PRESS RELEASES

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.
 

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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Photo Pamela Knapp

 

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Photo Georgia Garinois-Melenikiotou

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

* 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*

* 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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DOUGLAS launches Christmas quarterly campaign „Feel Beautiful Feelings“

Anke Menkhorst, Senior Vice President DOUGLAS Group Marketing: „This year, we are bundling our three most important sales events - Singles Day, Beauty Friday and Christmas - in a 360-degree campaign. Because at DOUGLAS, we always want to interpret beauty in a new and more comprehensive way. Our feelings are an important part of our well-being and should be visible - that's what we want to encourage our customers to do with our campaign.“

• For the first time, the campaign for the current Christmas quarter combines the three key pre-Christmas sales occasions of Singles Day (November 11th), Beauty Friday (November 24th) and Christmas under the slogan "Feel Beautiful Feelings".
• In cooperation with the creative agency Jung von Matt, DOUGLAS has developed a concept that creates consistent brand communication across all occasions. With the campaign, Europe's leading premium beauty destination aims to appeal to its broad target group.
• Three new TV commercials: DOUGLAS has created three different TV commercials under the overarching campaign umbrella. The three feelings "Feel yourself," "Feel lucky" and "Feel the magic" are assigned to the respective event. In addition to the TV spots, the Christmas campaign is supported by a large-scale 360° campaign to reach customers at different touchpoints - including DOUGLAS stores.
• Singles Day kicks things off and is dedicated to self-love: on this day, DOUGLAS celebrates its customers and their individuality.
• Beauty Friday, as the most exciting shopping event of the year ("Black Friday") has been renamed by DOUGLAS, invites to indulge your passion for beauty products and enjoy deals and offers.
• Christmas celebrates togetherness, the magic of giving and bringing joy.
• The director of the TV commercials is Katia Wik. The Berlin-based photographer, known for her focus on fashion and beauty themes, was also responsible for the campaign photos.

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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DOUGLAS supplying Germany, Austria and Switzerland from omnichannel centre in Hamm

• State-of-the-art logistics centre for the entire three-country region
• Threefold warehousing capacity and improved service for customers and suppliers
• Products shipping to end customers and around 400 stores plus returns management
• DOUGLAS Group CEO Sander van der Laan: “This is a great milestone in our omnichannel strategy: This logistics centre will enable us to improve both our service and delivery times.”

Düsseldorf/Hamm, 1 September 2023 – DOUGLAS, Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination, is setting new standards in omnichannel logistics in cooperation with the supply-chain and E-Commerce service provider Arvato: Following a successful ramp-up phase, all of the around 400 DOUGLAS stores in Germany, Austria and Switzerland are now being supplied and all online orders are now being processed from the new state-of-the-art logistics centre located in the north western German city of Hamm. The Group’s cross-channel returns management for the three-country region is also being performed by the new centre. With the help of a design concept that employs high-performance automation technology and cloud-based IT solutions, the centre efficiently combines the various sales channels and country orders of DOUGLAS. The new omnichannel logistics centre will also serve as a blueprint for the Group’s future supply-chain organization and other locations as part of the strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026”.

“Our cutting-edge logistics centre in Hamm is a great milestone in our omnichannel strategy. It will enable us to integrate our retail business and online shop in Germany, Austria and Switzerland even more closely,” said Sander van der Laan, CEO of DOUGLAS Group. “This will pay off in particular for our customers and suppliers as the Hamm centre will enable us to improve both our service and delivery times.”

Operating at its full utilization rate, the new centre can ship up to 114,000 packages daily to customers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland; the capacity can also be increased by up to 50 percent in all areas. In addition to state-of-the-art technology, fast delivery in the three-country region is further made possible by the very central location in the eastern section of Germany’s Ruhr region and direct access to a number of motorways. The new distribution centre, which comes equipped with advanced automation technology, is a lighthouse project for DOUGLAS and Arvato, and represents the next step in the two company’s long-time partnership. The logistics centre in Hamm built on a site measuring 38,000 square metres will also create up to 400 jobs.

The new centre has enabled DOUGLAS to triple its warehouse capacities – a deliberate and logical step in light of the very dynamic growth the company has generated in recent years. “We have carried out a future-focused concept in Hamm that will optimally support not only growth, but also the strategy of DOUGLAS,” said Julia Börs, President Consumer Products at Arvato, highlighting the importance of the project.

Earlier this year, DOUGLAS introduced its new strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026” which focuses on four key pillars: #1 Beauty Destination, Range of Brands, Omnichannel Experience and Efficient Operating Model, all based on the DOUGLAS culture as a strong foundation. DOUGLAS is planning additional omnichannel centres across Europe as part of the strategy; the Group just recently announced plans for a new central logistics centre in Madrid, Spain.

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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Chief Assortment and Purchasing Officer Isabell Hendrichs to leave the DOUGLAS Group

Düsseldorf, 25 August 2023 – Isabell Hendrichs, Chief Assortment and Purchasing Officer of the DOUGLAS Group, is going to leave the company upon mutual agreement. As of September 1^st and until further notice, CEO Sander van der Laan will take the lead for the Group’s assortment and purchasing activities.

“I would like to sincerely thank Isabell Hendrichs for her outstanding contribution in the past years”, van der Laan said. “I wish her all the best for her future path.”

“We’re in an intensive international search for the position of the Chief Assortment and Purchasing Officer”, van der Laan said. “As our assortment is at the absolute core of our customer proposition and future success, we are very thoroughly looking for the right profile and expertise for this position.”   

Isabell Hendrichs started at DOUGLAS in 2019 as Executive Vice President and became Chief Assortment and Purchasing Officer with the beginning of October 2021. In parallel  she was Managing Director of the DOUGLAS International Purchasing entity and responsible for the operational purchasing in DACH. Under her leadership, the assortment of DOUGLAS has been significantly  transformed by expanding and upgrading it internationally with a focus on premium and luxury. Isabell Hendrichs also remarkably strengthened the attractiveness of the DOUGLAS offer by various exclusive and celebrity brands and held excellent relationships with the DOUGLAS suppliers. The DOUGLAS Group thanks her for her commitment and excellent results for the company.

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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DOUGLAS continues sales and profit growth in third quarter

• Group adjusted sales (net) up 9.7% to 910.4 million euros (like-for-like, “lfl”: +10.0%)
• Continuation of omnichannel success: strong sales contribution from stores with +12.1% (lfl: +10.7%) and E-Commerce with +5.2% (lfl: +8.5%)
• Group operating profit (adj. EBITDA) improved year-on-year to 154.3 million euros (+11.9%)
• Positive net income in the first nine months of 44.9 (-82.5) million euros
• Sander van der Laan, CEO of DOUGLAS Group: “DOUGLAS further grows amid tough macroeconomics, showcasing resilience and improved profitability in Q3.”
• Continuous enhancement of omnichannel model through multi-format portfolio, development of a group wide supply chain and optimization of E-Commerce set-up

Düsseldorf, 24 August 2023 – DOUGLAS, Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination, continued its growth path and increased sales and profits also in the third quarter (April – June) of the fiscal year 2022/23. Both stores and E-Commerce contributed to the Group’s growth, underpinning DOUGLAS’ omnichannel focus.

DOUGLAS grew adj. sales (net) from April to June by 9.7% to 910.4 (829.7) million euros. Store adj. sales (net) grew by 12.1% (lfl: +10.7%), with E-Commerce sales (net) also up 5.2% year-on-year (lfl: +8.5%). The digital business, which accounted for 31.9% of total Group sales, recorded continued sales growth in the core beauty area. Total growth from April to June 2023 was driven by all segments. The segments Southern Europe (+13.7%) and Central Eastern Europe (+16.9%) showed the strongest growth rates.

“Our third quarter results underline once again DOUGLAS’ resilience and strong market position, especially as we entered a phase of a slowing down inflation and a steadily improving product availability”, said Sander van der Laan. “Even though uncertainties for our customers persist, we have been able to grow across all segments, channels and categories and to improve profitability at the same time.”

Strengthened profitability and liquidity position

In the third quarter, DOUGLAS achieved a Group adj. EBITDA of 154.3 (137.9) million euros. This corresponds to an adj. EBITDA margin of 16.9% which is ahead of the previous year’s margin of 16.6%.

Third quarter net income improved by 25.3 million euros or nearly 50% to -26.1 (-51.4) million euros. In line with the usual seasonal fluctuations, net liquidity stood at 239.4 (270.8) million euros.

Nine months performance very strong

For the full first nine months of the fiscal year, DOUGLAS achieved adj. sales (net) of 3,208 (2,840) million euros and a Group adj. EBITDA of 589.2 (490.8) million euros, corresponding to an adj. EBITDA margin of 18.4% (17.3%). Net income after nine months stood at 44.9 million euros, a positive swing of more than 120 million euros compared to the previous year.

