Mirage Retail Group
Former Dutch retail holding company, formerly Blokker Holding, that owned multiple European specialty-store chains before entering bankruptcy in December 2024.
Last updated October 30, 2026
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Overview
Mirage Retail Group was a Dutch retail holding company formerly known as Blokker Holding. It controlled a portfolio of specialty retail chains spanning household goods, toys, consumer electronics, discount retail, home furnishings and related categories. The group grew through a combination of owned stores, franchised locations and acquisitions, and at its height operated thousands of stores across multiple European markets. Its best-known businesses included Blokker, Intertoys, Xenos, Leen Bakker, Maxi Toys, Big Bazar, BCC and, for a period, Miniso Netherlands. The company’s retail model was decentralized at the brand level. Individual chains retained distinct identities and customer propositions, while the holding company provided ownership, financing and strategic direction. In 2010, the combined chains were reported to operate 2,825 stores in twelve countries. By 2015, the group reported revenue of approximately €2.1 billion, including €98 million from online retail; these figures relate to the cited reporting period and should not be treated as current financial data. The group entered a prolonged restructuring period as changing consumer behavior, online competition, weak performance in parts of the portfolio and financial pressure affected several chains. In 2017, Intertoys was sold to private-equity firm Alteri Investors, while the group announced plans to sell Xenos and Leen Bakker. Further disposals and insolvencies followed. Maxi Toys was sold to Green Swan in January 2019, and Intertoys entered bankruptcy proceedings in February 2019 before being sold to Green Swan in March. Some of these businesses later returned to Mirage ownership or changed hands again. In 2019, the Blokker family sold the holding company to Michiel Witteveen. Witteveen became chief executive and pursued a strategy focused on divesting less profitable businesses. In July 2019, the holding company adopted the Mirage Retail Group name, partly to distinguish the corporate group from its Blokker store chain. The group subsequently sold Blokker operations in Belgium and Luxembourg, sold Maxi Toys to King Jouet in 2020, and acquired the Dutch consumer-electronics retailer BCC from Fnac Darty in September 2020. Mirage later explored an initial public offering, announcing plans in 2021 for a possible listing by 2022. The timetable was postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the IPO plan was abandoned by March 2023. Financial and operational difficulties intensified in 2023 and 2024. BCC and Big Bazar entered bankruptcy proceedings in September 2023. Intertoys was sold to ToyChamp in October 2024, while Blokker itself was declared bankrupt in November 2024. Mirage Retail Group entered bankruptcy in December 2024. In February 2025, Miniso Netherlands was put up for sale. In May 2025, Blokker announced plans to reopen between 30 and 40 former locations after the business had been acquired by Roland Palmer in January. These later developments concern successor or separated retail operations rather than a continuation of Mirage as a functioning holding company.
History
Mirage Retail Group was the successor name of Blokker Holding, a Dutch retail holding company assembled around a portfolio of specialty-store businesses. Rather than operating under one unified consumer proposition, the group owned and managed separate retail formulas, including household-goods, toy, home-furnishing, electronics and discount chains. Many of the chains combined company-owned stores with franchised locations, allowing the group to expand its geographic reach without owning every outlet directly. The group’s expansion gave it a substantial European footprint. The combined chains were reported to have 2,825 stores in twelve countries in 2010. In 2015, reported revenue was €2.1 billion, of which €98 million came from online retail. These historical figures illustrate the scale of the portfolio before the later restructuring, but do not represent current operations. During the second half of the 2010s, Blokker Holding began reducing and reshaping its portfolio. Intertoys was sold to Alteri Investors in 2017, and the group announced intended sales of Xenos and Leen Bakker. The toy business subsequently experienced further instability. Maxi Toys was sold to Green Swan in January 2019, while Intertoys entered bankruptcy proceedings in February after failing to restructure following a suspension of payments. Intertoys was sold to Green Swan in March of the same year, although Mirage later reacquired Intertoys and eventually sold it again. A major ownership transition occurred in 2019, when the Blokker family sold the holding company to Michiel Witteveen. Witteveen became chief executive and emphasized the disposal of less profitable chains. In July 2019, the company changed its name from Blokker Holding to Mirage Retail Group. The rebranding helped separate the identity of the corporate holding company from the Blokker chain, which remained one of its principal retail businesses. The group continued to dispose of or acquire individual chains. Blokker’s Belgian and Luxembourg operations were sold to Dutch Retail Group and later rebranded Mega World. Maxi Toys was sold to King Jouet in August 2020 after experiencing financial difficulties. In September 2020, Mirage acquired BCC from Fnac Darty, adding a major Dutch consumer-electronics chain to its portfolio. Mega World later entered bankruptcy proceedings and announced the closure of its stores. Mirage explored a public-market financing route in 2021, announcing plans for an IPO by 2022. The timetable was postponed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the company had abandoned the IPO plan by March 2023. The group’s financial problems became more visible in 2023, when BCC and Big Bazar entered bankruptcy proceedings. The collapse of these businesses reduced the breadth of the portfolio and increased pressure on the remaining operations. In 2024, Intertoys was sold to ToyChamp. Blokker was declared bankrupt in November after years of losses, with plans to liquidate inventory and assets and close nearly all locations. Mirage Retail Group itself entered bankruptcy proceedings on 9 December 2024. In 2025, Miniso Netherlands was placed on the market, while a separate effort led by Roland Palmer announced plans to reopen 30 to 40 former Blokker locations. These developments represent attempts to preserve or transfer selected retail activities after the collapse of the holding structure, not a return of Mirage Retail Group as an operating group.
