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DOUGLAS Group with two new members on the Supervisory Board

• Pamela Knapp and Georgia Garinois-Melenikiotou appointed as Supervisory Board members
• Michael Hinderer and Fritz Schulenburg stepped down as planned
• Supervisory Board of the DOUGLAS Group still has twelve members in total after the IPO

Düsseldorf, 22 March 2024 – The DOUGLAS Group, Europe’s number one omnichannel premium beauty destination¹, today announced changes to its Supervisory Board. Following the successful IPO, two new Supervisory Board members, Pamela Knapp and Georgia Garinois-Melenikiotou, have been appointed with effect from March 21, 2024. The two succeed Michael Hinderer and Fritz Schulenburg, who stepped down from the Supervisory Board as planned with the IPO.

Dr Henning Kreke, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of DOUGLAS Group, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Pamela Knapp and Georgia Garinois-Melenikiotou as new members of the DOUGLAS Group's Supervisory Board. Both have many years of experience in leading roles and mandates for well-known international companies and will contribute their expertise to the DOUGLAS Group as a newly listed company. At the same time, on behalf of the Supervisory Board and the Management Board, I would like to thank Michael Hinderer and Fritz Schulenburg for their excellent and dedicated work. We wish them the very best for the future.”

Pamela Knapp is an experienced non-executive board member of different European companies and audit committee chair. Further, she is a commissioner on the Monopolies Commission, an independent expert committee advising the German government on competition policy, law, and regulation. Pamela Knapp is also a member of the board of directors of Dutch Signify N.V., a member of the Supervisory Board of German Lanxess AG and a member of the board of directors of French Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A. Previous stations further include senior leadership roles at Siemens AG and market research company GfK SE.

With many years of experience in the field of leading global consumer goods businesses and beauty brands, Georgia Garinois-Melenikiotou has been a non-executive member of the board of directors of the listed Brazilian cosmetics corporation Natura & Co Holdings S.A. since 2021. Georgia Garinois-Melenikiotou has also been a non-executive board member of the listed U.S. medical technology companies, Pulmonx Corporation and Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. She has also been a member of the MIT Sloan board since 2012 and an advisor to the AI technology and ethics committee at MIT. Previously, she held senior leadership roles for Johnson & Johnson in seven countries and with Estée Lauder Companies in the US.

The Supervisory Board of the DOUGLAS Group continues to have twelve members and now consists of Dr Henning Kreke (Chairman), Ulrike Grabe (Vice-Chairperson), Dr Alexander Dibelius, Dr Daniel Pindur, Can Toygar, Pamela Knapp, Georgia Garinois-Melenikiotou, Peter König, Petra Ringer, Ulrike Gaal, Stefanie Hübner and Vesna Mandalenakes.
 

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¹ Based on the DOUGLAS Group’s position across its five largest countries Germany, France, Italy, The Netherlands, and Poland taken together. Source: OC&C analysis (2023)

About the DOUGLAS Group

The DOUGLAS Group, with its commercial brands DOUGLAS, NOCIBÉ, Parfumdreams and Niche Beauty, is the number one omnichannel premium beauty destination in Europe. The DOUGLAS Group is inspiring customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a unique assortment online and in around 1,850 stores. With unparalleled size and access to customers, the DOUGLAS Group is the partner of choice for brands and offers a premium range of selective and exclusive brands as well as own corporate brands. The assortment includes fragrances, color cosmetics, skin care, hair care, accessories as well as beauty services. Strengthening its successful omnichannel positioning while consistently developing superior customer experience is at the heart of the DOUGLAS Group strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026”. The winning business model is underpinned by the Group’s omnichannel proposition, leading brands, and data capabilities. In the financial year 2022/23, the DOUGLAS Group generated sales (net) of 4.1 billion euros and employed around 18,000 people across Europe.

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DOUGLAS Group significantly increased sales and profitability

• Group sales (net) increased by 8.0% (reported) to around 1.56 billion euros (like-for-like, “lfl”: +7.5%) with continued omnichannel growth: store sales (net) up 6.7%, E-Com sales (net) up 10.7%

• Profitability significantly increased: Adjusted EBITDA increased by 12.6% to 348.3 million euros with a higher adj. EBITDA margin of 22.4% (previous year: 21.5%); net income grew to 125.2 million euros (+10.6%, previous year: 113.2 million euros)

• Free cash flow of 459.4 million euros (previous year: 402.3 million euros)

• Net leverage ratio significantly improved to 4.0x (30 Sep. 2023: 4.7x)

• Sander van der Laan, CEO DOUGLAS Group: “We had a very successful first quarter with strong results in both channels and grow profitably and organically.”