Implementation of “Let it Bloom” strategy well on track

Earlier this year, DOUGLAS introduced its new strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026” which focuses on four key pillars: #1 Beauty Destination, Range of Brands, Omnichannel Experience and Efficient Operating Model, all based on the DOUGLAS culture as a strong foundation. The Group is making good progress in implementing the strategy and translating the key objectives into specific measures and initiatives. Three groundbreaking decisions were made recently:

1. Multi-format portfolio: DOUGLAS will translate its omnichannel strategy into a simplified multi-format portfolio strategy containing three formats: “Premium” and “Luxury” Stores as well as its online shop. The stationary formats will range between 100 and 800m² in size and have been updated to create a more consistent brand appearance and increased capital efficiency.
2. Establishing one group wide E-Commerce platform: DOUGLAS aims to roll out its ECommerce platform across Europe in the upcoming years. The aim is to achieve a greater range of functions, an increase in the quality level and cost efficiency by switching to a common platform. Important milestones in the process have already been reached with Spain recently converted to the new platform and France currently in implementation.
3. Development of a group wide supply chain function: DOUGLAS is building a focused and efficient operating model with a group wide supply chain approach based on standardization, simplicity and scalability. Therefore Oliver Kraftsik has assumed the position of the Group’s SVP Supply Chain as of 14 August, 2023. He has gained extensive experience in building and leading supply chain organizations across multiple countries and industries.

In addition, DOUGLAS continues to expand its footprint in Europe with today’s opening of its first store in Belgium, located in the Wijnegem shopping center near Antwerp. This step marks DOUGLAS’ stationary debut in the country following the online shop in 2021.

OVERVIEW FINANCIAL RESULTS*

* Financial reporting in accordance with IFRS 16. All comparative figures have been adjusted accordingly.
** Adjusted for sales (net) of closure stores in Spain.

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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DOUGLAS expands European store network with first store in Belgium

• First Belgium DOUGLAS store to open in Wijnegem near Antwerp
• Premium store with extensive beauty assortment on more than 450m²
• DOUGLAS Group CEO Sander van der Laan: “We aim for a full omnichannel offering in the country – with stores and an online shop”
• Opening weekend August 24-26 with special promotion event and brand stages

Duesseldorf / Wijnegem, 23.08.2023. DOUGLAS, Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination, continues to expand its footprint on the continent by opening its first store in Belgium. Located in the Wijnegem shopping center, chosen for its prime location near Antwerp, the new DOUGLAS store will open its doors to the public on 24 August, 2023. DOUGLAS has declared the targeted development of its store network an integral part of the company’s strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026”.

“The first opening in Belgium underlines our strong commitment to invest in our stores and to strengthen the omnichannel offering across all of our markets”, said DOUGLAS Group CEO Sander van der Laan. With this step, Belgian customers now have access to both channels – a store as well as the Belgium DOUGLAS online shop www.douglas.be, which was launched in summer 2021.

“We are thrilled to finally welcome our customers to our first DOUGLAS store in Belgium,” said Willem Duthler, CEO  DOUGLAS Belgium & Netherlands. “In this premium store, we offer an unparalleled beauty assortment as well as best-in-class expertise by our beauty advisors.”

The Wijnegem shopping center is characterized for its high foot traffic, excellent accessibility and for catering to a diverse customer base. With more than 250 stores, the mall provides an ideal setting for DOUGLAS to showcase its exclusive range of brands and services.

On a sales area of more than 450 square meters, customers can look forward to an extensive beauty assortment that combines classic brands with exclusives and the latest DOUGLAS corporate brands, while beauty enthusiasts will find a wide range of premium products.

To celebrate the grand opening weekend from 24 to 26 August, DOUGLAS has planned a series of exciting promotions. Customers who visit the store during this period will receive special treats such as goodie bags, make-up touch-ups or skincare advice, and can try a broad variety of fragrances in-store. DOUGLAS Beauty experts will also offer individual and professional beauty advice. In addition, exclusive brands will be showcasing their products on dedicated brand stages throughout the mall itself, and visitors can win shopping vouchers and other attractive prizes.

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination. We inspire customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering an unparalleled 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 in perfume, decorative cosmetic, skin and hair care nutritional supplements, health care and accessories.

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New SVP to lead DOUGLAS Group Marketing

• Anke Menkhorst becomes SVP Group Marketing; direct reporting line to Group CCO Philipp Andrée
• Has more than 20 years of experience in beauty and marketing
• Optimization of the organization for more growth and customer orientation as well as creating a strong omnichannel brand

Düsseldorf, 20.06.2023. DOUGLAS, Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination, is expanding its top management: As of 1 June, international marketing expert Anke Menkhorst took over the responsibility as SVP for DOUGLAS Group Marketing. As part of the recently introduced CCO organization, Anke Menkhorst reports to DOUGLAS Group Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Philipp Andrée. In her new role she will focus on the key areas brand strategy and campaigns, store format design, social commerce, content production and brand activation, in order to further strengthen DOUGLAS as an omnichannel brand.

Anke Menkhorst brings a lot of experience in beauty, marketing and as regional CEO. She has worked in the beauty industry for the Japanese cosmetics group Kao for more than 16 years and over 11 years in marketing. Furthermore, she has worked nine years as General Manager and Managing Director for various European national subsidiaries of Kao. For the last six years, she served as CEO of ESL Language Education and built the company into Europe's leading language education agency.

"With Anke Menkhorst, we were able to win a very experienced and successful leader with many years of Beauty and Marketing experience and an international background as regional CEO of European country organizations," said DOUGLAS Group CCO Philipp Andrée. “She is the ideal person to further strengthen the DOUGLAS brand as Europe's leading beauty destination and to ensure a brand experience that is visible and consistent at all customer touchpoints across our countries.”

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination. We inspire customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering an unparalleled 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 in perfume, decorative cosmetic, skin and hair care nutritional supplements, health care and accessories.

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DOUGLAS continues strong growth and profitability improvements in second quarter 2022/23

• Group net sales up 19.3% to 858.5 million euros (like-for-like, “lfl”: +19.9%)
• Thriving omnichannel business: double-digit sales contribution from both stores with +19.5% (lfl: +24.5%) and E-Commerce with +20.0% (lfl: +12.1%)
• Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) up 32.9% year-on-year to 126.9 million euros
• Net income improved by 45.3% to -55.6 million euros
• Improved free cash flow of 237.8 million euros in first six months
• Sander van der Laan, CEO of DOUGLAS Group: “With these results we continue our positive trend and underline once again that our omnichannel model is the right focus for us.”

Düsseldorf, 30 May 2023 – DOUGLAS, Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination, achieved strong sales growth and increased its profitability in the second quarter of the fiscal year 2022/23. Despite a continued challenging macroeconomic environment, both stores and E-Commerce contributed double-digit sales increases, underpinning DOUGLAS’ omnichannel focus as part of its strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026”.

For the first half of the fiscal year, the company reported net sales of 2,297.5 million euros and an adjusted EBITDA of 435.0 million euros, both significantly higher than in the first half of the previous fiscal year 2021/2022.

Sander van der Laan, CEO of DOUGLAS Group, said: “As we look back on another successful quarter, it clearly shows that even in the current challenging environment of inflation and supply chain disruption, DOUGLAS’ business model proves to be resilient and well-positioned for the future. Not only do these results continue our positive trend, but our omnichannel model has also once again proven to be the right focus for us. With our new strategy ‘Let it Bloom’, we will take these strengths and build on them to further elevate our business.”

Strong sales growth across all channels

DOUGLAS significantly increased sales from January to March 2023 by 19.3% to 858.5 million euros, therefore growing its business for the eighth consecutive quarter. The company continued to attract customers with its unique omnichannel offering, wide product range and unrivalled beauty expertise. Alongside an increasing demand for expert advice and personal shopping, store sales grew by 19.5% (lfl: +24.5%), while E-Commerce sales also went up by 20.0% year-on-year (lfl: +12.1%). The E-Commerce business remained strong and accounted for more than one third of total Group sales. Online sales are particularly fueled by the DOUGLAS app which recorded significant growth of 27% in the second quarter and a strong uplift in both orders and monthly active users.

Growth from January to March 2023 was driven by positive developments across all categories and segments. The segments DACHNL (lfl: +23.1%) and Eastern Europe (lfl: +27.6%) showed the strongest growth rates compared to the prior-year quarter.

Improved profitability, strong liquidity position

DOUGLAS achieved a Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of 126.9 million euros in the second quarter, a 32.9% improvement year-on-year. At the same time, the corresponding adjusted EBITDA margin rose by 1.5 percentage points to 14.8%. Improved profitability was driven by a higher gross margin and ongoing cost discipline.

Higher interest rates due to rate hikes by the European Central Bank led to increased financial expenses. Further potential rate increases are hedged. Nevertheless, DOUGLAS improved the second quarter net income by 45.3% to -55.6 million euros. On a half-year basis, net profit amounted to +71.0 million euros compared to -31.1 million euros in the prior-year period. In line with the usual seasonal swings, net liquidity was at 238.2 million euros.

