Overview
- KiK confirmed roughly 50 European store closures in the first quarter of 2026, with about half in Germany, while opening nine new locations.
- The company acknowledged shortened opening hours in parts of its network to reduce personnel costs, with later openings or earlier closings reported in some regions.
- Industry sources report about 400 additional underperforming stores under observation across Europe, including around 170 in Germany, which KiK has not confirmed.
- Local notices point to upcoming closures in Twistringen on March 14, Bad Soden-Salmünster on April 18, and Schongau, with reported offers of transfers for affected staff.
- KiK says most stores remain profitable and reports a footprint of over 4,200 locations in 14 countries employing more than 32,000 people.