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Shock for Saxony: 66 Hammer stores are about to close!
Zwickau affected by closures of the Hammer stores: Schlau group reports bankruptcy and plans to reduce branches.
Shock for Saxony: 66 Hammer stores are about to close!
In a dramatic turn of events, the Brüder Schlau group of companies from Porta Westfalica files for bankruptcy. This has far-reaching consequences for the Hammer specialist stores that operate under the umbrella of this group. That's how they became Free press reported that several branches in Saxony were placed on the internal closure list, including Zwickau and Siebenlehn. A total of 66 of around 180 Hammer stores nationwide are set to close their doors, which could represent the end of an era for the long-standing home textiles and hardware store industry.
The situation at Brüder Schlau has already been tense in recent months: in June, bankruptcy was filed at the Bielefeld district court. Now not only the branches in Saxony, but also in other regions such as Delitzsch, Dresden-Gompitz, Görlitz and Heidenau are at risk. The uncertainty not only affects the markets, but also the approximately 3,900 employees who have been part of the company for over 100 years.
Closings in detail
The decision to close affects around 50 of a total of 60 Schlau specialist stores. Loud Radio Association The closure was dated October 1, 2025. These measures are part of a comprehensive cost-cutting program aimed at making the company more cost-efficient. The affected customers have to prepare for longer journeys to the remaining markets, while the employees at the closed locations face an uncertain future.
Discussions are currently underway with investors to possibly save parts of the company, such as the Hammer markets and Fritz Müller Autoteile GmbH. Despite this wave of closures, there is also positive news: the group's spokespeople have confirmed that the Hammer markets and other business areas will not be affected by the wholesale sale.
Future and prospects
Insiders report that the closures are intended to consolidate the company's structure and alleviate financial difficulties. The Brüder Schlau Group is known for having a good hand in the industry, but the current measures show that there are immense challenges. Discussions about social plans and possible interim solutions for employees are imminent, which raises the pressing question of what will happen next in the region.
The Hammer specialist stores have been a contact point for customers in the home textiles and hardware store industries for many years. Now it remains to be seen what further steps will be taken to give the remaining branches a chance of survival and to stabilize the brand in the future. Customers and employees hope for positive developments during the restructuring.