In a significant blow to the French retail landscape, the Dutch ready-to-wear company C&A has announced the impending closure of 24 of its stores across France, affecting over 300 employees. The decision reflects ongoing struggles within the apparel market, intensified by fierce competition and changing consumer habits. The announcement was made during an extraordinary central social and economic committee meeting on March 21, 2025, revealing plans to close stores deemed structurally hazardous and discontinue the brand's partnerships for its in-store "corners" within larger supermarkets.
Founded in 1841 by brothers Clemens and August Brenninkmeijer, C&A has established itself as a prominent name in affordable fashion. However, today, the company faces unprecedented challenges that have led to this restructuring initiative. In particular, the rise of fast fashion giants including Zara, H&M, and Primark has put immense pressure on C&A, especially as these competitors rapidly update their offerings at competitive price points.
The 24 closures, set to unfold over the coming year or so, affect locations in various regions across France, including Île-de-France, Hauts-de-France, Normandy, and others. Specific stores include C&A in Fresnes (Val-de-Marne), Buchelay (Yvelines), the Carré Sénart shopping center (Seine-et-Marne), and more, affecting key shopping areas within these locales.
Moreover, C&A plans to close 57 of its "corners"—small retail sections located within major supermarket chains like Carrefour and Auchan. These developments resonate across the retail sector, which has seen a consistent shrinkage in recent years as consumer preferences shift towards online shopping over traditional brick-and-mortar stores.
The implications of these closures are substantial. A total of 324 jobs are on the line, and C&A has indicated that a "very comprehensive social support scheme" will be put in place, which will include internal redeployment options and external job training programs for affected employees. "For employees whose departure is unavoidable, tailored support measures such as job search assistance, training, and entrepreneurship help will also be instituted," the company stated.
This current situation mirrors a broader trend within the fashion retail industry, especially amidst the ongoing economic turbulence in the sector. C&A’s decision was not made lightly; it follows a history of similar downsizing, as seen five years ago when the company closed 30 stores in France. The closures represent the eighth restructuring plan for C&A over several years, with labor union CGT noting that nearly 800 jobs have been lost in previous rounds.
The company maintains that these restructuring plans are necessary to enhance competitiveness in a declining market. "These stores are structurally loss-making," management explained. This acknowledgment underscores the reality that the apparel market in France, once a robust sector, is in decline, with traditional retailers struggling to adapt amidst economic hurdles and shifting consumer expectations.
Retail experts suggest that the closures might signal the necessity for fashion brands to reevaluate their business strategies and invest significantly in digital transformation to appeal to a more diverse consumer base. With a significant portion of C&A’s customer demographic increasingly moving online for shopping, the brand's struggle to bolster its online presence is a crucial factor contributing to its difficulties.
Looking at the numbers, C&A currently operates 100 stores in France, employing about 1,500 people. This means the impending closures will significantly affect the company’s workforce, with about 20% of its French staff facing uncertainty regarding their jobs in the near future. The company's management has urged employees to remain hopeful amid these challenging circumstances as negotiations concerning the future of their jobs continue.
As C&A prepares for this transitional phase, they emphasize their ongoing commitment to sustain their Euopean presence, which currently includes 1,300 stores across 17 countries with a workforce of around 25,000 employees. However, for the 324 employees in France whose future is suddenly thrown into jeopardy, the implications of this restructuring will be felt much closer to home.
This announcement raises pressing questions about the future of traditional retail in an evolving marketplace, and whether C&A and similar brands can successfully navigate this tumultuous landscape and emerge as viable competitors against fast-fashion behemoths. As consumers continue to shift towards digital shopping experiences, the pressure will be on traditional chains to innovate and adapt in order to survive.
