KiK, the German discount retailer, is closing approximately 50 stores in the first quarter of 2026, with 25 of those closures occurring in Germany, according to reports confirmed by the company and local news outlets.
The closures, first reported earlier this month, are impacting locations across several German states. KiK confirmed to the Kieler Nachrichten the impending closure of its stores in Preetz and Büdelsdorf, both in Schleswig-Holstein. The Preetz location is slated to close on March 21st, whereas the Büdelsdorf store will remain open until April 13th, offering discounts as part of a clearance sale.
Further closures have been reported in Twistringen, Lower Saxony, where the KiK store on Lindenstraße will close on March 14th, 2026, due to economic reasons, as stated by the KiK press office. Jennifer Knack, the store’s manager, indicated that employees were informed of the closure as early as October 21, 2025, and have been offered opportunities to transfer to nearby locations. The Gelnhäuser Neue Zeitung reported the Awful Soden-Salmünster, Hesse, location will close on April 18th. Closures have likewise been confirmed in Falkenstein, Saxony, and Uffenheim, Bavaria, with the latter closing on March 14th.
A store in Salzgitter, Niedersachsen, will cease operations on March 12th, with a clearance sale underway, according to regional reports. A KiK location in the Bramfelder Einkaufszentrum in Hamburg is also slated for closure, as indicated by signage within the shopping center. The store in Nordenham, Niedersachsen, is also closing, according to the Kreiszeitung Wesermarsch. In Schongau, Bavaria, the store closed in January following a clearance sale.
One closure in Rottenburg, Baden-Württemberg, is attributed to a non-renewal of the lease by Edeka, according to the SWP newspaper.
KiK, which operates over 2,400 stores in Germany, attributes the closures to a challenging market environment. According to the Lebensmittelzeitung, approximately 170 of KiK’s stores are unprofitable. The company recently stated to Ippen.Media that the closures are intended to enhance competitiveness and efficiency, ensuring the company’s success “even under challenging market conditions.” Factors cited include increased market competition, persistent inflation, reduced consumer spending, and disruptions to supply chains.
The closures come as the textile retail sector faces significant headwinds. The German Textile Shoes and Leather Goods Association (BTE) recently reported a negative financial performance for 2025, with half of clothing retailers operating at a loss. BTE President Mark Rauschen described the situation as “dramatic,” warning of the potential collapse of existing retail structures.
