Kodi closes 80 branches: thousands of employees in the crisis!

Kodi closes 80 branches: thousands of employees in the crisis!

The Kodi retail chain faces a dramatic decline and closes 80 of its branches. This decision was announced on April 19, 2025 and is a direct result of the company's bankruptcy registration, which was already made on March 1, 2025. According to Merkur , the closure of the 80 locations will be losing their jobs, in addition to 40 other dismissals in the Company headquarters.

Kodi, founded in 1981 and based in Oberhausen, offers a wide range of products, but has only achieved annual sales of 130 million euros in recent years. Despite the existing pressure on inpatient trade, which, according to forecasts, will fall by 4,500 business to around 300,000 this year, other companies in the industry are also facing similar challenges.

investor brings hope

To meet the financial crisis, Kodi has made an agreement with an investor who will take over 150 of the 230 branches. While this takeover offers light at the end of the tunnel, negotiations are already underway with other investors for the branches that are not taken over. Kodi has published a list of the closed locations on the company website, and a special sale runs in the affected branches to attract customers with discounts. However, it is pointed out that goods are excluded from the exchange in these shops.

The difficult situation of Kodi is also the result of a comprehensive trend in German retail. According to an extensive study, which was carried out in cooperation with the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, retail in Germany is faced with unprecedented challenges. Factors such as after -effects of pandemic, geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change challenge the existence of many companies. This information comes from the study "The German Retail 2024", which is available at ibi.de

structural problems tighten the crisis

In addition, many retailers suffer from structural problems, such as the growing shortage of skilled workers and an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. The challenges are also complex in these areas. Important topics that move the industry are sustainability, IT security and dealing with increasing crime that increasingly endanger business activities.

The closure of the Kodi branches is an impressive example of the difficulties with which retail in Germany is faced. The coming months will show whether the measures will take place to secure the remaining locations and the chain find a new perspective.