- 2024
Blokker and Mirage entered bankruptcy proceedings
[1]Blokker was declared bankrupt on 14 November 2024, followed by Mirage Retail Group on 9 December 2024.
- 2023
IPO plan abandoned
[1]Mirage had scrapped its IPO plans by March 2023 after postponement during the pandemic period.
- 2021
IPO plan announced
[1]The group announced plans in September 2021 for a possible public listing by 2022.
- 2020
BCC acquired from Fnac Darty
[1]On 29 September 2020, Mirage acquired the Dutch consumer-electronics chain BCC from Fnac Darty, expanding its remaining portfolio.
- 2019
Ownership changed and Blokker Holding became Mirage Retail Group
[1]The Blokker family sold the group to Michiel Witteveen, who became chief executive; the holding company was renamed Mirage Retail Group later that year.
- 2017
Intertoys sold to Alteri Investors
[1]The toy chain was sold to private-equity firm Alteri Investors, while the group announced plans to sell Xenos and Leen Bakker.
- 2015
Reported revenue reached €2.1 billion
[1]Blokker Holding reported revenue of approximately €2.1 billion, including €98 million from online retail.
- 2010
Portfolio reached 2,825 combined stores
[1]The combined chains of Blokker Holding were reported to operate 2,825 stores across twelve countries.
Products and positioning
A multi-format, mass-market retail holding group serving consumers through a portfolio of Dutch and European store chains, with an emphasis on everyday household goods, toys, electronics and value-oriented merchandise.
Household and general merchandise retail
Blokker
Blokker was the group's best-known household-goods chain, selling practical domestic products, kitchenware, cleaning items, storage, seasonal merchandise and related everyday non-food goods. The chain operated primarily in the Netherlands and became closely associated with the former holding company's identity. After years of losses, Blokker entered bankruptcy in November 2024 and announced extensive store closures; subsequent plans to reopen selected locations were associated with a later acquisition rather than with Mirage's continued operation. Blokker was the group’s best-known retail chain and focused on household goods, kitchen products, cleaning items, storage, seasonal merchandise and related everyday non-food products. The chain operated as a recognizable Dutch store brand within the wider holding structure. After years of losses, Blokker entered bankruptcy in November 2024 and announced extensive store closures.
Toy retail
Intertoys
Intertoys was a toy-store chain offering toys, games and children’s products through physical stores and related retail channels. Its ownership changed several times during the group’s restructuring: it was sold to Alteri Investors in 2017, entered bankruptcy proceedings in 2019, later returned to Mirage ownership and was sold to ToyChamp in October 2024. Intertoys was a major toy-retail chain in the group's portfolio, offering toys, games and children's entertainment products through stores and online channels. It was sold to Alteri Investors in 2017, later entered bankruptcy proceedings in 2019 and changed ownership several times; Mirage later reacquired it and ultimately sold the chain to ToyChamp on 28 October 2024.
Consumer-electronics retail
BCC
BCC was a consumer-electronics retailer selling household appliances, electronics and related products. Mirage acquired the chain from Fnac Darty in September 2020 as part of an effort to maintain a diversified retail portfolio. BCC was declared bankrupt in September 2023 after Mirage had indicated that it intended to sell the business. BCC was a Dutch consumer-electronics retailer selling household appliances, electronics and related technology products. Mirage acquired the business from Fnac Darty on 29 September 2020 as part of an effort to build a broader retail portfolio. BCC was declared bankrupt on 22 September 2023, only weeks after Mirage had indicated that it was considering a sale.
Home and lifestyle retail
Xenos
Xenos was a home, lifestyle and gift-oriented retail chain associated with decorative goods, household accessories, seasonal products and small furnishings. Blokker Holding announced an intention to sell the chain during its late-2010s portfolio restructuring. The supplied reference material does not establish the final ownership outcome in sufficient detail. Xenos was a former Mirage-related lifestyle and home-goods formula. It was among the chains that Blokker Holding announced plans to sell during its late-2010s portfolio restructuring. The available reference material does not establish a later ownership outcome.
Furniture and home furnishings
Leen Bakker
Leen Bakker was the group's home-furnishing and furniture chain, serving value-conscious consumers with furniture, mattresses, household textiles and related interior products. The group announced plans to sell the business during its 2017 portfolio review. The supplied reference material does not provide enough detail to document the completed transaction. Leen Bakker was a former home-furnishings and furniture-related retail chain associated with Blokker Holding. The group announced an intention to sell it during the 2017 portfolio review. Further details on the transaction are not established by the supplied material.