New strategy includes targeted investments in store network

As part of the recently introduced strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026”, DOUGLAS also strengthens its store network by increasing its investments which includes entering new markets: Since the beginning of this year, DOUGLAS has opened three stores in Ljubljana which marks the first step into the stationary business in Slovenia. The first store opening in Belgium is planned for the second half of 2023. In addition, further DOUGLAS stores opened in Portugal and Germany, with a Flagship Store in Düsseldorf specifically designed to attract a younger audience.

OVERVIEW FINANCIAL RESULTS*

* Financial reporting in accordance with IFRS 16. All comparative figures have been adjusted accordingly.
** Adjusted for Net Sales of closure stores in Spain.

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination. We inspire customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering an unparalleled 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 in perfume, decorative cosmetic, skin and hair care, nutritional supplements, health care and accessories.

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DOUGLAS combines all omnichannel functions under one organizational roof - Philipp Andrée appointed CCO

• Marketing, CRM, E-Commerce, retail media and technology under one organizational roof with full focus on customers, omnichannel and company growth
• Role of CDO Philipp Andrée will be extended to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)
• DOUGLAS Group CEO Sander van der Laan: "With this structure, we enable a holistic brand experience and seamless omnichannel processes for our customers."

Düsseldorf, 04.05.2023 - As part of the "Let it Bloom - DOUGLAS 2026" strategy, Europe's leading omnichannel beauty destination is optimizing its organization for more growth and customer orientation: the functions marketing, customer relationship management (CRM), E-Commerce, retail media and the entire IT will be bundled under the leadership of CDO Philipp Andrée, whose current position will be expanded to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). The main aim  is to form an effective organization that displays the holistic omnichannel brand experience for customers.

"For us, omnichannel means always to be present and accessible for our customers on all sales and communications channels," said van der Laan. "In this sense, we are closely connecting all relevant functions, reduce complexity and significantly accelerate important decision-making processes. With his broad expertise and experience in marketing and branding, omnichannel retail as well as digital transformation, Philipp Andrée is the ideal candidate for this task. In the future, he will be responsible not only for E-Commerce, but for the entire marketing and brand experience, the whole customer journey and all technological developments."

Due to the change of the operational structure and the associated elimination of the CMO position in the Executive Committee, Group CMO Caroline Schmitt decided to leave the company after 5 years, effective May 15. Caroline Schmitt took over the role as CMO of the DOUGLAS Group in January 2022 and successfully strengthened DOUGLAS leading position as an omnichannel retailer in a highly competitive market. In her previous position as SVP Marketing, E-Commerce and CRM of the DACH region, she played a major role in the transformation of the DOUGLAS brand by successfully developing all areas of the brand and customer experience. Caroline Schmitt was an integral part of implementing DOUGLAS’ brand strategy “#FORWARDBEAUTY.DigitalFirst”.

"I would like to thank Caroline Schmitt for her dedication, commitment and outstanding performance and contribution to DOUGLAS’ successful development and wish her all the best for her professional future," said van der Laan.

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading omnichannel beauty destination. We inspire customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering an unparalleled assortment in online stores, via a partner program and in around 1,800 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 in perfume, decorative cosmetic, skin and hair care nutritional supplements, health care and accessories.

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DOUGLAS accelerates growth with strict customer focus and targeted omni-channel set-up

• Strategy program “Let it Bloom” puts customers at the center of business model
• Focus on brand, products, omni-channel, efficiency and company culture
• Targeted investments to strengthen store network, E-Commerce and operating model
• Net sales to reach 5 billion euros by 2026 with corresponding EBITDA uplift
• Sander van der Laan, Group CEO DOUGLAS: “With our new strategic direction, we want to energize the whole organization to further strengthen our market positioning and growth perspective.”

Düsseldorf, 22 March 2023 - DOUGLAS, Europe’s leading beauty destination, unveiled its strategy program ‘Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026’ – well in time with the beginning of spring. The program includes a four-year growth plan for all of its business activities. By putting customers at the center of the business model and by finetuning every relevant operational and efficiency lever, the company aims to accelerate its growth trajectory.

DOUGLAS wants to grow sales, profits and cash-flow generation: until 2026, the company plans to increase the Group’s net sales to 5 billion euros (FY 2021/22:
3.65 billion euros) and its EBITDA accordingly. To enhance its customer journey, DOUGLAS wants to further develop its European  footprint, E-Commerce offering, brand positioning as well as its range of brands on offer. Moreover, the company will further develop its retail media activities. In its day-to-day operations, DOUGLAS will improve efficiency with greater focus on costs, standardization and  the supply chain and will develop its technological backbone.

CEO Sander van der Laan says: “We have seen a tremendous comeback of our stores after the pandemic and the era of lockdowns, while E-Commerce remains strong. Our leading omni-channel business model has proven very resilient and this is exactly what we will focus on. We strongly believe in the combination of a unique stationary offer with the passionate service from our around 16,000 Beauty Advisors and a convenient online shopping experience. Both based on an outstanding brand perception as well as an attractive range of product brands on offer.”

As part of the strategy program, DOUGLAS commits to targeted investments into its store network including modernization, expansion within existing markets and into new markets such as Belgium and Slovenia, as well as into further growth of the E-Commerce business, the online partner program and omni-channel integration. At the same time, the company envisages to increase profits and cash-flow generation with stricter cost management and efficiency improvements in all of its processes.

To explore and to realize saving potentials, the company has conducted a comprehensive in-depth analysis, carried out by several inhouse expert teams. “This is a bottom-up driven process. We are looking into each aspect of our business to unlock efficiency gains while strengthening our market position at the same time,” said van der Laan.

The strategy program ‘Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026’ focuses on four strategic pillars with the DOUGLAS team as strong foundation:

1. Be the #1 BEAUTY DESTINATION in all markets: DOUGLAS will continue to invest in its brand perception and visibility. This will include further development of its ESG program into all relevant areas of the business.
2. Offer the most relevant and distinctive RANGE OF BRANDS: Building on its attractive product offering, DOUGLAS aims to elevate its assortment further and strengthen other product categories such as skincare, make-up and hair.
3. Deliver the most customer friendly OMNI-CHANNEL EXPERIENCE: As customers switch between sales channels more fluidly; DOUGLAS will focus on enhancing the customer journey across stores and E-Commerce. This will include investments in new technologies as well as a more focused concept for store formats.
4. Build a focused and efficient OPERATING MODEL: To further increase profitability, DOUGLAS will invest into its supply chain and technological backbone to achieve greater standardization and automation. Structures and processes will be simplified across Europe to allow for faster decision-making and better accountability.

Last, but not least, the foundation: Grow our CULTURE AND VALUES, lived by us: As DOUGLAS is poised to expand its leading role in the European beauty market, it will foster a performance culture supporting employees according to their individual strengths.

The overall results and top priority goals of this process are to improve the customer proposition and employee satisfaction of DOUGLAS and its entities Nocibé, Parfumdreams and Niche Beauty leading to an improvement of financial performance.

“We are deeply convinced, that this is the right path to accelerated growth and increased company value. We firmly believe that we have a unique company brand with outstanding people and a very successful business model. We will build on these virtues and further strengthen our market position,” said van der Laan.

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading omni-channel beauty destination. We inspire customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering an unparalleled assortment in online stores, via a partner program and in around 1,800 stores. Strengthening our successful omni-channel 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 in perfume, decorative cosmetic, skin and hair care nutritional supplements, health care and accessories.

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Change in the Management Board of DOUGLAS DACH: Veit Weiland to succeed Nicole Nitschke as new CEO

Dusseldorf, 16 March 2023 – The country organization Germany, Austria, Switzerland ("DACH") of DOUGLAS will have a new Chief Executive Officer: From 1 April 2023, Veit Weiland will take over the CEO role from Nicole Nitschke, who is leaving DOUGLAS by mutual agreement to pursue her career path outside the company. Weiland has over 30 years of retail experience and most recently held the position of Managing Director at Deichmann.

"We would like to thank Nicole Nitschke for her extremely valuable contribution to the positive development of DOUGLAS DACH and wish her all the very best in the future," said Sander van der Laan, CEO DOUGLAS Group. "Nicole Nitschke has safely guided the DACH region through the difficult Covid period, playing a key role in both the necessary transformation of the business and the successful comeback after Covid lockdowns. At the same time, we are delighted to have Veit Weiland on board as an exceptionally experienced and accomplished retail manager. We are convinced that Veit Weiland will continue to build on the successful course set by DOUGLAS in our largest market."

"For me, DOUGLAS stands in particular for the tireless commitment of thousands of beauty experts at the headquarters and, above all, in the stores. With all their enthusiasm, they make our customers' life a little more beautiful every day," said Nicole Nitschke. "I would like to express my sincere thanks to my entire team for their trusting cooperation and I wish everyone continued success and all the best."