Düsseldorf, 15 February 2024 – The DOUGLAS Group, Europe's leading omnichannel destination for premium beauty, continued its profitable growth trajectory in the first quarter of its financial year 2023/24. Based on unaudited numbers, Group sales (net) increased by 8.0% to around 1.56 billion euros in the important period from October to December 2023 (Q1 2022/23: 1.44 billion euros). Actual Group sales (net) are slightly below the previous communicated +8.3% due to the discontinuation of the Spain restructuring adjustments and minor consolidation effects. Growth was driven by strong results of both channels: Store sales (net) increased by 6.7% (lfl: +6.0%) while E-Com sales (net) grew 10.7% year-on-year (lfl: +10.7%), both thus continuing the positive trend from previous quarters. This also marks the tenth consecutive quarter of Group sales (net) growth. All segments contributed positively to overall growth for both sales and earnings.

“The months from October to December are the most important sales period of the year for us”, said Sander van der Laan, CEO DOUGLAS Group. “The team has pulled off a strong start to our financial year: We are growing both top and bottom line, across all channels and regions compared to the previous year while also significantly improving our profitability. We clearly see our ‘Let it Bloom’ strategy bearing fruit. The results are well in line with our midterm guidance of a compound annual sales (net) growth rate of around 7% and encourage us to press ahead with our strategic initiatives.”

Further increased profitability and net income

Beyond the continued total sales (net) growth, the DOUGLAS Group also further increased its profitability and generated an adj. EBITDA of 348.3 million euros (Q1 2022/23: 309.4 million euros), an improvement of 12.6%. The corresponding adj. EBITDA margin was 22.4%, another step up compared to the 21.5% of the previous year.

Net income in the first quarter improved by 10.6% to 125.2 million euros (Q1 2022/23: 113.2 million euros). Free cash flow increased to 459.4 million euros. In the previous year, this figure amounted to 402.3 million euros, taking into account the money market instruments reported as current other financial assets. Accordingly, the DOUGLAS Group's net leverage ratio as of the reporting date (31 Dec. 2023) significantly improved further to 4.0x (30 Sep. 2023: 4.7x)¹.

Strong E-Commerce momentum

The E-Com business recorded a particularly strong performance with an impressive double-digit sales (net) growth of 10.7%, resulting in the sixth consecutive quarter of E-Com growth. The online pure player segment Parfumdreams/Niche Beauty contributed with a strong increase in sales (net) of 26.0% compared to previous year’s quarter.

Overall E-Com growth in the first quarter, which includes important customer events like Singles’ Day, Beauty (Black) Friday, and Christmas, was driven in particular by a strong performance of the segments DACHNL (+11.6%), CEE (+20.2%), and the online beauty pure players Parfumdreams/Niche Beauty.

In line with the high E-Com demand, the DOUGLAS online shops received more than 20,000 delivery orders per hour across Europe at peak times during Black Friday. Bestsellers in the first quarter included Advent calendars, premium fragrances, and gift sets with fragrance or body care products.

Expansion and refurbishment of store network

As part of the “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026” strategy, the DOUGLAS Group has launched a program to develop and expand its store network until the end of the financial year 2025/26. The DOUGLAS Group plans to open (net) more than 200 stores across Europe and more than 400 stores are set to be upgraded or refurbished. With this strategic initiative, the DOUGLAS Group aims to offer customers an even more appealing and contemporary shopping experience. The first quarter of the current financial year already saw a notable number of net 17 store openings.

Updated sustainability strategy with ambitious goals

The DOUGLAS Group has recently published its Sustainability Report for the financial year 2022/23, following the ambition to also be a leading beauty retailer in sustainability. The report includes an updated, more ambitious sustainability strategy in line with the overarching “Let it Bloom” strategy, thus expanding the previous approach of the 2020/21 financial year. The DOUGLAS Group’s sustainability strategy is based on three focus areas: People, Planet, and Products.

