The number of discotheques continues to fall sharply in the Netherlands. Over the past five years, the number of discotheques in the Netherlands has decreased from 226 to 174, a decrease of 23%. Over the past ten years, the number of discotheques has decreased by 44%. In the drinks sector, which includes the discotheque, the supply also fell, but much less sharply (6% in 10 years). Despite the negative developments, we also see, especially in the big cities, that new clubs are opening their doors and responding to the trend of 'blurring'. Clubs where you can also dine and even have breakfast or that also serve as a workshop. This and more is shown by research by Van Spronsen & Partners catering advice.
Most discotheques in North Holland
According to HorecaDNA, South Holland still had the most discotheques in 2008 (56). However, due to a sharp drop of more than 55%, Noord-Holland (where the supply fell by 'only' 31%) now has the most discotheques (33). In Groningen (-67%) and Limburg (-62%) the supply fell relatively fastest. Friesland seems to be the province where the disco still somewhat survives. The supply fell by less than 30% and the province has, relatively speaking, by far the most discotheques (1,9 per 10.000 young people). This can be explained by the fact that this province is very popular among young people as a holiday destination, just like Zeeland (1,3 discotheques per 10.000 young people).
Amsterdam at the top
Despite a decline in the supply, Amsterdam (11 discotheques) stands head and shoulders above the other cities, followed by Rotterdam, where the supply almost halved. In a negative sense, The Hague in particular stands out, where on balance 10 discotheques disappeared in 6 years (-67%).
Cut-throat competition
Reasons for the declines can still be found in the large offer of dance festivals. According to ING, approximately 170 dance events are organized every year. In 2012 there were only 130. Amsterdam Dance Event attracted 375.000 visitors last year (in 2012 200.000) who came to 2.200 artists. According to ING, the average spending at a dance festival is approximately € 150, which is 10 times higher than the average spending in a disco. With such expenses it is logical that young people visit a disco less often, after all, a euro can only be spent once.
Competition can also be found from the music venues and concepts such as the Westergasfabriek with a wide and varied offer for a wide audience. In the big cities, going out in hotel bars is also becoming increasingly popular and companies with a rooftop terrace can count on a lot of customers in the summer if they put on a DJ. Cocktail bars are also becoming popular as entertainment venues, although this is mainly for the older crowd. Finally, going out has become part of the concept at many beach pavilions. It's all about experience and this makes it difficult for discotheques, especially in summer, to attract the public…
Broadening visit time and motive
Our own inventory shows that there are more companies in the Netherlands that can be classified as discotheque-like companies (concept with DJs where the public comes to dance at night). About 40 discotheque-like companies are already operational in Amsterdam and 20 in Rotterdam. While many discotheques find it difficult to fill the place only on Friday and Saturday evenings, we see more and more club concepts in the cities that are looking to expand with activities during the week, from ' early in the morning until late at night.
Food is becoming an increasingly important part. For example, BAR in Rotterdam offers a concept with salads, organic burgers, fish & chips and hot dogs and you can even have an extensive breakfast at The Butcher Social Club in Amsterdam.
Another great example of blurring is Cruquius Gilde. Craftsmanship, architecture, culture and social entrepreneurship come together here. Club nights are also sometimes organized here.
Our neighboring countries
If we look at our neighboring countries, it is striking that the discotheque plays a more important role in the catering industry there. In Germany, 1% of the catering companies is a disco (in the Netherlands 0,4%) and the density (number of discos per 10.000 young people) is 2,5 times higher than in the Netherlands. Here too, the supply fell in the period 2011-2015, but much less rapidly (22% versus 46% in the Netherlands). In Belgium 0,8% of the catering companies are discos and the density is almost four times higher! Belgium has 2,5 times as many discotheques, despite the fact that the country has 'only' 11 million people. The number of discotheques in Belgium also fell, but only by 19%. An explanation for the large difference cannot be traced back to one cause. Germans drink considerably more beer (from the age of 14 you can drink beer and wine in the presence of parents) and in Belgium young people are allowed to drink beer from 16 years old. Young people therefore come into contact with alcohol earlier than in the Netherlands. This may play a role. In addition, the Netherlands is the dance festival country in Europe, if not the world, and there are a large number of beach pavilions that partly fulfill a nightlife function. As a result, there is less demand for discotheques.
Future
We expect that the bottom of the decline in the traditional disco is not yet in sight. There are more and more concepts that are somewhat foreign to the industry that also offer club/dance activities. However, because they are not completely dependent on this, this business model is often stronger than the regular disco, which only manages to attract an audience on Saturdays. Thinking less in boxes seems to be the motto….
