“The European market has grown strongly in the past seven years and a central part of the global Blundstone sales,” says the letter that was sent to the trade a few days ago and the shoe courier is available. The author is Central Trade Germany GmbH based in Rheinbreitbach, which organizes the distribution of Blundstone products in Germany and Austria. “To strengthen regional specialist retailers and protect the brand, we have together with Blundstone Australia Pty Ltd. and all EU distributors developed a new online guideline that will come into force from July 1, 2025. ”From this point on, it will no longer be allowed to offer blundry products on third-party platforms or marketplaces. At the same time, the brand wants to expand and strengthen the dealer-own online stores.
Bernd Hillen, Managing Director of Central Trade, explains the background of writing to Schuhkurier as follows: “There are increasingly cases in which European dealers offer goods in other European countries through marketplaces or third -party platforms. The service often falls by the wayside, there is no contact for questions or complaints, and that harms the brand. ”The topic at Blundstone has been in the discussion for a long time. Some time ago there was a meeting of representatives of the Australian brand with the ten European distributors in Belgrade, in which the now communicated decision was made. “Each distribute operates its market as an exclusive territory, invests in marketing and looks after the dealers. We want to strengthen these dealers, inpatient and online. We have found that especially on marketplaces or at third -party providers, the brand is often not shown as we want it, ”says Hillen.
Blundstone makes use of the vertical group exemption regulations of the EU when it comes to deciding. It is intended to form a reliable legal framework in which manufacturers and retailers can regulate their business relationship.
First, the Blundstone shop is to be discontinued via marketplaces or third -party providers from July 1st. Bernd Hillen emphasizes that every dealer will search for the conversation and work out solutions. It is also planned to reopen certain marketplaces in a next step. Hillen is aware that affected traders have to expect sales due to the decision of Blundstone. “That is why we inform our dealers at the early stage so that they have clarity.” Blundstone will also invest in local advertising to support affected dealers.
He believes in the inpatient and also in the online trade operated by dealers himself, emphasizes the shoes expert. With the new regulation at Blundstone, it can be ruled out in the future that retailers from other European countries take out sales.
Hillen expressly emphasizes that Blundstone does not say goodbye to the trade. “Each of our shoes can continue to be offered in the dealer -owned online shop. We want online trade, but with the necessary service. “
Central Trade GmbH looks after around 500 Blundstone retailers in Germany. According to estimates, the D2C share of Blundstone is 6 to 7%.