Overview Financial Results

Q1 FY 2023/24	Q1 2022/23	Q1 2023/24	Change (reported)	Change (lfl)
Sales (net)*	€1,440.6m	€1,555.5m	+8.0%	+7.5%
Stores*	€976.7m	€1,041.9m	+6.7%	+6.0%
E-Commerce	€463.9m	€513.6m	+10.7%	+10.7%
E-Commerce % of sales (net)	32.2%	33.0%	+0.8ppt
Segment DACHNL	€638.5m	€688.0m	+7.8%	+7.2%
Segment France	€325.1m	€335.3m	+3.1%	+2.8%
Segment Southern Europe	€222.2m	€234.2m	+5.4%	+5.1%
Segment CEE**	€190.8m	€225.6m	+18.3%	+15.8%
Segment Parfumdreams/Niche Beauty	€50.1m	€63.2m	+26.0%	+26.4%
Adjusted EBITDA	€309.4m	€348.3m	+12.6%
Net Income	€113.2m	€125.2m	+10.6%

* As the restructuring in Spain has been successfully completed, the DOUGLAS Group will cease adjusting sales (net) going forward and inform on a reported basis.

** CEE = Central Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia)

¹ Net financial debt position of €3.063m and LTM EBITDA of €765m.

About the DOUGLAS Group

The DOUGLAS Group, with its commercial brands DOUGLAS, NOCIBÉ, parfumdreams and Niche Beauty, is the number one omnichannel premium beauty destination in Europe. The DOUGLAS Group is inspiring customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a unique assortment online and in around 1,850 stores. With unparalleled size and access to customers, the DOUGLAS Group is the partner of choice for brands and offers a premium range of selective and exclusive brands as well as own corporate brands. The assortment includes fragrances, color cosmetics, skin care, hair care, accessories as well as beauty services. Strengthening its successful omnichannel positioning while consistently developing superior customer experience is at the heart of the DOUGLAS Group strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026”. The winning business model is underpinned by the Group’s omnichannel proposition, leading brands, and data capabilities. In the financial year 2022/23, the DOUGLAS Group generated sales (net) of 4.1 billion euros and employed around 18,000 people across Europe.

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DOUGLAS mourns the loss of Jörn Kreke

Düsseldorf, 9 February, 2024 – Dr Dr h.c. Jörn Kreke, Honorary Chairman of the DOUGLAS Supervisory Board, has passed away on Wednesday at the age of 83. From 1969 to 2001, Jörn Kreke built DOUGLAS from a perfumery into a leading European beauty retailer, laying the foundation for the success story of today's DOUGLAS Group.

With his entrepreneurial vision and passion for retail and people, Jörn Kreke was one of the defining figures in the retail sector and one of Germany's leading business personalities.

“On behalf of the entire Kreke family, I would like to thank everyone for the great sympathy that has reached us in these hours,” said Dr Henning Kreke, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of DOUGLAS. “Working at DOUGLAS, together with the wonderful employees, was not just a job for my father, but a true and personal passion that brought joy to his life every day. The path to success that the company is on today filled him with great pride to the very end.”

“Our thoughts are with the Kreke family, to whom I express my deepest condolences on behalf of the entire company and all employees”, said Sander van der Laan, CEO of the DOUGLAS Group. “Jörn Kreke laid the foundations for the success of DOUGLAS decades ago. For this, he deserves our eternal gratitude. In him, we have lost an outstanding personality, an icon in the retail industry and a very special person.”

“Jörn Kreke has dedicated his life to DOUGLAS and its employees, and his entrepreneurial achievements and life's work will serve as an inspiration to future generations”, said Dr Daniel Pindur, Managing Partner at DOUGLAS’ main shareholder CVC Capital Partners. “He will always be closely associated with the DOUGLAS name and the company's success story.”

Jörn Kreke, born in 1940 in Cologne, began his professional career at Hussel Süßwaren-filialbetrieb AG in 1963 after completing his studies and doctorate in economics and marketing. At the age of 29, he became Chairman of the Management Board in 1969, making him the youngest CEO of a German stock corporation at the time.

Jörn Kreke was the driving force behind the entrance into the perfumery business. Hussel took over DOUGLAS in 1970, paving the way for the growth of the Group: Under his leadership, the very successful development was launched that has made the DOUGLAS Group the leading premium beauty provider in Europe today with more than 1,850 stores, around 18,000 employees and 4.1 billion euros in sales.

