C&A proposes modernisation of European business for success

The proposal would also create a simpler, more straightforward operating model to improve decision making, organisational effectiveness and efficiency, all with a view to providing an even better service to consumers.The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on all retailers, including C&A, and showed that a blended digital and offline approach is critical. C&A has proposed a plan, using this moment as a catalyst, for new strategic thinking around how the business could be structured for the future, C&A said in a press release.

This proposal could lead to a number of organisational changes across Europe that would allow the company to reposition itself to better serve consumers today and in the future. An important piece of this proposed approach would be a significant planned investment into digital solutions aimed at ensuring C&A’s business can be re-shaped in-line with business priorities to improve the consumer experience by serving their needs just as effectively online, as in stores.

The proposed changes, communicated this morning to European employee representatives and C&A employees, would impact a number of roles across our European business. C&A is committed to working closely with its social partners and team members to support employees who might potentially be affected in each market. This process will take place in accordance with all local and country regulations.

“In today’s market, it is imperative that we consider positioning ourselves for success with a modern approach in our stores and a stronger digital offering, attuned to what our consumers need and ready to serve them. This is a great company, and we plan to adapt our organisational structure to one which is more dynamic, more collaborative, more modern, and fit for the future. Proposed changes like these are never easy to consider. And we are committed to working closely with our social partners, participating in an open dialogue, and moving through this process together, with the utmost respect for our potentially affected team members,” Giny Boer, chief executive officer of C&A, said.

As part of this proposed change, C&A is envisioning a new organisational structure built around the divisions merchandise and sustainability, operations, digital and consumer, selling and markets, finance and IT, people and culture and corporate communications and fashion PR. These divisions would operate within a new centralised framework aiming for closer alignment and collaboration between European head offices and national head offices across four proposed markets: Germany, Central Eastern Europe, Benelux, and Southern Europe.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)