Electronics

Fnac Darty's turnover rose slightly in 2019, as new activities were successfully integrated. The French electronics group remains cautious for 2020.

Dutch e-tailer Coolblue has reached a record turnover of 1.5 billion euros in 2019. Now it wants to invest in an expansion into Brussels and Wallonia, new stores in the Netherlands and services such as home delivery by bike and installation of appliances.

Soon the Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi, the fourth largest in the world, will open its first physical store in the Benelux. That first store will be in Rotterdam, according to published job offers. 

Bose is going to close half of its stores worldwide: a complete retreat from Europe, North America, Japan and Australia leaves only stores in four Asian countries. The specialist in audio equipment says too many people have switched to buying its products online.

Ceconomy, the parent company of Media Markt and Saturn, has achieved a tiny turnover growth in its previous financial year. Although net profit increased, no dividend will be paid next year as management wants to strengthen the company's equity.

French chains Carrefour and Fnac Darty are going to move in together: the electronics retailer is going to open thirty stores in French Carrefour hypermarkets. Will Belgium follow suit?

French chain Fnac has opened its first store in Luxembourg: it was the first retailer to open its doors in the new shopping project Hamilius. Later this month, chains like Delhaize and Galeries Lafayette will follow suit.