🚚 Coolblue Expands in Germany
Rotterdam-based e-commerce giant Coolblue announced on August 29 plans to accelerate growth in Germany by investing $161M in the next few years. The investment will support opening 36 stores and 9 delivery depots, starting in Frankfurt and Dortmund. CEO Pieter Zwart sold 7.5% of his shares to HAL to help finance this expansion. "Germany is now the country with the fastest growth within Coolblue," Zwart said. The company already has 307 employees in Germany and plans to hire over 1,500 new employees to support the expansion.
🏬 New Store Openings in Frankfurt and Dortmund
Coolblue's growth plan includes opening new stores in major German cities, with Frankfurt and Dortmund being the first targets. The company expects to open these stores by the end of this year. Additionally, in Q4, Coolblue will launch its third German depot in Hamm. These new locations will help Coolblue better serve its rapidly growing customer base in Germany, who, according to Zwart, already have the highest customer satisfaction.
📈 Funding and Share Sale
The $161M investment is funded internally by Coolblue’s existing shareholders, with HAL acquiring 7.5% of Pieter Zwart’s shares. This sale allows Coolblue to accelerate its ambitious growth plans in Germany. The company has already established itself as the leading online consumer electronics retailer in the Netherlands and Belgium, and this move aims to replicate that success in Germany.
🛍️ Coolblue's Innovative Store in Rotterdam
While Coolblue focuses on Germany, it continues to innovate in its home market. Last month, the company opened a new shop in Rotterdam with a unique concept. The store features various product worlds where customers can try products, get advice, and even take purchases home immediately. The Coolblue App’s in-store mode enhances shopping by allowing customers to compare products easily and avoid queues. This innovative approach is expected to roll out in future stores, including those in Germany.
Will Coolblue become a top player in Germany?
