Krefel

Krëfel is one of Belgium's best-known retailers of home appliances, TV, audio, IT and multimedia, with around 70 stores across the country and an online shop at krefel.be. Its sister brand Hifi International operates in Luxembourg. For an electronics or appliance brand, Krëfel is a major Belgian retail channel, though one that is going through a restructuring.

Who is behind Krëfel

Krëfel was founded in 1958 and named after the German city of Krefeld. Since 2019 it has been owned by the French electronics retailer Boulanger, part of the Mulliez family's group of companies. Krëfel has struggled in recent years: in 2024 its sales fell to EUR 432.7 million, and it reported an operating loss of EUR 26.7 million. It has closed several stores, left the kitchen business to focus on its core electronics and appliances, received new funding from its owners and appointed a new CEO, Vincent Nolf. See also our Boulanger page.

What the shopper sees

Krëfel combines stores across Belgium with online sales, delivery, installation and after-sales service. As part of the Boulanger group, it also sells Boulanger's private labels.

How brands can work with Krëfel

Krëfel works with brands mainly as a retailer that buys products for its stores and online shop. A brand approaching Krëfel should be ready with:

• Electronics or appliance products with detailed specifications.
• Dutch and French content for Belgium.
• EU compliance, such as CE marking, energy labels and WEEE contributions.
• A clear view of terms and payment security, given the company's restructuring.

Why Krëfel matters for brands

Krëfel remains a well-known name for Belgian electronics shoppers and is backed by one of France's leading electronics retailers.

How eBrands looks at Krëfel

eBrands works with brands on marketplaces and retail channels across Europe and North America. If you want to see how Krëfel could fit your Belgian plans, we are happy to talk it through.

Useful links

• Krëfel
• Forbes Belgique: Krëfel's restructuring (in French)