After more than three decades as CEO, Jörn Kreke handed over the operational management to his son Henning in 2001 and moved to the Supervisory Board as Chairman. He remained Honorary Chairman after his retirement in 2014.

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is the number one omnichannel premium beauty destination in Europe. The company is inspiring customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a unique assortment online and in around 1,850 stores. With unparalleled size and access to customers, DOUGLAS is the partner of choice for brands and offers a premium range of selective and exclusive brands as well as own corporate brands. The assortment includes fragrances, color cosmetics, skin care, hair care, accessories as well as beauty services. Strengthening its successful omnichannel positioning while consistently developing superior customer experience is at the heart of the company’s strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026”. The winning business model is underpinned by DOUGLAS’ omnichannel proposition, leading brands, and data capabilities. In the financial year 2022/23, DOUGLAS generated sales (net) of 4.1 billion euros and employed around 18,000 people across Europe.

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DOUGLAS updates sustainability strategy with ambitious goals

• DOUGLAS released its updated sustainability strategy and report along the three focus areas People, Planet and Products
• People: DOUGLAS aims to further drive diversity and increase representation, while already 89% of management positions in the DOUGLAS Group are held by women in FY 2022/23 (as of September 30, 2023)
• Planet: DOUGLAS aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% until 2025 in Scope 1 and 2, followed-up by further reduction steps in-line with Science Based Targets
• Products: DOUGLAS aims for 80% of its Corporate Brands to be vegan with fully sustainable packaging by 2030, while 94% of Corporate Brands new launches in FY 2022/23 were already vegan; DOUGLAS also wants to closely cooperate with brand partners on ESG
• Sander van der Laan, CEO DOUGLAS Group: “As Europe’s number one omnichannel premium beauty destination, we also want to be leading in sustainability.”

Düsseldorf, 1 February 2024 – DOUGLAS, Europe’s leading omnichannel destination for premium beauty, has released its Sustainability report of the financial year 2022/23 with reference to the international standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The report includes an updated, more ambitious sustainability strategy expanding the previous approach of the 2020/21 financial year.

Sander van der Laan, CEO DOUGLAS Group and Chairman of the ESG Committee, said: “As Europe’s number one omnichannel premium beauty destination, we have the ambition to also be a leading beauty retailer in sustainability. We have made good progress on our sustainability journey, for instance in reducing our combined Scopes 1 and 2 emissions in the past years. We are committed to our ambitious goals to further reduce our carbon footprint and to promote sustainable practices.”

DOUGLAS’ sustainability strategy forms an integral part of the company’s “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026” strategy, which is focused on accelerating growth through a targeted omnichannel business model and a strict focus on the customer. The ESG strategy is firmly anchored in the first strategy pillar ‘Be the #1 BEAUTY DESTINATION in all our markets’ and is based on three focus areas: People, Planet, and Products. The governance framework of DOUGLAS is the fundament to these central focus areas, with ESG integrated into management remuneration, showcasing the dedication to sustainable practices from top to bottom. The main components are:

• People: DOUGLAS aims to create a workplace that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, and actively drives these by setting clear priorities to increase representation. 89% of management positions in the DOUGLAS Group are held by women, with 97% in stores and 60% in offices (as of September 30, 2023). At the same time, people from 104 nations work for DOUGLAS. In addition, further initiatives were taken to attract, develop, and retain talent, including leadership programs, a new e-learning platform, and a mentoring program.
• Planet: DOUGLAS is committed to reducing its environmental footprint. From minimizing energy consumption in the stores and offices to cutting waste and carbon emissions across the supply chain. DOUGLAS targets to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2025 in Scope 1 and 2 (compared with the baseline financial year 2018/19). The combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions were already reduced in the financial year 2022/23 by 32%, versus the baseline financial year 2018/19. DOUGLAS intends to assess its climate ambitions in accordance with Science-Based Targets (SBTs) then also including a Scope 3 reduction target, and has also signed the UN Global Compact, a United Nations pact to get businesses worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies.
• Products: DOUGLAS is committed for 80% of its Corporate Brands to be vegan by 2030 and for 100% of their packaging to be recyclable, recycled, or reusable. DOUGLAS has already made significant progress towards these goals, with 94% of Corporate Brands new launches in the financial year 2022/23 being vegan, and nearly 30% of the DOUGLAS’s  Corporate Brands new launches in financial year 2022/23 contained at least 90% ingredients from a natural origin as of September 30, 2023. In addition, DOUGLAS has achieved a central milestone by joining the EcoBeautyScore Consortium, an initiative of the cosmetics industry consisting of manufacturers, retailers, and associations, to enable consumers to make more informed and sustainable choices. Moreover, DOUGLAS wants to closely cooperate with its brand partners on ESG and plans to use its marketing reach for raising the visibility of sustainability in the customer journey.

