Zeeman
Netherlands
Zeeman is a Dutch textile discounter founded in 1967 by Jan Zeeman in Alphen aan den Rijn. It sells low-priced clothing and textiles through close to 1,400 stores in six countries and is described as a family business.
| Founded | 1967 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Jan Zeeman |
| Headquarters | Alphen aan den Rijn, Netherlands |
| Ownership | Private, family business |
| Segment | Mass market and fast fashion |
| Stores | Almost 1,400 (company figure, undated) |
| Website | zeeman.com |
What is Zeeman?
Zeeman, branded Zeeman textielSupers, is a Dutch discount retailer of clothing and household textiles. Its stated philosophy is that good clothes and textiles do not need to be expensive.
History
Jan Zeeman opened the first store in Alphen aan den Rijn in March 1967 as a supermarket for low-price clothes and textiles. Growth accelerated in 1974 through several large acquisitions, and in 1980 the acquisition of Brons made Zeeman the largest textile discounter in the Netherlands. Jan Zeeman stepped back from daily management in 1999, when Paul Schouwenaar took over. Bart Karis succeeded him in January 2007. Zeeman died in 2020, and the company is a private limited company described as a family business.
Business model and distribution
Zeeman sells through its own stores, which the company puts at almost 1,400 in six countries, while another source lists about 1,300 establishments and names the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Austria, Spain and Portugal. The figures are undated, and the sources differ, so the exact current footprint should be checked against company reports. Its distribution centre is in Alphen aan den Rijn, where the company is also headquartered.
Why it matters
Zeeman is one of the largest value clothing chains in the Netherlands and a notable example of a family-owned discounter that has expanded across several European markets. Its focus on simple, low-priced basics places it in a different segment from fashion-led fast fashion brands. Current chief executive and ownership details for 2026 could not be verified.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Zeeman from?
Zeeman is from the Netherlands. Jan Zeeman opened the first store in Alphen aan den Rijn in March 1967.
Is Zeeman a cheap clothing brand?
Yes. Zeeman is a textile discounter whose stated aim is that good clothes and textiles do not need to be expensive, so it sits in the value segment.