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The well-known home decoration chain Casa has permanently closed its 13 stores in Portugal. A tough blow for employees and customers, but also for shopping centers that relied on Casa for years. The story highlights how traditional retail is losing ground to online platforms and international chains.
Casa was present across the country, with stores in:
The closure of the store in Mar Shopping Loulé stands out in particular. This shopping center is one of the most visited in the Algarve, and Casa’s green logo was a familiar sight there for many years.
On September 12, 2025, the Sintra Court declared Casa Portugal insolvent. The decision came just one day after the creditors’ meeting.
The numbers tell the story:
Q: How many employees lost their jobs?
A: Around 30 employees in Portugal were directly affected.
Q: Who are the creditors?
A: More than 110 parties, including shopping centers, cleaning companies, and banks such as BCP and Millennium.
Q: What happens to the stock?
A: Decorative items, furniture, shelving, and equipment are being auctioned.
Q: Was this only in Portugal?
A: No, Casa also closed stores in Belgium, France, and Luxembourg.
Few people know that Casa had a strong Dutch link. In 1998, the chain was acquired by the Blokker Holding, a retail giant in the Netherlands that also owned Intertoys and Xenos.
The Blokker family is among the richest families in the Netherlands and ranks high in the country’s Quote 500, the annual list of the wealthiest Dutch people. In 2016, Casa was sold to an investment company, but its Dutch retail roots remained part of its identity.
Casa faced heavy competition from both brick-and-mortar and online players.
Offline competitors:
Online platforms:
The combination of aggressive online pricing and the dominance of global players like Ikea made it nearly impossible for Casa to survive.
For visitors to Mar Shopping Loulé, it will feel strange not to see Casa anymore. This change reflects a broader trend: the retail landscape in Portugal is shifting rapidly.
Traditional chains struggle, but every closure also opens the door to opportunities. It could mean space for new brands, sustainable concepts, or local entrepreneurs who better match today’s consumer expectation
Casa closes all 13 stores in Portugal, incl. Mar Shopping Loulé. Bankruptcy caused by Ikea, online rivals and growing competition.
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