Shutterstock.com
The chain of shoe stores vanHaren continues its growth at the Benelux: the retailer has already opened two new stores this year in Belgium-in Kampenhout and Wijnegem-and extends simultaneously with ten new stores in the Netherlands.
Confidence in the physical channel
Kampenhout and Wijnegem stores have just opened, but they are already working very well: “We immediately see a strong sales development in new stores, which confirms that our combination of affordable quality, fashion and customer orientation works,” said Bastiaan Van Loon, CEO of Vanharen. The new stores highlight confidence in the physical retail channel. “Consumers appreciate trying shoes in real situations and to take them immediately home. This need remains, even in a highly digitized world. »»
This growth comes at a time when the Belgian retail market is under pressure. While other channels are forced to close stores, Vanharen manages to gain market share thanks to investments in omnichannel, assortment and shopping experience. A recent analysis has shown that the chain is one of the big winners on the shoe market after Bristol’s bankruptcy.
Vanharen now has 145 stores in the Netherlands and 57 in Belgium, where the retailer only became active in 2020, after having acquired 38 old Brantano stores. “What started as an ambitious step in a difficult market has become a stable and profitable pillar in our organization,” said Van Loon.
