Big clearance sale: furniture stores and hardware stores in North Rhine-Westphalia are closing soon!

Big clearance sale: furniture stores and hardware stores in North Rhine-Westphalia are closing soon!

Dahlmann self GmbH & Co. KG announces a profound change that affects not only the company management, but also many customers in North Rhine-Westphalia. After almost 70 years on the market, the company is closing its branches in Kempen, Straelen and Kevelaer by the end of 2025 West German general newspaper reported. The decision to close was made by the managing directors Axel Dahlmann (67) and Curd Louis (77) for reasons of age. The situation is particularly frustrating for the employees, as Julia Dahlmann, Curd Louis' daughter, expresses, who regrets what this means for the workforce.

The clearance sale has already started and offers discounts of up to 70 percent on a variety of items. This could be a last chance for many customers to secure discounted furniture and hardware store items. The branches in Kevelaer are already permanently closed, while the shops in Kempen and Straelen remain open. Despite the liquidation loss, it is announced that all contracts will be fulfilled as usual.

Historical review and context

The company's history goes back to 1957, when Hans Dahlmann laid the foundation stone in Kempen. At that time the first retail store was opened in St. Hubert. Numerous locations were added over the years, including Straelen (1980), Kevelaer (2007) and Kleve (2014). The introduction of the “Self – My Market” concept in 1998, which combined furniture department, hardware store and garden center, was a significant innovation within the industry. However, the dynamic changes in consumer behavior and the economic conditions are now forcing the company to fundamentally reorient itself, with specialist retailers in the region also coming under increasing pressure.

It is particularly worth mentioning that the competition in the furniture industry never sleeps. The largest furniture store in the Kleve district closed in 2022, while new providers such as “Polster Aktuell” and “Tedox” moved into the former premises. The furniture giant “XXXLutz” also has plans for a branch in the Goch-Weeze industrial estate, which points to the growing competition in the region.

Impact on the workforce

The closures will have a noticeable impact not only on management, but especially on employees. Managing directors Louis and Dahlmann have already announced that employees will be distributed to other locations, which offers little comfort in times of uncertainty.

Many people look at the end of an era with regret. Almost 70 years after its founding, the closure of the Dahlmann branches will be a significant loss for the region. The coming months could bring both challenging and emotional times for customers and employees - especially considering how deeply rooted the business is in the region.

What happens next remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the furniture trade in North Rhine-Westphalia is facing new challenges, and this development will certainly also put pressure on other suppliers who have to adapt to the changing market conditions.