During his career as a retail manager, incoming CEO Veit Weiland held various national and international positions at CEO and board level in the shoe fashion, optical and eyewear fashion and food retail segment. Prior to his role as International Managing Director of Deichmann SE with country responsibilities for Northeastern, Central and Southeastern Europe, Weiland served as Managing Director at Apollo Optik Holding for Germany and Austria as well as Chief Sales Officer International at Lidl Stiftung.

"Veit Weiland brings profound knowledge and extensive expertise in areas including sales, expansion and logistics, as well as many years of leadership experience," said van der Laan. "We are convinced that he and the DACH team will lead DOUGLAS into the next phase of growth. In particular, this will involve expanding our successful omnichannel strategy and continuing to develop both the store business and online retail in the interests of our customers."

"I am grateful for the trust placed in me," said Weiland. "At the same time, I am very much looking forward to the challenge of leading a successful team on the further expansion of the DOUGLAS brand in the DACH region and continuing this success story. Our customers are at the center of everything we do as a team, both in the stores and in E-commerce. This makes DOUGLAS the first choice for beauty in Germany and the entire region."

Nicole Nitschke had taken on the role of DOUGLAS CEO in Germany and Switzerland in 2019 and, after the successful turnaround in 2021, integrated the Swiss and Austrian entities into the current DACH organization. Prior to that, she held various senior international roles at Shiseido, Coty and Henkel, where she also led major transformation processes.

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is the leading premium beauty retailer in Europe. DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering an unparalleled assortment in online stores, the partner program and around 1,800 stores. The further development of our successful omnichannel positioning is at the heart of our strategy, under which we are consistently expanding both our Store experience and strong E-Commerce. In fiscal year 2021/22, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.65 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

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DOUGLAS reports double-digit growth in sales and profit in 1st quarter 2022/23

• Like-for-like (“lfl”) Group sales growth of 13.4% from October to December 2022
• Store sales contribute strongly to overall improvement (lfl: +17.3%); E-Commerce continues to grow from already high level (lfl: +6.1%)
• Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of 308.1 million euros, up by 19.7% 
  year-on-year
• Net income of 126.7 million euros rises as much as 79.3%
• Net liquidity at 516.7 million euros
• Launch of new international campaign “Beauty is …” and new corporate imagery with Hollywood star Diane Kruger and actor Elyas M’Barek

Düsseldorf, February 17, 2023 – DOUGLAS, Europe’s leading premium beauty retailer, started the new fiscal year 2022/23 with strong growth in the first quarter.

Sander van der Laan, CEO of DOUGLAS Group, said: “Against the backdrop of the volatile market environment, DOUGLAS had an exceptionally strong Christmas quarter both in terms of sales and profits. Our omnichannel business model proved to be a differentiating factor and allowed us to attract customers and increase sales. When it comes to premium beauty, consumer behavior remained largely intact in an inflationary environment. Customers were won over by our attractive product range and the expert advice provided by our teams. While we remain cautious about the overall economic environment in the upcoming quarters, we will continue to further enhance our offering and strengthen our operating model.”

Sales growth across all channels

From its strong market position, DOUGLAS significantly increased its sales and earnings from October to December 2022. The company recorded strong growth in sales of 11.5% to 1.44 billion euros (lfl: +13.4%) and therefore continued to expand its business for the seventh consecutive quarter. The good results were driven by both stores and E-Commerce. While store sales rose significantly compared to the previous year 
(lfl: +17.3%) as customer demand for expert advice and personal shopping continue to increase following the pandemic, E-Commerce growth continued to gather momentum from an already high level a year ago (lfl: +6.1%). The online business, which remains robust even in the current environment, thus once again represented nearly one third of overall Group sales.

Growth in the first quarter stems from solid performance across segments, all of which contributed positively to this improvement. The segments DACHNL and CEE in particular stood out and accounted for the largest share of sales growth in both channels. France and Southern Europe also developed positively with the latter performing well even in spite of substantial store closures in Spain.

Strengthened profitability and liquidity position

Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) rose by 19.7% to 308.1 million euros in the first quarter. Adjusted EBITDA margin also improved by 1.5 percentage points to 21.4%. The improved profitability resulted from the strong increase in sales combined with continued discipline in expenditures.

Together with lower financial expenses this led to a rise in net income of 79.3% to 126.7 million euros. Thanks to the successful first quarter, net liquidity reached 516.7 million euros.

From now on, DOUGLAS is reporting its results exclusively in accordance with IFRS 16; therefore, all results of the current fiscal year 2022/23 will be reported under IFRS 16 as well. In this context, all comparative reporting figures have been adjusted accordingly.

Growth across all product categories

Business performance in the first quarter of the financial year was underpinned in particular by the very successful and eventful months of November and December, including the respective sales highlights of Black Friday and Christmas. Notably, the strong development in the high-volume sales quarter from October to December was achieved against a background of persisting supply chain constraints.

Corresponding to the successful Christmas season, all product categories showed strong growth rates. Fragrance, the largest category, achieved a further increase in sales from an already high level. Momentum was even stronger in make-up, with lipstick sales up more than 50% compared to the previous year. Coinciding with Christmas, there was also a strong demand for Advent calendars such as the internationally launched DOUGLAS Exclusive Advent Calendar.

Hollywood Star Diane Kruger and actor Elyas M’Barek as new faces of DOUGLAS

DOUGLAS has recently introduced a new visual brand communication across Europe, both in its stores and online. The internationally renowned actors Diane Kruger and Elyas M'Barek replaced the previous Lindbergh photos as the new faces of DOUGLAS. The launch was marked by the international campaign "Beauty is ...", as Europe's leading platform for premium beauty wants to set an impulse for the individual interpretation of beauty.

OVERVIEW FINANCIAL RESULTS*

* Financial reporting in accordance with IFRS 16. All comparative figures have been adjusted accordingly.
** Adjusted for Net Sales of closure stores in Spain.

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is the leading premium beauty retailer in Europe. DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering an unparalleled assortment in online stores, the partner program and around 1,800 stores. The further development of our successful omnichannel positioning is at the heart of our strategy, under which we are consistently expanding both our Store experience and strong E-Commerce. In fiscal year 2021/22, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.65 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

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DOUGLAS launches new international campaign "Beauty is ..."

• Strong personalities represent Europe's leading premium beauty retailer in the new international campaign "Beauty is ..." from February 15
• Star photographer Chris Colls replaces the previous corporate imagery by Peter Lindbergh and gives DOUGLAS a modern and accessible visual identity with new motifs
• Testimonials of the campaign are Hollywood star Diane Kruger, actor Elyas M'Barek as well as beauty and fashion models Ajok Madel and Alexandra Agoston
• With the new campaign claim "Beauty is ..." DOUGLAS gives space for the individual interpretation of beauty
   

Düsseldorf, February 13, 2023. DOUGLAS is introducing a new visual identity across Europe, both in stores and online. The aesthetic yet emotional images by renowned Australian photographer Chris Colls, which feature international film stars such as Diane Kruger and Elyas M'Barek, replace Peter Lindbergh's motifs after five years. Starting signal is the new international campaign "Beauty is ...", which launches next Wednesday (February 15). Europe's leading platform for premium beauty wants to use the campaign to set an impulse for the individual interpretation of beauty. "For us beauty is subject to constant change. Based on the motto 'beautiful is who feels beautiful', the perception of beauty is individual and can change quickly,” says Caroline Schmitt, CMO DOUGLAS Group.

DOUGLAS has chosen four multi-faceted personalities who will embody “Beauty is …” and the company in the future:  Hollywood star Diane Kruger, Austrian actor Elyas M'Barek and international models Ajok Madel and Alexandra Agoston. All four share not only an extraordinary charisma, but also an authentic, personal presence in front of the camera - and of course their very own understanding of beauty. "We wanted to develop a new and modern visual design that supports our brand identity in an aesthetic way. Through its visual intensity and closeness, it reflects the core of our new 'Beauty is ...' campaign and thus our brand philosophy," says Caroline Schmitt.

About the photographer Chris Colls

Photographer and creative director of the campaign Chris Colls stands for a clear, minimalist, and contemporary style of photography - whether in black and white or in reduced color - his works captivate with their timelessness. Colls consciously refrains from over-staged poses and creates effortless, natural, and authentic-looking images.

