Half of retailers in Netherlands not paying rent

Nearly one in two Dutch retailers still aren't paying rent to their landlords, with the situation reported to be particularly critical along the high streets. Shopkeepers and owners had previously agreed to make payment arrangements but these discussions are in many cases still ongoing.

Jeroen Lokerse, managing director of the Netherlands of Cushman & Wakefield said the process is stretching out because a solution has to be found for each tenant. In addition, however, not all landlords are agreeing to discounts, at least not without long rental agreements in return. Visitor numbers in the major shopping streets are still well below the pre-crisis levels.