The full Sustainability Report is available on the DOUGLAS website.

* Scopes 1 and 2 emissions are layers of greenhouse gas emissions according to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is the number one omnichannel premium beauty destination in Europe. The company is inspiring customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a unique assortment online and in around 1,850 stores. With unparalleled size and access to customers, DOUGLAS is the partner of choice for brands and offers a premium range of selective and exclusive brands as well as own corporate brands. The assortment includes fragrances, color cosmetics, skin care, hair care, accessories as well as beauty services. Strengthening its successful omnichannel positioning while consistently developing superior customer experience is at the heart of the company’s strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026”. The winning business model is underpinned by DOUGLAS’ omnichannel proposition, leading brands, and data capabilities. In the financial year 2022/23, DOUGLAS generated sales (net) of 4.1 billion euros and employed around 18,000 people across Europe. 

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DOUGLAS with strong first quarter 2023/24 - growth strategy on track

• Group sales (net) based on preliminary figures increased October - December 2023 by 8.3% to around 1.56 billion euros (lfl: +7.5%) vs. previous year’s quarter
• Continuation of omnichannel success with strong sales in both channels: store sales (net) were up by 7.1%, E-Com sales (net) increased by 10.7% (preliminary figures)
• Mid-term ambition to grow group sales (net) at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 7% and an adjusted EBITDA margin of around 18.5% with typical fluctuations year-over-year
• Sander van der Laan, CEO DOUGLAS Group: “We are very happy with our first quarter results and are on track to achieve our growth targets.”

Düsseldorf, 15 January 2024 – DOUGLAS, Europe's leading omnichannel destination for premium beauty, continued its successful growth trajectory in the first quarter of its financial year 2023/24. Based on preliminary figures, group sales (net) increased by 8.3% to around 1.56 billion euros in the period from October to December 2023 (Q1 2022/23: 1.44 billion euros). This positive start to the financial year was due to the good results of both channels: store sales (net) recorded an increase of 7.1% (lfl: +6.0%), while the E-Com business grew by 10.7% year-on-year (lfl: +10.7%). This once again demonstrates the advantage of DOUGLAS’ omnichannel positioning and its ‘Let it Bloom’ strategy.

Sander van der Laan, CEO DOUGLAS Group, said: "I would like to thank all colleagues in the stores and behind our web-shops for their great job during this important quarter. Regardless the difficult economic circumstances, our customers are attracted by our comprehensive beauty offering and appreciate the broad omnichannel range of brands. Our peak season has been proven to be very successful. We are on track to achieve our ambition of 5 billion euros net sales in 2026."

The positive development in the first quarter of 2023/24 proves that DOUGLAS is on the right track. In the mid-term, DOUGLAS has the ambition to grow group sales (net) at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 7%. The company also aims to further achieve an adjusted EBITDA margin of around 18.5% with typical fluctuations year-over-year. Further information on the medium-term targets will be provided on the DOUGLAS’ Investor Relations homepage in due course.

The full quarterly results for Q1 2023/24 will be published on 22 February 2024.

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is the number one omnichannel premium beauty destination in Europe. The company is inspiring customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a unique assortment online and in around 1,850 stores. With unparalleled size and access to customers, DOUGLAS is the partner of choice for brands and offers a premium range of selective and exclusive brands as well as own corporate brands. The assortment includes fragrances, color cosmetics, skin care, hair care, accessories as well as beauty services. Strengthening its successful omnichannel positioning while consistently developing superior customer experience is at the heart of the company’s strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026”. The winning business model is underpinned by DOUGLAS’ omnichannel proposition, leading brands, and data capabilities. In the financial year 2022/23, DOUGLAS generated sales of 4.1 billion euros and employed around 18,000 people across Europe.