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is the leading premium beauty retailer in Europe. DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering an unparalleled assortment in online stores, the partner program and around 1,800 stores,. The further development of our successful omnichannel positioning is at the heart of our strategy, under which we are consistently expanding both our Store experience and strong E-Commerce. In fiscal year 2021/22, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.65 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

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Resilient business model: DOUGLAS with further sales and earnings growth

Q4 2021/22 performance:

• Like-for-like (“lfl”) sales growth of 10.2 percent in fourth quarter (July to 
  September 2022), up 20.6 percent (lfl) on pre-COVID level (Q4 2018/19)
• Fourth-quarter Store sales of 556.6 million euros, up 3.0 percent year-on-year, ECommerce sales up 16.7 percent to 247.2 million euros
• Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of 45.8 million euros 
  in Q4

Full year 2021/22 performance:

• Total sales in 2021/22 up 17.0 percent to around 3.65 billion euros (lfl: +21.8 percent), up 18.3 percent (lfl) on pre-COVID level (2018/19)
• Annual Store sales up by 27.4 percent to around 2.44 billion euros (lfl: +40.9 percent), ECommerce sales for full year at around 1.2 billion euros, more than twice as high as pre-COVID level
• Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) for the full year up 49.4 percent to 325.5 million euros; net profit impacted by non-cash expenses
• Net liquidity at prior-year level with sufficient headroom
• Economic environment in Europe remains challenging, marked by high inflation, consumer reticence and supply chain disruptions

Düsseldorf, December 20, 2022 - DOUGLAS, the leading premium beauty retailer in 
Europe, increased its sales and earnings in the fourth quarter and thus also in the full fiscal year 2021/22. The Düsseldorf-based Group achieved growth in both Stores and E-Commerce. With total annual sales of around 3.65 billion euros, the company was up 17.0 percent on the previous year’s level and around 6 percent higher than in the pre-COVID period.

Sander van der Laan, CEO of DOUGLAS Group, said: “The positive sales performance in a difficult economic environment demonstrates how strongly DOUGLAS has been positioned in the past years with its omnichannel model. The combination of an attractive store business and an almost unique online offering has made the company more 
resilient.”

Sales growth in six consecutive quarters

In the fourth quarter of the 2021/22 fiscal year (July to September 2022), DOUGLAS increased sales by 7.6 percent to 809.7 million euros (lfl: +10.2 percent). This marks the sixth consecutive quarter in which the company has expanded its business. At the same time, quarterly sales (lfl) were 20.6 percent above the pre-COVID level (2018/19). ECommerce sales (including the Dutch online pharmacy Disapo B.V.) increased by 16.7 percent to 247.2 million euros compared to the prior-year quarter. This means that the ECommerce share of total sales remains 30.5 percent (pre-COVID: 16.9 percent).

Quarterly Store sales rose by 3.0 percent year-on-year to 556.6 million euros 
(lfl: +10.9 percent). All regions contributed to this increase on a like-for-like basis. Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) improved by 18.2 million euros to 45.8 million euros in the fourth quarter. The adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 5.7 percent (previous year: 3.7 percent). This was due in particular to cost effects from the completed Store Optimization Program (SOP) which involved adjustments to the store network and improved costs in- store operations. Net liquidity remained at the prior-year level.

Full-year sales up on previous year and pre-COVID level

With the increase of its total sales compared to the previous year and compared to pre-COVID levels, DOUGLAS underlined its position as the leading premium beauty retailer in both stores and E-Commerce. Store sales rose by 27.4 percent to around 2.44 billion euros (lfl: +40.9 percent). This was also due to the easing of pandemic restrictions during the fiscal year. E-Commerce generated annual sales of around 1.2 billion euros (including the Dutch online pharmacy Disapo B.V.), down slightly by minus 0.7 percent compared to previous year, when stores had been closed for months across Europe due to the pandemic. Compared with the period before COVID, online sales more than doubled.

Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) also saw a significant increase of 49.4 percent year-on-year to 325.5 million euros (previous year: 217.8 million euros), almost matching pre-COVID levels.

Group CFO Mark Langer said: “The results prove that we are on the right track. Our performance this year was also strengthened by the return of social life after COVID restrictions were eased. Less mask-wearing means more make-up and more lipsticks. And the strong mix of our store and online offer, unique shopping experiences, customer-focused marketing and exclusive offers such as Billie Eilish’s fragrance has been met with catch-up demand from customers.”

The net profit of minus 306.5 million euros for the fiscal year was impacted by one-off non-cash goodwill impairments of 231.9 million euros due to the significant rise in interest rates. Earnings were also impacted by the acquired online pharmacy Disapo B.V. as well as restructuring expenses for store closures, among other things. This was counteracted by a capitalization of deferred taxes, which led to a tax relief of 43.2 million euros.

Good start to new fiscal year 2022/23 – business environment remains challenging

DOUGLAS made a good start to the new 2022/23 fiscal year and thus the Christmas business. Strong sales days such as “Singles’ Day”, “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” already proved very satisfactory both online and in the stores. “This time of the year is the most important in our business,” said van der Laan. “We are at the climax of the Christmas season. I would like to thank all our colleagues for their great efforts and commitment to DOUGLAS and our customers. At the same time, the economic environment remains challenging: inflation, decreasing purchasing power of private households and supply chain disruptions will go on and could also have a noticeable impact on our business. Therefore, as well as expanding our omnichannel strategy and maintaining a strict customer orientation, we are keeping a strong focus on costs and cash management and thus on the earnings situation.”

OVERVIEW FINANCIAL RESULTS

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is the leading premium beauty retailer in Europe. With around 300,000 beauty, health and lifestyle products in online stores, the partner program and around 1,800 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering an unparalleled assortment. The further development of our successful omnichannel positioning is at the heart of our strategy, under which we are consistently expanding both our Store experience and strong E-Commerce. In fiscal year 2021/22, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.65 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

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DOUGLAS honors the winners of the ‘BEAUTY FUTURES’ start-up challenge

• Over 150 entries received from start-ups in 23 different countries
• Prestigious jury selected the winning ideas and innovations in three categories
• The winners now have the chance to collaborate with DOUGLAS
• Two special prizes: dermanostic receives a branding and business consulting package from Jung von Matt START, LĀNIN LABS wins listing at NICHE BEAUTY

Düsseldorf, 9 November 2022. The winners of “BEAUTY FUTURES” – the DOUGLAS start-up challenge – were selected during the grand finale at the DOUGLAS headquarters in Düsseldorf: Three innovative start-ups overcame stiff competition from other applicants in the three categories “Beauty & Health Product Innovation”, “Beauty & Health Digital Solution” and “Sustainability Innovation”. The DOUGLAS competition gives young companies the chance to work with Europe’s leading premium beauty and health platform.

The award in the “Beauty & Health Product Innovation” category went to Berlin-based start-up Dr. Vivien Karl. The founders aim to strengthen the intimate well-being of women in different phases of life with natural, aesthetic and scientifically based intimate care products.

In the “Beauty & Health Digital Solution” category, the winner was FORMEL Skin, who  combine virtual dermatology services with a full digital companion and physical high quality OTCH skincare products.

With their idea of waterless and sustainable skin care in reusable terracotta sculptures, Oquist Cosmetics convinced the jury in the third category “Sustainability Innovation”. The Swedish start-up has coined the term #skinterior and is the first in the world to store and sell skin care products this way.

In the fourth edition of the DOUGLAS start-up challenge more than 150 companies from 23 different countries submitted their innovative ideas and products, all keen to present them to the jury of experts. “Finding and promoting aspiring and promising start-ups is a win-win situation all round”, said Tina Müller, former DOUGLAS Group CEO and inventor of the start-up challenge. “The young entrepreneurs benefit from the expertise and reach of leading companies like DOUGLAS, who can support them to exploit their full potential. DOUGLAS in turn can keep up with all the latest developments, get a first look at innovative ideas, embrace new trends early on and actively drive innovation and transformation in the industry. I am impressed by the bold entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated by our applicants.”

Chance to work with DOUGLAS

The winners now have the chance to collaborate with DOUGLAS and build on the company's multiple channels and around 50 million DOUGLAS Beauty Card holders to dramatically increase their brand awareness and visibility.

“The quality and variety of the submissions improve year on year and I am delighted to see so many from countries all over the world”, says Isabell Hendrichs, DOUGLAS Group Chief Assortment and Purchasing Officer. “It is remarkable that nearly all the new products submitted consider clean beauty aspects. This is a very positive sign and confirms that sustainability continues to play a major role in the beauty industry.”

This year, for the first time, two special prizes were awarded: LĀNIN LABS won a listing at DOUGLAS Group company NICHE BEAUTY. In addition, dermanostic received a strategic branding and consulting package designed especially for young companies and start-ups by the agency Jung von Matt START.

“I very much look forward to working with dermanostic. Many young companies have great ideas but neither the people nor the experience to reflect this in their branding. Our experts will develop an individual branding strategy and design to bring the full potential to the fore”, explains Paul-Christian Brenndörfer, Strategic Lead Jung von Matt START.

