August 28, 2026, 3:43 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
For many customers, Depot was long one of the most well-known addresses for decoration and small furniture. Now it’s official: The insolvent retail chain will cease operations at the end of September. However, while hundreds of employees will lose their jobs, owner Christian Gries apparently does not want to completely give up the brand.
End for the Decor Chain by September 30
Depot’s fate is sealed: GDC Deutschland GmbH, the company behind the retail chain, will cease operations on September 30. All employment contracts and existing leases will be terminated at that time. About 730 employees are affected by the decision, as reported by BILD (like myHOMEBOOK, part of Axel Springer).
Already at the end of June, the company announced the closure of 66 of the then approximately 150 stores. By early August, around 30 more locations were added. There was still hope to continue about 50 of its own stores, but these plans will not be implemented.
According to company head Christian Gries, the financial resources are no longer sufficient to fully cover the obligations and costs incurred after the insolvency.
Insolvency After Difficult Market Development
The company from Großostheim, Bavaria, filed for insolvency under self-administration in May. Gries cites the cautious consumer sentiment and increasing competitive pressure from Asian discount platforms like Temu as reasons for the economic problems.
Restructuring expert Alexander Höpfner from the law firm ACT Tischendorf also sees no alternative to this step. He told the “Lebensmittel Zeitung” that financing and the continuation of the chain beyond September are not secured. Neither Gries nor Höpfner commented on a request from BILD.
Depot Brand to Be Preserved
Despite the complete termination of all employees, Gries wants to continue the Depot brand. The plan is to transfer it to another company that will operate with significantly fewer employees.
The entrepreneur said: “We will enter into dialogue with landlords to conclude new leases. Depot will not disappear.”
It is still unclear how many of the approximately 50 remaining stores can actually be preserved. What is certain, however, is that the existing jobs will be lost.
After Made.com Bankruptcy – Many Customers Won’t Get Their Money Back
Tupperware Returns to Germany
Negotiations Over Smaller Shop Concepts
In addition, Gries is in talks about smaller Depot spaces in Rewe and Edeka markets. The development marks a significant turning point for the company: A few years ago, Depot operated around 400 stores in Germany. The retail chain had already gone through insolvency in 2024.
Numerous Retailers Under Pressure
Depot is not alone in its struggles. The German retail sector has long been grappling with weaker consumer willingness to buy and a growing online business.