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DOUGLAS with record sales and earnings

• Full year 2022/23 performance (October 2022 to September 2023):
  • Group adjusted sales (net) up 12.1% to 4.1 billion euros (like-for-like, “lfl”: +13.4%)
  • Double-digit omnichannel growth: store adj. sales (net) grew 13.0% (lfl: 15.5%), ECommerce up 10.3% (lfl: 9.2%)
  • Adj. EBITDA up 22.3% to 725.9 million euros; positive net income at 16.7 million euros (previous year: -313.8 million euros)
  • Cash amounted to 262.3 million euros (previous year: 245.3 million euros)
• Q4 performance (July to September 2023)
  • Group adjusted sales (net) up 9.1% to 883.0 million euros (lfl: 9.4%)
  • 9.6% store adj. sales (net) growth (lfl: 8.6%), E-Commerce 7.9% (lfl: 12.0%)
  • Adj. EBITDA up 25.0% to 136.7 million euros, with a significantly improved adj. EBITDA margin of 15.5% (previous year: 13.5%)
  • Free Cash Flow of 121.7 million euros
• Sander van der Laan, DOUGLAS Group CEO: “Our financial performance proves the strength of our well-positioned omnichannel business model and unique customer proposition.”
• Good start into the financial year 2023/24 with robust pre-Christmas sales period

Düsseldorf, 20 December 2023 – DOUGLAS, Europe’s number one omnichannel premium beauty destination, completed its financial year 2022/23 with record results: with adj. sales (net) of 4.1 billion euros (FY 2021/22: 3.65 billion euros) between October 2022 and September 2023, DOUGLAS surpassed the threshold of 4 billion euros in sales (net) for the first time and grew by 12.1% compared to the previous financial year.

The Group cemented its omnichannel focus as both stores (+13.0%) and E-Commerce (+10.3%) contributed double-digit to this performance. At the same time, DOUGLAS achieved a Group adj. EBITDA of 725.9 million euros (FY 2021/22: 593.4 million euros), up 22.3% year-on-year and corresponding to an adj. EBITDA margin of 17.7%. For the first time since the outbreak of the COVID pandemic, DOUGLAS reported a net profit as the net income significantly improved to 16.7 million euros from -313.8 million euros in the previous year. Free Cash Flow (FCF) increased to 480.6 million euros (FY 2021/22: 366.6 million euros).

“Our strong financial performance proves the strength of our well-positioned omnichannel business model and unique customer proposition", said DOUGLAS Group CEO Sander van der Laan. “We will continue to build on this success by consistently implementing our ‘Let it Bloom’ strategy with various initiatives already started this year. DOUGLAS is well on track to maintain its growth trajectory and achieve the Group sales target of 5 billion euros by 2026.”

Q4: Adj. sales (net) growth for nine consecutive quarters

DOUGLAS also closed the financial year with another successful quarter and grew adj. sales (net) from July to September by 9.1% to 883.0 million euros (Q4 2021/22: 809.7 million euros). The growth stems from good results across both channels: Store adj. sales (net) grew 9.6% (lfl: +8.6%) and E-Commerce sales were up 7.9% year-on-year (lfl: +12.0%), once again demonstrating the resilient omnichannel model. Total growth in the fourth quarter – which corresponds to an adj. sales (net) growth for nine consecutive quarters – was driven by positive results across all segments, with DACHNL (+9.2%) and CEE (+18.8%) developing particularly well.

From July to September, DOUGLAS achieved a Group adj. EBITDA of 136.7 million euros (Q4 2021/22: 109.4 million euros). This corresponds to an adj. EBITDA margin of 15.5% which is ahead of the previous financial year’s margin of 13.5%. Fourth quarter net income improved by 203.0 million euros to -28.2 million euros (Q4 2021/22: -231.2 million euros). Cash as of 30 September stood at 262.3 million euros (30.09.22: 245.3 million euros). As a result of the positive cash development and the strong increase in adj. EBITDA, DOUGLAS’ net leverage ratio improved further to 4.7 as of the reporting date.

