Pieper Parfumerie Files for Insolvency, Closes Nine Locations
German beauty retailer Parfümerie Pieper, Germany’s largest owner-managed perfumery chain, has filed for insolvency proceedings under self-administration. As part of a restructuring effort, the company will gradually close nine of its 140 stores in the coming weeks.
Store Closures
The following Pieper locations are affected by the closures:
- Essen
- Dinslaken
- Duisburg
- Hamm
- Hattingen
- Mönchengladbach
- Viersen
- Two locations in Oberhausen
Approximately 30 employees will be impacted by the closures, but the company intends to offer these employees positions at its remaining 113 stores.
Insolvency Proceedings
Pieper applied for insolvency proceedings at the Bochum Local Court in November 2023, with proceedings officially opened on February 1, 2024. Business of Fashion reports that the company aims to undergo a sustainable renovation and reposition itself for the future, with the current management team remaining in place.
Company History
Founded in 1931 in Bochum as a soap shop by Anna Pieper and her son Gerhard, Pieper has grown into a significant player in the German beauty retail market. Pieper Filialfinder details the company’s evolution from a small family business to a large, independent perfumery chain. The majority of Pieper’s branches are located in North Rhine-Westphalia, with additional locations in Lower Saxony, Bremen, and Hamburg.
Current Operations
Despite the insolvency proceedings and store closures, Pieper continues to operate its remaining stores and online shop. Perfumery Pieper in Essen’s Rathaus Galerie remains open, offering a selection of perfumes, cosmetics, and care products. The Ruettenscheider Strasse location in Essen, also carries La Prairie products. La Prairie Store Locator
As of 2022, Pieper employed nearly 1,000 people.