Prestigious jury decides the winners

The winning entries were chosen in a multi-phase process: following initial review by an in-house DOUGLAS jury, a highly respected jury of both internal and external experts then deliberated over the shortlist. In this year’s jury are Tina Müller (former Group CEO and Member of the Supervisory Board at DOUGLAS ), Susanne Cornelius (CEO DOUGLAS Brands), Isabell Hendrichs (DOUGLAS Group Chief Assortment and Purchasing Officer), Caroline Schmitt (CMO DOUGLAS Group), Philipp Westermeyer (founder OMR), Lea-Sophie Cramer (entrepreneur & angel investor), Tijen Onaran (entrepreneur, investor and author), Sara Nuru (co-founder of nuruCoffee & nuruWomen e.V.), Michael Schummert (CEO & founder M4Trinity), Janna Linke (presenter & podcast host), Paul-Christian Brenndörfer (Strategic Lead Jung von Matt START), Julia Krempin (editor-in-chief Business Punk) and Vanessa Stützle (CEO Luqom Group).

”It’s great that DOUGLAS sees itself as an enabler for start-ups. The beauty industry in particular is undergoing a major transformation, which offers an incredible opportunity for young entrepreneurs. The BEAUTY FUTURES shortlist featured a whole range of companies with impressive ideas. For me it comes down to the degree of innovation”, said Sara Nuru (co-founder of nuruCoffee & nuruWomen e.V.).

About the winners:

• Beauty & Health Product Innovation: Dr. Vivien Karl and Julia Huhnholz of Dr. Vivien Karl (www.vivienkarl.com)
• Beauty & Health Digital Solution: Dr. Sarah Bechstein, Florian Semler and Anton Kononov of Formel Skin Derma GmbH (www.formelskin.de)
• Sustainability Innovation: Olga Rinquist and Pavel Babneevs of Oquist Cosmetics (www.oquistcosmetics.com)
• Special Prize – Strategic branding and consulting package designed especially for young companies and start-ups by the agency Jung von Matt START: Dr. Ole Martin, Dr. Alice Martin, Dr. Estefanía Lang and Patrick Lang of Dermanostic GmbH (www.dermanostic.com)
• Special Prize – Listing at NICHE BEAUTY: Azuka Stekovics of LĀNIN LABS (www.laninlabs.com)

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading platform for premium beauty and health. Offering nearly 300,000 beauty, health and lifestyle products in online shops, the partner program and around 1,900 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a previously unparalleled assortment. The further development of our successful omnichannel positioning is at the heart of our #FORWARDBEAUTY.DigitalFirst strategy, under which we are consistently expanding both our strong E-Commerce and store experience. In fiscal year 2020/21, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.1 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

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Philipp Andrée to become new CDO of DOUGLAS

Düsseldorf, 2 November 2022. From January 2023, Philipp Andrée will be the new Chief Digital Officer (CDO) and member of the Board at DOUGLAS Group. Andrée is currently Member of the Executive Board for Digital & Marketing at the Hamburg-based retail and coffee company Tchibo. He has held various management positions in e-commerce, digital and marketing for almost ten years.

“As a proven and experienced online and marketing expert, Philipp Andrée is the ideal CDO to continue and develop the successful digital path of DOUGLAS,” said Henning Kreke, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at DOUGLAS Group. “We are convinced that we are placing our e-commerce business, which is so crucial for DOUGLAS, in the right hands.”

Andrée has been with Tchibo for more than seven years and successfully grew the online business to a significant revenue driver. Under the leadership of the 40-year-old, the omnichannel-retailing has been strongly developed to integrate the in-store and digital business. In addition, he successfully re-organized and re-aligned the formerly fragmented marketing, modernized the brand and expanded digital marketing & CRM. He is also responsible for the business unit Mobile Communication & Travel at Tchibo. Previously, Andrée built up and later sold the online fashion platform Department47 and began his career as management consultant at McKinsey. After studying mechanical engineering, he gained a PhD in marketing.

“We very much look forward to working with Philipp Andrée on the Management Board of DOUGLAS,” said Sander van der Laan, CEO of the DOUGLAS Group. “DOUGLAS has achieved huge growth in digital business in the past few years. We want to stay on this path and develop it further. I extend a warm welcome to Philipp on behalf of all the colleagues.”

Philipp Andrée will take over as CDO from Vanessa Stützle, who left the company at the end of August to take up the position of CEO at the LUQOM Group. Alongside the online shop and partner programme, Stützle was also responsible for the CRM programme at DOUGLAS and for setting up the Retail Media unit.

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading platform for premium beauty and health. Offering nearly 300,000 beauty, health and lifestyle products in online shops, the partner program and around 1,900 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a previously unparalleled assortment. The further development of our successful omnichannel positioning is at the heart of our #FORWARDBEAUTY.DigitalFirst strategy, under which we are consistently expanding both our strong E-Commerce and store experience. In fiscal year 2020/21, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.1 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

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Sander van der Laan appointed as new DOUGLAS CEO – Tina Müller joins the Supervisory Board

Düsseldorf, 20.10.2022 DOUGLAS, Europe’s leading provider of premium beauty and health products, today announced a leadership change: Sander van der Laan (54) will become CEO of the company as of November 1, 2022. He will succeed Tina Müller (54), who decided to resign at her own request and will join the Supervisory Board after five successful years as CEO of DOUGLAS.

“I am delighted that we have won Sander van der Laan as CEO of DOUGLAS. He is an excellent manager with proven experience in the retail industry and a strong leadership personality. I would like to thank Tina Müller on behalf of the entire Supervisory Board for her outstanding contribution to the company's success and regret her departure," said Henning Kreke, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of DOUGLAS. "In the last years, she has redefined DOUGLAS' strategy and successfully driven the company's transformation into Europe's leading digital premium beauty platform. We are very pleased that we will continue to benefit from her expertise and experience as a member of the Supervisory Board.”

Alexander Dibelius, CEO Germany of CVC, the majority shareholder of DOUGLAS, said: “With Sander van der Laan, we welcome an experienced manager with an outstanding track record at renowned retailers and brand manufacturers. We are very much looking forward to joining forces. Tina Müller has laid an excellent foundation: She has geared DOUGLAS towards a modern and digital direction. At the same time, she has tripled e-commerce sales, achieved record sales and an excellent result this year after steering the company safely through the pandemic. We thank her for her outstanding commitment to the company and its employees.”

Tina Müller said: “It was my great pleasure to lead DOUGLAS into a new era together with an outstanding team, who has always put our customers first. I am truly proud that together we have created Europe's largest premium beauty and health platform. Now is the right time for me to take the next step. In the coming years, I want to set new and different impulses. I would like to express my gratitude to all DOUGLAS employees and brand partners for their support and great trust. In addition, I would also like to thank our customers for their fantastic support over the past years. I am delighted that Sander van der Laan, a recognized and experienced top manager, is taking over at DOUGLAS. I am certain that he will successfully lead the company and I wish him and all colleagues the very best.”

Sander van der Laan most recently steered the fortunes of Dutch non-food retailer Action as CEO for more than six years. Under his leadership, the company's sales increased from 2 to over 5 billion euros. He also played a key role in driving Action's international expansion in ten European countries, further developing the brand and product range and successfully establishing the company's digital interface. Prior to joining Action, he spent over 16 years in various management positions at the listed retail company Ahold Delhaize – most recently as CEO of the leading Dutch retail chain Albert Heijn. During this time, he was responsible for the transformation of Albert Heijn into a multi-channel brand and headed the company's expansion into new markets.

“Sander van der Laan has extensive management expertise in the retail sector combined with an outstanding track record in driving sales, marketing, supply chain management and digitalization. Within a few years, he significantly increased Action's sales and operating profit. This makes him an ideal candidate to lead DOUGLAS into the next phase. In particular, this will include optimizing backbone processes to match the e-commerce business, fully integrating the pharmacy portfolio, and further strengthening profitability,” said Kreke.

“DOUGLAS has undergone an extraordinary development in the last few years," said van der Laan. "I am looking forward to contributing my experience and continuing the company's success story together with an accomplished team.”

Since she was appointed CEO in November 2017, Tina Müller has successfully realigned DOUGLAS' strategy. In addition to the strong focus on e-commerce, she repositioned DOUGLAS with a successful brand relaunch and refined the shopping experience in the stores substantially. Most recently, Tina Müller restructured the European store network and laid the foundation for the company's expansion into the highly attractive growing online pharmacy market with the acquisition of the Dutch mail-order pharmacy Disapo.

