Initially, all of the last 56 stores were to be closed by the end of November. However, just under 30 remained open longer to take advantage of the Christmas business.
Esprit filed for insolvency for its European business in May 2024 due to insolvency and over-indebtedness. A buyer was not found. In August, it was announced that Esprit would close all stores in Germany and be wound up, affecting 1,300 employees as a result.
The previous company headquarters for the European business in Ratingen was vacated in November. A small team will take care of the remaining winding-up measures in the coming months, confirmed a spokesperson from the company to the German Press Agency.
Esprit’s brand rights for Europe have been acquired by shoe retailer Deichmann. The company, which has been an Esprit licensee since 2019, intends to focus on the footwear product area. The brand rights for the Esprit textiles division will go to the Theia Group of Companies.
