KiK
Tengelmann Group · Germany
KiK is a German value retailer of clothing and non-food products, founded in 1994 by Stefan Heinig together with the Tengelmann Group and headquartered in Bönen. With more than 4,200 stores in 14 European countries, it is one of the largest textile discounters in Europe.
| Founded | 1994 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Stefan Heinig and Tengelmann Group |
| Owner | Tengelmann Group |
| Headquarters | Bönen, Germany |
| Chief executive | Ulrich Hanfeld (since 2026) |
| Stores | More than 4,200 in 14 countries |
| Website | kik.de |
What is KiK?
KiK (KiK Textilien und Non-Food GmbH) sells low-priced clothing for women, men, children and babies alongside household goods, home textiles, toys, decorations and gift items. The company promises affordable fashion in good quality and focuses on basic styles with limited seasonal change.
History
KiK was founded in April 1994 by Stefan Heinig and the Tengelmann Group, the Mülheim-based family retail and investment group. The first store opened in Düsseldorf-Gerresheim. The chain expanded quickly in Germany and then abroad, starting with Austria in 1998, followed by Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, Poland, the Netherlands, Italy, Romania and Portugal. An online shop was launched in 2013.
After the 2013 Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh, KiK contributed to the victims' compensation fund and was among the first German signatories of the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety. In June 2026 Dr Ulrich Hanfeld took over as chief executive.
Products and positioning
KiK operates at the lowest price tier of German fashion retail. Its own brands include Janina for women, Ergee for babies and children and other private labels. The assortment covers:
- Women's, men's, children's and baby clothing
- Underwear and basics
- Home textiles and household goods
- Toys, party and gift articles
Business model and distribution
KiK is a vertically organised discounter that sources directly from manufacturers and sells through a dense network of small stores, often in local shopping streets and retail parks. According to the company it runs more than 4,200 stores in 14 countries and employs about 32,000 people. E-commerce complements the store network.
KiK and technology
KiK's central IT department develops digital tools and automates processes, including the digitalisation of store work, according to the company's corporate site.
Why it matters
KiK is a major buyer of low-cost apparel and a bellwether for the European discount segment. Its supply chain commitments and its sustainability reporting, now in their eighth edition, are closely followed by industry and civil society.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns KiK?
KiK was founded in 1994 by Stefan Heinig together with the Tengelmann Group, the German family-owned retail and investment group, which is its parent. The company is run from Bönen in North Rhine-Westphalia.
In which countries does KiK have stores?
KiK operates more than 4,200 stores in 14 European countries, including Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands and several Central and Eastern European markets.