Specialising in top-of-the-range furnishings, Sichel had branched out into different universes over the years in its attempts to diversify. Photo: Sichel

Specialising in top-of-the-range furnishings, Sichel had branched out into different universes over the years in its attempts to diversify. Photo: Sichel

The management of Luxembourg-based furniture chain Sichel on Wednesday 23 April confirmed the definitive closure of its two outlets in Esch-sur-Alzette and Bertrange. This marks the end of a commercial saga that began in the 19th century.

“For several years now, our Sichel furniture shop has faced major challenges that the whole team has tried to overcome together. However, it has to be said that the difficulties have now become insurmountable. It is with great sadness and regret that we confirm that Sichel SA has definitively closed its two sales outlets in Esch-sur-Alzette and Bertrange,” explained the Luxembourg company on its social networks on Wednesday 23 April. The message is also displayed on the homepage of the Sichel website.

A Luxembourg history

It has been a vast saga indeed.... The Sichel story began in 1873, in Esch-sur-Alzette, with the opening of a hardware store by the Gillain brothers. Rapidly taken over by Julius Sichel et Cie, the family business became firmly rooted in the local landscape.

In 1975, a turning point came with the takeover of the retail activities by SNC Gaston Schwertzer, José Legan et Cie, before Marc Schwertzer and his wife Michèle took over the management in 1984. Under their leadership, Sichel underwent major changes. In 1991, the historic hardware store gave way to a more contemporary offering, focusing on furniture, tableware and decorative items.

Diversification

The year 1999 marked a new departure with the opening of the Sichel Home showroom at the Centre Orchimont in Howald, which was to become one of the brand’s highlights.

In 2018, a new generation takes over. Deitz and Kieffer took over the company with the ambition of consolidating its future.

A year later, Sichel diversified its universe with two new addresses at City Concorde in Bertrange: Sichel Loft, dedicated to furniture and items for children, and Sichel Gift, specialising in decorative objects and gifts.

Finally, in 2024, the brand will make a symbolic return to its roots with the relocation of Sichel Home to Esch-sur-Alzette, renewing its historical roots while affirming its resolutely contemporary vision of interior design.

“Considerable impact”

“Over the decades, our team has always worked passionately to offer every customer quality products, personalised advice and a unique experience within our showrooms. Unfortunately, the challenges we have faced in recent years have had a considerable impact on our business. Despite all our efforts and the investment of the entire team, we were ultimately unable to overcome the difficulties to ensure the company’s long-term future,” the company laments in its communication. “Finally, even at this painful time, we would like to express our most sincere gratitude to our team, our partners and our loyal customers. Thanks to you, we have had the honour of helping to furnish many homes in Luxembourg.”

The result for the 2023 financial year, the last available, showed a loss of €638,169.66, significantly higher than that for the previous financial year (€234,734.33).

This article was originally published in .

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