Mäc-Geiz is closing around 60 stores as part of its insolvency proceedings and plans to continue operating 123 locations. The household goods discount retailer announced this on 6 November 2026. This will significantly reduce its network, which previously comprised more than 180 stores. Matching reports by Tagesschau and dpa-AFX cited the same figures.
The closures are part of a restructuring plan being pursued under debtor-in-possession proceedings. According to the company, the aim is to close unprofitable locations, cut costs and streamline operations so that the remaining business can be run more profitably. Details of the locations affected were initially made public only in part; local media have already reported on individual stores. The closures are to be implemented in stages.
Mäc-Geiz filed for insolvency under debtor-in-possession proceedings in May 2026. The company’s management cited weaker demand for household goods, higher procurement and energy costs, and continued competitive pressure in the non-food discount sector. The structural weakness of many high streets, which is weighing on footfall and sales, is also a factor. In early 2026, Mäc-Geiz came under the umbrella of Kodi Beteiligungs GmbH ; Kodi is now also experiencing financial difficulties and has announced store closures.
Jobs are at risk for employees at the affected locations. Management initially gave no details of social plans, agreements on redundancies or transfer arrangements. Trade union representatives are calling for transparent criteria for selecting locations and clear arrangements for employees in sales, logistics and administration. Redundancies for operational reasons and transfers may be possible, depending on the region; reliable figures were not available by the editorial deadline.
Economically, the move reflects the further consolidation of German retail beyond the food sector. Larger chains can achieve lower costs through economies of scale in purchasing and logistics, while small and medium-sized businesses depend more heavily on high-footfall locations and niche markets. For landlords and local authorities, closures mean short-term vacancies on high streets and in shopping centres; in the medium term, other non-food retailers, drugstores or service providers could take over the premises. How quickly the space is reoccupied will depend on the quality of the location, rents and the prospective tenants’ willingness to invest.
The company emphasises that focusing on viable locations is intended to provide the basis for continuing operations on a smaller scale. Whether the restructuring plan succeeds will depend largely on costs, consumer sentiment and reaching contractual agreements with creditors and landlords. Mäc-Geiz said it would announce further details about the timetable and affected stores in the coming weeks.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).