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading platform for premium beauty and health. Offering nearly 300,000 beauty, health and lifestyle products in online shops, the partner program and around 1,900 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a previously unparalleled assortment. The further development of our successful omnichannel positioning is at the heart of our #FORWARDBEAUTY.DigitalFirst strategy, under which we are consistently expanding both our strong E-Commerce and store experience. In fiscal year 2020/21, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.1 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

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DOUGLAS continues to accelerate growth in the third quarter - significant increase in sales and earnings

• Sales in the third quarter (April to June 2022) up 28.8 percent to 830 million euros (+35 percent like-for-like)
• Quarterly lfl sales thus 21 percent above pre-COVID level (Q3 2018/19)
• Lfl store sales up 66.5 percent year-on-year after removal of COVID restrictions;
  2 percent above pre-COVID level
• E-Commerce sales up 5.3 percent year-on-year to 276 million euros; still at more than double pre-COVID level
• Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) significantly improved from 24 million euros to 64 million euros; margin increased to 7.7 percent; nine-month adjusted EBITDA up 45 percent to 280 million euros
• Tina Müller, CEO DOUGLAS Group: "We have made significant gains in both sales and profitability. We are seeing a clear increase in demand in our Brick & Mortar business along with sustained high E-Commerce sales. It is especially pleasing that our total sales are now noticeably above the level prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic."
• DOUGLAS systematically expands pharmacy range following successful Disapo takeover; around 11,000 non-prescription products available on the DOUGLAS platform in Germany via the partner program since May
• Top-class trade conference: first Beauty + Health Summit by DOUGLAS on
  2-3 September
• New luxury store with Beauty Suite, surface of approx. 1,000m², to open in Düsseldorf on 25 August

Düsseldorf, 23 August 2022. DOUGLAS, Europe's leading provider of premium beauty and health products, significantly increased its sales and operating result in the third quarter of fiscal year 2021/22 (April to June). DOUGLAS achieved noticeable growth compared to both the previous year and the quarter before the start of the pandemic. This means that the positive trend in the current fiscal year has continued: the store business, for example, achieved significant sales growth compared to the prior-year quarter, following the removal of the COVID restrictions, and is even above the pre-COVID level (+2 percent on a like-for-like basis). At the same time, the E-Commerce business has stabilized at a high level.

"The return to our stores is driving our growth and demonstrates the high demand for personal in-store advice," said Tina Müller, CEO DOUGLAS Group. "At the same time, we have managed to maintain online sales at a consistently high level. This successful combination of revitalized store business and strong E-Commerce speaks for our unique business model. In sum, this makes us stronger than before the pandemic."

Significant growth in sales

In the third quarter of 2021/22, Europe's leading premium beauty and health platform increased sales by around 30 percent to 830 million euros; on a like-for-like basis, the rise amounted to around 35 percent. Group sales on a like-for-like basis were thus 21 percent above the pre-COVID level.

Sales from E-Commerce (including Dutch online pharmacy Disapo B.V.) increased by 5.3 percent to 276 million euros compared to the prior-year quarter. This means that E-Commerce now accounts for more than 33% of total sales (pre-COVID: 17.3%). Overall, sales in the online business were twice as high (+110 percent) as before the outbreak of the pandemic.

In the Brick & Mortar business, sales rose by 47.5 percent compared with the previous year to 554 million euros, representing like-for-like growth of 66.5 percent. Customers' desire for personal advice and the return of social, leisure and evening events played a major part in these higher sales. The significant improvement in sales was driven in particular by the DACHNL region, where like-for-like sales doubled. In France and Central Eastern Europe, like-for-like store sales increased by more than 50 percent respectively.

Substantial improvement in profitability

Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) more than doubled in the third quarter, rising by 40 million euros to 64 million euros. The EBITDA margin increased to 7.7 percent (previous year: 3.7 percent). The improvement in profitability resulted from sales growth, savings from the Store Optimization Program (SOP) and ongoing consistent cost management.

In the first nine months of the fiscal year 2021/22 (October 2021 to June 2022), DOUGLAS increased sales by 20 percent to more than 2.8 billion euros, representing a like-for-like increase of 27 percent. The operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) improved by 45 percent to 280 million euros.

"The results of the past quarter prove that our #FORWARDBEAUTY strategy is taking hold. At the same time, it demonstrates the resilience of our business model, with two strong and closely integrated sales channels, in an increasingly challenging market environment," said Tina Müller. "Seeing this business development gives us encouragement to consistently pursue our strategic course, to drive forward core initiatives such as the expansion of the pharmacy range, and to strengthen our online offering and our stores with targeted modernizations and expansions."

Following the successful acquisition of Dutch online pharmacy Disapo B.V., DOUGLAS started the expansion of its pharmacy range in May. Around 11,000 non-prescription products have since been available in the German DOUGLAS online store via the partner program. This launch as part of the online partner program was accompanied by a broad advertising campaign in June, which focused on the advantages of having numerous pharmacy products easily available via the DOUGLAS platform. As part of the expansion of the pharmacy product range, DOUGLAS will be hosting its first Beauty + Health Summit at the beginning of September, where customers will be able to find out more about the latest innovations and trends. With this event, featuring numerous doctors as guest speakers, DOUGLAS is underpinning its expertise in the area of health.

Marking a further milestone in the expansion of its exclusive range of products and customer services, DOUGLAS will open its new luxury store with Beauty Suite on Düsseldorf's shopping boulevard Königsallee at the end of August. Customers at the store will enjoy a unique experience of shopping and personal in-store advice.

Within the product categories, fragrances and make-up in particular made significant sales gains in the past quarter, following increased demand from customers for skin and hair care products during the lockdowns. The launch of Billie Eilish's perfume was a notable success. The fragrance has been available exclusively from DOUGLAS throughout Europe since June and is already one of the strongest market launches of the past 12 months.

OVERVIEW FINANCIAL RESULTS

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading platform for premium beauty and health. Offering nearly 300,000 beauty, health and lifestyle products in online shops, the partner program and around 1,900 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a previously unparalleled assortment. The further development of our successful omnichannel positioning is at the heart of our #FORWARDBEAUTY.DigitalFirst strategy, under which we are consistently expanding both our strong E-Commerce and store experience. In fiscal year 2020/21, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.1 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

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“BEAUTY FUTURES” – DOUGLAS’ start-up competition to resume this autumn

• DOUGLAS is hosting the fourth iteration of its start-up competition BEAUTY FUTURES –The DOUGLAS Start-up Challenge
• Nominations in three new categories: Beauty & Health Product Innovation, Beauty & Health Digital Solution and Sustainability Innovation
• The winners’ creations may be added to the product range that DOUGLAS sells in its stationary stores and online shop; opportunity for further collaboration possible
• Highly respected jury members, including DOUGLAS Group CEO Tina Müller, other members of DOUGLAS’ management team and leading external experts –
  among others Lea-Sophie Cramer, Sara Nuru, Tijen Onaran and Philipp Westermeyer
• Applications accepted until September 19 at www.douglasbeautyfutures.com

Düsseldorf, 9 August 2022. It’s time again for BEAUTY FUTURES –The DOUGLAS Start-up Challenge : DOUGLAS is hosting this popular competition for start-ups and companies in the extended beauty and health industry for the fourth consecutive year. DOUGLAS, Europe’s leading premium beauty & health platform, is searching for unique products or services in the categories Beauty & Health Product Innovation, Beauty & Health Digital Solution and Sustainability Innovation. Business founders and start-ups can enter the competition until  September 19 by submitting a brief description of their idea, a pitch deck and a video on https://www.douglasbeautyfutures.com

Three new categories for this year’s competition

The category Beauty & Health Product Innovation  focuses on new and innovative beauty and health products and applications that could aptly complement the DOUGLAS product range – in such areas as skincare, make-up, fragrance, hair care, nutritional supplements and health. The category Beauty & Health Digital Solution primarily targets apps and other smart digital solutions based on augmented reality or artificial intelligence that could be used to enhance the customer experience at DOUGLAS. The category Sustainability Innovation will honour a company or start-up that has developed futuristic solutions for increased sustainability along the entire supply chain. The category extends from sustainable product innovations or green ingredients to production, packaging and delivery.

“Our start-up competition BEAUTY FUTURES is now a permanent member of the DOUGLAS family and has been a complete success – I can’t wait to set off on our next search for trend-setting ideas,” said Tina Müller, CEO of the DOUGLAS Group. “We want to give a boost to innovations and new developments and be a driving force behind the evolution of the beauty and health market of the future. Promoting vibrant entrepreneurs is one of my personal passions.”

The highly respected jury will consist of external experts and members of the DOUGLAS management team. The external jurors will include the entrepreneur and Angel investor Lea-Sophie Cramer; Philipp Westermeyer, the founder of OMR the ESG expert and founder Sara Nuru and the entrepreneur, investor and author Tijen Onaran. DOUGLAS will be represented in the jury by Tina Müller along with Isabell Hendrichs, the Chief Assortment and Purchasing Officer of the DOUGLAS Group; Susanne Cornelius, the CEO of DOUGLAS Brands and Caroline Schmitt, the CMO of the DOUGLAS Group.

“Promoting innovative ideas – especially when it is done by established companies like DOUGLAS – creates a great opportunity for young entrepreneurs,” said Lea-Sophie Cramer, an entrepreneur and Angel investor. “This is why I am so excited about being part of the jury once again this year.”

The victorious ideas will win a chance to become part of DOUGLAS’ international product range and present their products to the more than 50 million customers who hold DOUGLAS Beauty Cards. They will have an opportunity to collaborate with DOUGLAS as part of the company’s online shop, stores and app. All finalists will also compete for an intensive branding package offered by the agency Jung von Matt START as part of a special prize. “When you start a business on your own, you face the challenging job of attracting the attention of a broad audience and bringing on board major investors,” said Philipp Westermeyer, the founder of OMR. “The DOUGLAS competition BEAUTY FUTURES serves as a perfect platform, showcases ideas and provides the momentum that innovations need to keep moving forward.”

