Former drugstore chain
Ten years after bankruptcy: Schlecker is coming back
In 2006 the Schlecker drugstore chain had a market share of 40 percent. In 2012 the company went bankrupt. Now the comeback should take place.
© Odd Andersen / AFP
In 2006 the drugstore chain still held a 40 percent market share in Germany. An incomparable crash followed – up to bankruptcy in 2012. Now Schlecker is about to make a comeback.
“For You, on site” – some of the Schlecker slogan will still be in their ears. Until the beginning of the 2000s, the blue shops formed the largest drugstore chain in Europe. More than 45,000 people work for the company – market share in Germany: 40 percent, turnover: 6.55 billion euros. Schlecker expanded aggressively. In some cases, several new branches were opened during the day. But the concept of the discount drugstore did not catch on. Chains like dm or Rossmann overtook the sometimes disdainful looking markets.
The meteoric rise was followed by a sudden crash. Up to bankruptcy in 2012 and several legal proceedings against the family around founder Anton Schlecker and his children.
Schlecker before the comeback
But now the Schlecker brand is set to return. The Austrian company “Kitzventure” is planning the comeback of the Schlecker brand in the coming months. Founder Patrick Landrock secured the brand name a few years ago. As reported by the press portal, the Austrian plans to fundamentally reorganize the chain: “In the future, Schlecker will no longer be a pure drugstore, but will also be very strong with everyday products such as groceries, office and business supplies and hardware store articles.” In addition, they are planning a so-called ‘rental commerce’ for entertainment and household appliances.
Warning to the competition
Not only drugstore chains but also other retailers would have to dress warmly when the “Dino” Schlecker returns, Landrock continues. Innovative technology platforms will give Schlecker a head start, both online and in the branch and delivery network, which the competition will find difficult to catch up, the entrepreneur said grandly.
We are already in advanced talks with investors. At this early stage, a “multi-billion company valuation” is already in the room. However, it is still unclear where the company will be located, whether in Germany or Austria.
The Kitzbühel entrepreneur Patrick Landrock is considered to be one of the most successful, controversial and contentious personalities in recent economic history. Several media reports criticize his authoritarian leadership style. As the SWR explains with reference to several media reports, Landrock is currently facing the Innsbruck Regional Court on charges of serious commercial fraud. He denies the allegations.
Sources: Press portal, Chip.de, SWR up to date