This decision aligns with the strategy previously announced by HEMA CEO Saskia Egas Reparaz. The strategy focuses on countries where HEMA may be able to achieve a leading position in the ‘everyday life’ and sustainable growth markets. HEMA’s departure from the UK also fits in with this strategy.

Saskia Egas Reparaz, CEO HEMA: ‘It is regrettable, of course, to have concluded that we have not managed to establish a leading market position in Spain. We are reviewing our entire country portfolio in order to focus on a limited number of countries, which will allow us to seize future growth opportunities. In the long run, this will be better for HEMA, our employees and our customers.’

This decision is in line with the previously communicated strategy of HEMA's new owners together with CEO Saskia Egas Reparaz. With the departure from the United Kingdom, HEMA is following its chosen path for the coming years: sustainable growth in its core markets.

Saskia Egas Reparaz, CEO HEMA: "Of course it is unfortunate that we have to say goodbye to our colleagues and customers in the United Kingdom. HEMA started in the UK in 2014 as part of the strategy at the time to grow into an international brand. However, we never managed to build a solid position in the UK market. We are now evaluating our entire country portfolio with the aim of being able to focus on a limited number of countries, which will allow us to better exploit growth opportunities in the future. This is better for HEMA, its employees and its customers in the long term."