Toy retail
Maxi Toys
Maxi Toys was a toy-store chain operating in European markets. It was sold by Blokker Holding to Green Swan in January 2019, later reacquired by Mirage, and sold to King Jouet in August 2020 after facing bankruptcy-related difficulties.
Discount and general merchandise retail
Big Bazar
Big Bazar operated discount stores offering a broad assortment of low-priced general merchandise, household products and seasonal goods. The chain was part of Mirage's later portfolio but entered bankruptcy proceedings on 26 September 2023 after substantial losses and an unsuccessful rescue attempt; reports also described unpaid employee wages during the month of its bankruptcy. Big Bazar operated as a value-oriented general merchandise chain, selling a changing assortment of household goods, seasonal items, gifts and other low-priced products. The business entered bankruptcy in September 2023 after substantial losses and an unsuccessful rescue attempt. Reports also described unpaid employee wages during the month of its bankruptcy.
Lifestyle and general merchandise retail
Miniso Netherlands
Miniso Netherlands represented Mirage's operation of the Japanese-inspired lifestyle and value-retail format in the Netherlands. The business remained among the assets or activities associated with the group after its wider collapse and was put up for sale in February 2025.
Controversies
Brand decisions
2024
Sell Intertoys to ToyChampM&ABackground
Mirage continued to reduce its portfolio as financial pressure affected the remaining businesses.
Action taken
Intertoys was sold to ToyChamp on 28 October 2024.
Aftermath
The sale separated one of the group’s major surviving retail chains from Mirage shortly before the holding company entered bankruptcy.
2024
Enter bankruptcy proceedingsOtherBackground
After years of losses, portfolio disposals and the bankruptcy of several operating businesses, the group could no longer continue as a viable holding company.
Action taken
Mirage Retail Group was declared bankrupt on 9 December 2024.
Aftermath
Selected assets and affiliated businesses were offered for sale, including Miniso Netherlands in February 2025.
2021
Plan an initial public offeringStrategyBackground
The group sought a potential source of capital and announced an intention to pursue a public listing. Mirage sought a financing and ownership structure that could support its retail portfolio.
Action taken
The company announced an IPO plan targeted for 2022.
Aftermath
The plan was postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic and had been abandoned by March 2023.
2020
Acquire BCC from Fnac DartyM&ABackground
Mirage was restructuring its portfolio while seeking to maintain a presence in large-scale specialty retail. Mirage was restructuring its portfolio but continued to seek retail assets that could remain part of a diversified Dutch consumer-retail group.
Action taken
On 29 September 2020, Mirage acquired the Dutch consumer-electronics chain BCC from Fnac Darty.
Aftermath
BCC later entered bankruptcy proceedings in September 2023.
2019
Rebrand the holding company as Mirage Retail GroupStrategyBackground
The corporate group had become closely identified with the Blokker store chain, while the holding company controlled a much wider collection of retail formulas. The holding company was being distinguished from the Blokker store chain while its new owner pursued portfolio restructuring.
Action taken
After the Blokker family sold the company to Michiel Witteveen, the holding company changed its name to Mirage Retail Group in July 2019.
Aftermath
The new name separated the corporate parent from the Blokker retail brand, although the group continued to face portfolio and financial challenges.
Recent events
- 2025
Miniso Netherlands put up for sale[1]
M&A
Miniso Netherlands was reportedly offered for sale during the post-bankruptcy disposition of Mirage-related assets.
- 2024
Intertoys sold to ToyChamp[1]
M&A
Mirage sold Intertoys to ToyChamp as the group continued to separate its retail assets.
- 2024
Blokker declared bankrupt[1]
Bankruptcy
The holding company itself entered bankruptcy proceedings in December, marking the collapse of the corporate group after years of portfolio restructuring and financial pressure.
- 2023
Big Bazar declared bankrupt[1]
Bankruptcy · Other
Big Bazar entered bankruptcy proceedings after reporting substantial losses and an unsuccessful rescue effort; it was also reported that employees had not been paid during September.
- 2023
IPO plans abandoned[1]
Other
Mirage Retail Group had abandoned its proposed IPO by March 2023.
- 2021
Mirage announced a possible initial public offering[1]
Other
The group announced plans for a possible IPO by 2022, but the timetable was postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic and later abandoned.
- 2021
Mirage announced an IPO plan[1]
Other
The company announced plans for a public listing targeted for 2022, but the timetable was later postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2020
Maxi Toys sold to King Jouet[1]
M&A · Bankruptcy
Maxi Toys was sold to French toy retailer King Jouet after the chain faced bankruptcy-related difficulties.
- 2020
Mirage acquired BCC from Fnac Darty[1]
M&A
Mirage Retail Group acquired Dutch consumer-electronics retailer BCC from Fnac Darty.
- 2020
Mega World declared bankrupt[1]
Bankruptcy
Mega World, the successor to the former Blokker operations in Belgium and Luxembourg, entered bankruptcy and announced store closures.
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