German beauty retailer Parfümerie Pieper has announced that it has filed for insolvency. It will keep its 140 stores and online shop open for now.
In a letter to suppliers, the company stated that it went under self-administration on Nov. 20 after filing at the Bochum Local Court in Bochum, Germany. It will undertake restructuring while “maintaining ongoing business operations,” according to the letter. The Business of Beauty has reached out to the company and is awaiting comment.
According to German media, the Herne-based retailer will cover three months of salaries for employees. Management will remain in place, and vendors will need to register outstanding claims after insolvency proceedings begin, which the company estimates to be on Feb. 1, 2026. Payments for orders placed after the commencement of self-administration will be covered by the insolvency estate.
Founded in 1931, Parfümerie Pieper operates an e-commerce shop and physical stores across Germany with a wide range of top international brands including Chanel, Estée Lauder and Lancôme. The future of its stores will be decided during the insolvency process.
Other beauty retailers in the country have seen signs of depressed consumer demand. In March 2025, German beauty retailer Douglas cut its guidance for the year due to a “very significant” shift in spending. Its third-quarter report released in September maintained the same guidance and stated its plan to set up a new mid-term forecast due to “global macroeconomic and political developments.”
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