Dutch discount retail chain Hema is set to expand to the US and Canada with new standalone stores and online channels.
The company, in collaboration with retailer Walmart, will offer its household products through Walmart.com in the US starting this summer.
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In Canada, Hema will open standalone stores and shop-in-shops across Walmart’s largest stores, through a local partner, during autumn this year.
The expansion is part of Hema’s growth strategy, which includes growing via partners, own online channels and those of other companies, master franchise partners and wholesale activities.
Hema CEO Tjeerd Jegen said: “The expansion into North America is a historic step for Hema, as our founders Leo Meyer and Arthur Isaac first saw dollar stores in that region almost 100 years ago.
“They introduced this concept to the Netherlands by opening the first Hema store. We are particularly proud of our partnership with Walmart, the world’s largest retailer.
“This makes Walmart the ideal partner to start on the North American market. This collaboration also fits in perfectly with our international expansion strategy.”
The Dutch discount store chain currently operates more than 750 stores in 12 countries globally offering 32,000 own brand products and services to customers and employs more than 19,000 associates.
In May this year, Hema partnered with supermarket company Albert Heijn to open their joint pilot stores in the Netherlands.
The two pilot stores will open in Oudegracht, Utrecht; and Beursplein, Rotterdam, during autumn this year.
In December last year, Netherlands-based private equity investment firm Ramphastos Investments completed the acquisition of Hema, following the approval from the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), for an undisclosed amount.
