The Schlecker drugstore chain was one of the largest companies in its branch for decades. It had around 47,000 employees across Europe and achieved annual sales of 6.55 billion euros. In 2012, however, Schlecker had to file for bankruptcy. The employees were then laid off and the brand disappeared from the market.
Now the Kitzbühel-based company kitzVenture would like to revive the name. That was announced in a press release. Founder Patrick Landrock secured the rights to the Schlecker brand a few years ago. The market launch should take place in the coming months.
Schlecker comeback: The range is to be expanded significantly
The concept for the new Schlecker branches was heavily revised. Landrock explains: “In the future, Schlecker will no longer be a pure drugstore, but will also have a strong presence with everyday products such as groceries, office and business supplies as well as hardware store articles.” In addition, there will be “rental commerce” for entertainment and household appliances.
Landrock relies fully on digitization with Schlecker’s restart: “Our innovative technology platform will give us an advantage both online and in the branch and delivery network that the competition will find difficult to catch up again.”
It is assumed that the retailer will get a company valuation of more than one billion euros right from the start. In the coming weeks it should be decided whether the new company will be based in Austria or Germany.