Studenac to shut 104 supermarkets across Croatia

ZAGREB, 12 October 2026 – Croatian retail chain Studenac is set to close 104 stores across Croatia and reduce its administrative workforce by around 40% as part of a major restructuring aimed at stabilising its finances, HRT reports.

The measures come amid a pre-bankruptcy proceeding, with the company also discontinuing its wholesale business as it seeks to reduce costs and restore confidence among suppliers and financial partners.

A total of 335 employees work at the 104 stores scheduled to close.

Studenac has offered all affected employees the opportunity to continue working at locations that will remain open. The company will also reduce administrative staffing by 185 positions, representing approximately 40% of its administrative workforce.

Following the closures, Studenac will focus on its remaining network of 1,165 stores, concentrating on its core retail operations.

The company says the restructuring is intended to create the conditions for long-term financial stability by aligning its organisation and store network with its financial capabilities.

Teo Vujčić, the newly appointed president of Studenac’s management board, said the decisions were difficult but necessary.

The company said it needed to optimise costs and adjust its operations to establish a more sustainable business model.

Studenac’s extensive store network has been one of its defining characteristics, but the latest measures will see it withdraw from locations considered unprofitable.

The changes have also prompted reactions from customers, with some questioning whether the chain expanded too quickly and others pointing to its prices.

The restructuring is also intended to reassure suppliers and banks that Studenac is taking steps to improve its financial position and meet its obligations.

Economist Ljubo Jurčić said cutting costs at the least profitable stores and business units was one way for the company to demonstrate that it was taking decisive action.

He warned that without credible measures to improve its financial position, the company could face more serious financial difficulties.

Studenac reportedly owes suppliers around €60 million. Creditors have until 28 October to submit their claims to Croatia’s Financial Agency (FINA).

The next step will be the preparation of a restructuring plan, which creditors will vote on before a court makes the final decision. The outcome of that process will help determine the company’s future financial position and its ability to continue operating on a more sustainable basis.