DOUGLAS sets course for future growth

As DOUGLAS continues implementing its strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026” to set the course for long-term future growth, the Group has made landmark decisions and achieved new milestones in the four key strategic pillars #1 Beauty Destination, Range of Brands, Omnichannel Experience and Efficient Operating Model. Business development is expected to be driven by several initiatives and fields of action, including:

1. Store Network Expansion: DOUGLAS continues to develop its store network and is ramping up its pace and activities in Central Eastern Europe, a key growth region for the Group. In the financial year 2022/23, DOUGLAS opened 39 new stores, 26 of them in CEE. These include, among others, new locations in Poland, Estonia and  Romania, while the first stores have been opened in the two new countries Belgium and Slovenia. At the same time, 76 stores have been modernized.
2. E-Com Business Boost: DOUGLAS’ omnichannel model proves a key differentiating factor, with E-Com as a continuous growth driver. The good performance of the DOUGLAS online stores as well as the E-Com focused segment Parfumdreams / Niche Beauty demonstrates sustained customer demand for a compelling online offering and digital customer journey.
3. ESG Commitments: DOUGLAS has updated its ambition to be a leading premium beauty retailer in sustainability. As part of its new ESG strategy, it has defined three focus areas: People, Planet and Product. For each area, DOUGLAS has set clear goals focusing on specific topics such as climate protection, energy and waste. The Group will share more details on its ESG strategy within the Sustainability Report 2024 set to be published in the first quarter 2024.

Good start to financial year 2023/24

DOUGLAS started well into the new financial year 2023/24. The important pre-Christmas sales period with the retail highlights “Singles’ Day” and “Beauty Friday” / “Black Week” proved to be satisfactory both online and in the stationary business. In October 2023, DOUGLAS decided to pay the interests for its PIK notes in cash as a result of the continued positive liquidity development of the Group.

OVERVIEW FINANCIAL RESULTS*

Q4 FY 2022/23	Q4 2021/22	Q4 2022/23	Change (reported)	Change (lfl)
Adjusted sales (net)**	€809.7m	€883.0m	9.1%	9.4%
Stores	€560.0m	€613.6m	9.6%	8.6%
E-Commerce	€248.2m	€267.8m	7.9%	12.0%
E-Commerce % of sales (net)	30.7%	30.3%	-0.4ppt
Segment DACHNL	€375.8m	€410.4m	9.2%	8.3%
Segment France	€152.4m	€161.0m	5.7%	5.9%
Segment Southern Europe	€123.7m	€130.1m	5.2%	4.2%
Segment CEE***	€107.3m	€127.5m	18.8%	16.1%
Segment Parfumdreams/Niche Beauty	€29.3m	€40.1m	36.9%	37.1%
Adjusted EBITDA	€109.4m	€136.7m	25.0%
Liquidity (30 September)	€245.3m	€262.3m	6.9%
Net Income	-€231.2m	-€28.2m	87.8%

FY 2022/23	FY 2021/22	FY 2022/23	Change (reported)	Change (lfl)
Adjusted sales (net)**	€3,649.9m	€4,091.0m	12.1%	13.4%
Stores	€2,450.3m	€2,769.0	13.0%	15.5%
E-Commerce	€1,199.1m	€1,322.4m	10.3%	9.2%
E-Commerce % of sales (net)	32.9%	32.3%	-0.6ppt
Segment DACHNL	€1,638.8m	€1,871.9m	14.2%	14.6%
Segment France	€781.2m	€813.5m	4.1%	5.4%
Segment Southern Europe	€588.4m	€622.7m	5.8%	13.5%
Segment CEE***	€442.0m	€556.4m	25.9%	21.0%
Segment Parfumdreams/Niche Beauty	€146.8m	€171.6m	16.9%	17.3%
Adjusted EBITDA	€593.4m	€725.9m	22.3%
Liquidity (30 September)	€245.3m	€262.3m	6.9%
Net Income	-€313.8m	€16.7m	Pos.

* Financial reporting in accordance with IFRS 16. All comparative figures have been adjusted accordingly.
** Adjusted for sales (net) of closure stores in Spain.
*** CEE = Central Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia)

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is the number one omnichannel premium beauty destination in Europe. The company is inspiring customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a unique assortment online and in around 1,850 stores. With unparalleled size and access to customers, DOUGLAS is the partner of choice for brands and offers a selected range of selective and exclusive brands as well as own corporate brands. The assortment includes fragrances, make-up, skin care, hair care, accessories as well as beauty services. Strengthening its successful omnichannel positioning while consistently developing superior customer experience is at the heart of the company’s strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026”. The winning business model is underpinned by DOUGLAS’ omnichannel proposition, leading brands, and data capabilities. In the fiscal year 2022/23, DOUGLAS generated sales of 4.1 billion euros and employed around 18,000 people across Europe.

