Ernsting's family
Ernsting family (EHG GmbH & Co. KG) · Germany
Ernsting's family is a family-owned German fashion retailer founded by Kurt Ernsting in 1967 and based in Coesfeld-Lette in Westphalia. It sells affordable clothing for women, children and men plus home products through about 1,900 stores in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands and online.
| Founded | 1967 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Kurt Ernsting |
| Owner | Ernsting family |
| Headquarters | Coesfeld-Lette, Germany |
| Stores | About 1,925 (2024) |
| Markets | Germany, Austria, Netherlands |
| Website | ernstings-family.de |
What is Ernsting's family?
Ernsting's family is a value fashion chain focusing on women's and children's clothing, complemented by menswear, accessories, home textiles, decorative items and toys. Children's and women's fashion generate most of its sales. The company is privately owned by the founding family through the holding company EHG.
History
Kurt Ernsting opened the first self-service store under the name minipreis in 1967, and the company was formally established in 1968. By 1971 it had about 40 stores. The chain was renamed miniladen in 1972, Ernsting's miniladen in 1985 and Ernsting's family in 1990. The founder withdrew from operations in 2006 and died in 2011. The 1,500th store opened in 2010, the online shop launched in 2003 and a mobile shop followed in 2013.
In 2023 the company opened an automated carton warehouse, and in July 2024 it announced its first four stores in the Netherlands.
Products and positioning
Ernsting's family targets families, especially mothers, with affordable everyday fashion. Own labels include Gina Benotti for women, Gina Mama for maternity, Famy and Van Vaan Denim. The range covers:
- Womenswear and maternity wear
- Baby and children's clothing
- Menswear, underwear and loungewear
- Home and seasonal products
Business model and distribution
The company is a vertically organised retailer with around 1,925 stores across the group in 2024, many in small towns and local shopping streets. Its online shop offers free delivery to stores in Germany and in-store returns, and the Family Card loyalty programme extends the return period to 100 days.
Why it matters
Ernsting's family is one of the few large German fashion chains that has remained in founding family ownership. Its dense local store network and close links between online and store make it a strong player in the German discount fashion segment.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Ernsting's family?
Ernsting's family is privately owned by the founding Ernsting family through the holding company EHG. It was founded by Kurt Ernsting in 1967.
Where is Ernsting's family based?
The company is headquartered in Coesfeld-Lette in Westphalia, Germany. It operates stores in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.