Thalia's Toy Store Takeover: A Stake in City Centers and Future Expansion
Thalia assumes control over multiple toy retailers
Get ready for some big changes in the retail landscape, as bookstore giant Thalia sets its sights on the toy sector! By acquiring 39 toy stores from chains Kroemer and Toysino, starting October 1st, Thalia is making a bold move to expand its reach and send a clear message: city centers won't be emptying out anytime soon!
This purchase includes 18 stores from the Kroemer chain in Bavaria and 21 branches of Toysino across the nation, pending approval from the relevant antitrust authorities. With Thalia's existing network of 394 bookstores in Germany and Austria, as well as an online shop, and involvement in around 60 more bookstores in Switzerland, the company is ready to shake things up!
So, what's the deal with this acquisition? Well, Thalia's CEO, Ingo Kretzschmar, is keen to grow the company's presence in the toy segment, having already increased its toy offerings in both stores and online. But this move isn't just about sales; it's also a "social signal" in an era when classic toy retailers are disappearing from city centers. Thalia aims to buck the trend and keep attractive stores as anchors in urban areas.
The Krömer brothers, Christian and Daniel, seem just as excited about the deal. They believe that joining forces with Thalia will bring numerous benefits to customers and offer their teams a future-proof perspective. By combining their toy expertise with Thalia's infrastructure, they can offer an unmatched shopping experience that keeps customers coming back for more!
Don't forget about Kroemer, the toy store that started it all back in 1984. Originally founded by Sylvia and Jurgen Kroemer in Schrobenhausen, it's been expanding ever since, with 2 more stores opening in 2000. In 2023, the Krömer brothers took over the stationary business of Mytoys.de, and now they're part of the Thalia family!
This acquisition represents more than just a business move for Thalia; it's about ensuring the longevity of retail spaces in city centers, adapting to changing retail landscapes, and leveraging the strengths of established brands in the toy industry. So buckle up, folks, as we embark on this exciting new chapter in the world of retail!
- Thalia's Community policy will likely incorporate elements of Kroemer and Toysino's retail-focused strategies, given their acquisition of the companies' assets.
- This business expansion, involving the toy industry, finance, and retail sectors, is expected to strengthen Thalia's position in urban areas, contributing to the continuity of attractive business spaces within city centers.