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Stefanie von Albert to become new EVP Group Assortment & Purchasing of DOUGLAS

Düsseldorf, 14 December 2023 – DOUGLAS, Europe’s number one omnichannel premium beauty destination, is taking the next steps in building its management team for future growth. Stefanie von Albert will assume the position of the Executive Vice President (EVP) Assortment & Purchasing of the Group as of 1 April 2024.

In her role, she will be responsible for the group-wide assortment and purchasing strategy. This includes the development of the core beauty categories, the partner program categories and the relationships with brand partners.  Stefanie von Albert will report to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sander van der Laan.

“Offering the most relevant and distinctive range of brands is one of the key pillars of our omnichannel strategy ‘Let it Bloom’”, said Sander van der Laan. “Assortment & Purchasing plays a decisive role in the successful execution of our strategy. Thus, we are very happy to get Stefanie on board. She brings a wealth of experience and possesses an extensive knowledge of the premium beauty industry including the development of categories and brands in an omnichannel environment.”

Stefanie von Albert has been in the beauty industry for more than 20 years, the majority of which has been with L'Oréal. She most recently had the role of General Manager ECommerce of L'Oréal France. Beforehand, she was General Manager Europe for the brands Kiehl’s and Urban Decay within the L'Oréal Luxe division. Prior to that she was General Manager EMEA Travel Retail and Marketing Director Europe Armani Beauty.

48 years old Stefanie von Albert is of German nationality and spent most of her business life in France. Apart from her professional core tasks, she is a certified business coach, a member of “Generation CEO” - a network of female leaders in business – and a strategic start-up consultant.

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination. We inspire customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a unique assortment in online stores, via a partner program and in around 1,840 stores. Strengthening our successful omnichannel positioning while consistently developing the customer experience is at the heart of our strategy. In its fiscal year 2021/22, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.65 billion euros with a focus on fragrances, make-up, skin care, hair care, health care and accessories.

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Nicolas Debray to become new CEO of NOCIBÉ

Düsseldorf / Lille, 16.11.2023 – As of November 20, Nicolas Debray will become the new CEO of the French beauty retailer NOCIBÉ, a subsidiary of Europe’s leading omnichannel premium beauty destination DOUGLAS Group. Nicolas Debray started his career in the beauty industry in France at L’Oréal Luxe more than 25 years ago and since then worked in different management positions for premium beauty brands and in beauty retail.

“With Nicolas Debray, NOCIBÉ gets a CEO with a long-lasting expertise in the beauty business and a general manager with experience in omnichannel retail, the marketing of premium beauty as well as strategic brand positioning”, said Sander van der Laan, CEO DOUGLAS Group. “Thus, we found the perfect person for the demanding French market. I wish Nicolas Debray and the whole NOCIBÉ team all the best for the future of this great company and outstanding brand, I am sure that they will continue the successful path.”

Nicolas Debray most recently held the position as President Americas of The Body Shop, the beauty retail subsidiary of the Brazilian group Natura & Co. In this role, the 46-year old French national was responsible for implementing an omnichannel retail model in Northern and Latin America and for strengthening the brand positioning of The Body Shop including a strong sustainability track record. Beforehand, Nicolas Debray spent more than 20 years at French L’Oréal Group and was responsible, among other things, as Country Manager L’Oreal Luxe in Korea and Thailand as well as New Brands General Manager for the Chinese Market, where he led the expansion of top brands such as Kiehl’s, Biotherm and Helena Rubinstein. In the first phase of his career, Nicolas Debray worked as National Sales Manager, Marketing Manager and as Finance Controller at L’Oreal Luxe in Paris.

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination. We inspire customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a unique assortment in online stores, via a partner program and in around 1,840 stores. Strengthening our successful omnichannel positioning while consistently developing the customer experience is at the heart of our strategy. In its fiscal year 2021/22, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.65 billion euros with a focus on fragrances, make-up, skin care, hair care, health care and accessories.

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