rents and a likely loss of trade credit insurance that can force suppliers to stop deliveries and quickly drain cash.
- The filing follows a 2025 restructuring that closed locations and cut costs and now leaves employees and suppliers facing short-term protection but potential targeted closures and negotiations in the coming weeks.