The finals will be held on November 8 at the DOUGLAS headquarters in Düsseldorf.

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading platform for premium beauty and health. Offering almost 200,000 beauty, health and lifestyle products in online shops, the partner program and around 2,000 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a previously unparalleled assortment. The further development of our successful omnichannel positioning is at the heart of our #FORWARDBEAUTY.DigitalFirst strategy, under which we are consistently expanding both our strong e-commerce and store experience. In fiscal year 2020/21, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.1 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

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DOUGLAS launches new AI tool for skin analysis

• In collaboration with PERFECT CORP, DOUGLAS is setting new standards in digital beauty product advice
• Digital tool analyses skin types and skin texture in a few seconds
• Individual product recommendations for customers based on the skin analysis

Düsseldorf, 13 July 2022. DOUGLAS, Europe’s leading platform for premium beauty and health, has launched a digital skin type analysis tool in collaboration with PERFECT CORP, the internationally operating company for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR). Customers can use the digital skin analysis tool via the DOUGLAS app to determine their skin type and additional skin properties by simply scanning their face with the smartphone camera. Other product preferences with regard to allergies and ingredients can be entered manually. The skin type determined, in combination with the level of hydration, oiliness and facial wrinkles, form the basis for specific product suggestions, which are precisely tailored to the customer`s skin type, individual preferences and needs.

The skin analysis is part of the likewise new DOUGLAS beauty profile, in which customers can save personal information and preferences. In the future, customers will be able to specify further preferences and use additional analysis tools. The benefit: even more individual product recommendations, care advice and inspiration.

“The digital skin analysis offers real added value for all DOUGLAS customers. Never before has it been so quick and easy to provide information about skin types and thus find the perfect individual facial care,” says Ingo Mommertz, Chief Technology Officer E-Commerce at DOUGLAS. “This tool will help us to achieve an even higher conversion rate in our app and also improve the user experience. At the same time, we expect that this form of skin analysis may lead to fewer bad buys and hence fewer product returns. The digital advisory service thus strengthens sustainability and will further support our customers` purchasing decisions.”

ABOUT PERFECT CORP:

Perfect Corp. is the leading SaaS AI and AR beauty and fashion tech solutions provider, dedicated to transforming shopping experiences through empowering brands to embrace the digital-first world. By partnering with the largest names in the industry, Perfect Corp.’s suite of enterprise solutions deliver synergistic, technology-driven experiences that facilitate sustainable, ultra-personalized and engaging shopping journeys, as well as equipping brands with next generation of consumer goods. Perfect Corp. offers a complementary suite of mobile apps, including YouCam Makeup and YouCam Perfect, to provide a consumer platform to virtually try-on new products, perform skin diagnoses, edit photos, and share experiences with the YouCam Community. To learn more, please visit PerfectCorp.com. 

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading platform for premium beauty and health. Offering almost 200,000 beauty, health and lifestyle products in online shops, the partner program and around 2,000 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a previously unparalleled assortment. The further development of our successful omnichannel positioning is at the heart of our #FORWARDBEAUTY.DigitalFirst strategy, under which we are consistently expanding both our strong e-commerce and store experience. In fiscal year 2020/21, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.1 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

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DOUGLAS reports strong sales and earnings growth in second 
quarter - Group sales significantly above pre-COVID-19 level

• Strong year-on-year sales increase in the second quarter (January to March 2022) of around 39 like-for-like (lfl); total sales amounted to 719 million euros
• Return to growth path: lfl quarterly sales 12.0 percent above pre-COVID-19 level (Q2 2018/19)
• Lfl store sales more than doubled year-on-year (up 117.3 percent) following relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions
• Online demand remains strong: e-commerce sales of 250 million euros at more than double pre-COVID-19 level (plus 100.7 percent); 14.3 percent below lockdown-related highs in prior-year quarter
• Group operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) improved to 25 million euros following negative prior-year quarter
• Half-year adjusted EBITDA increased by 27.3 percent to 216 million euros
• Tina Müller, DOUGLAS Group CEO: "We are seeing the return of brick-and-mortar business and at the same time continue to experience strong online demand; this once again underscores our sound Beauty Platform-Strategy of a comprehensive digital offering coupled with an optimal store experience."

Düsseldorf, 25 May 2022. DOUGLAS, Europe's leading premium beauty group, continued its growth course in the second quarter of the fiscal year 2021/22 and significantly increased sales and earnings. Both year-on-year and compared to the pre-COVID-19 quarter of 2019, the Düsseldorf-based company posted significant gains and won further market share in Germany. In particular, the brick & mortar business picked up noticeably following the relaxation of COVID restrictions in the months from January to March of this year, more than doubling sales year-on-year. As expected, some of the online business shifted back to the stores, but overall it remained at a very high level. "We are now seeing the ratios of online and store sales starting to rebalance after the end of the lockdowns," said Tina Müller, DOUGLAS Group CEO. "For example, we had e-commerce sales in the second quarter that were twice as high as in pre-COVID-19 times. It is pleasing that we were able to maintain this high level while also achieving disproportionately strong growth in our store business. This shows that our Beauty Platform-Strategy approach is proving to be the right business model."

Significant sales and earnings growth in the second quarter

In the second quarter of 2021/22, Europe's leading premium beauty group increased its sales by around 31 percent to 719 million euros; in like-for-like terms, the rise even amounted to around 39 percent. Group like-for-like sales were thus 12.0 percent higher than before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As expected, in the course of stores reopening, a certain amount of sales shifted back from online retail to brick & mortar business, although the level of e-commerce remained very high. Sales in the online business, which DOUGLAS has strategically expanded in recent years, thus amounted to 250 million euros (-14.3 percent vs. prior-year quarter), more than double the figure recorded in the pre-COVID-19 quarter of 2019. "We are satisfied with this sales performance while the profitability of the e-commerce business remains strong," said DOUGLAS Group CDO Vanessa Stützle, . "This demonstrates the strengths of our business model, that through our loyalty program we can target and serve customers in a personalized way, depending on their preferences in the channel of their choice. The rapid integration of Disapo already enables us to offer dermacosmetic and OTC products and will help us to further expand our leading position in the beauty and beauty-related health market."

In the store business, like-for-like sales increased by 117.3 percent year-on-year to 471 million euros following the reopenings. All regions contributed to the significant sales increase, in particular German-speaking Europe, France and Eastern Europe. DOUGLAS was also able to win back customers who had to migrate to other distribution channels such as drugstores during the COVID-related closures for certain product categories. In addition, it can be observed that customers who used the DOUGLAS online store during the lockdowns are now returning to the brick & mortar stores, thus remaining loyal to the brand. "This once again underlines the strength of our omnichannel business model as well as our brand: our customers remain in the DOUGLAS cosmos. This would not have been possible as a pure online retailer," said Tina Müller.

The Group operating result (adjusted EBITDA) rose in the second quarter by 26.5 million euros to 25 million euros, following a negative result in the prior-year quarter. In addition to the increase in sales, the improvement is attributable to consistent cost management and further savings from the “Store Optimization Program” (SOP). The EBITDA margin increased accordingly to 3.5 percent, in the entire first half of 2021/22, it amounted to 10.7 percent.  The earnings contribution in the second quarter is seasonally lower than in the rest of the year; in addition, the Easter business in 2022 took place in the current third quarter.

In the entire first half of 2021/22, i.e. the months of October 2021 to March 2022 inclusive, DOUGLAS increased sales by 16.9 percent to approximately 2 billion euros, while operating earnings (adjusted EBITDA) improved by 27.3 percent to 216 million euros. "This development shows that we are on a very good path," said Tina Müller. "Nevertheless, it is unfortunately not yet possible to make a reliable forecast as to the ratio to which store and online sales will readjust in the long-term following the COVID restrictions."

In February, DOUGLAS announced its entry into the healthcare market through the planned acquisition of the Dutch online pharmacy Disapo B.V.. The transaction closing has since taken place. Since the end of April, DOUGLAS customers have been able to purchase dermacosmetics and over-the-counter products via the partner program in the online store. DOUGLAS plans to extend this offer to various European countries in the course of the year.

OVERVIEW FINANCIAL RESULTS

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is Europe’s leading platform for premium beauty. Offering almost 200,000 beauty, health and lifestyle products in online shops, the partner program and around 2,000 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a previously unparalleled assortment. The further development of our successful omnichannel positioning is at the heart of our #FORWARDBEAUTY.DigitalFirst strategy, under which we are consistently expanding both our strong e-commerce and store experience. In fiscal year 2020/21, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.1 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

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DOUGLAS CDO Vanessa Stützle to join LUQOM Group as CEO

Düsseldorf, 22 March 2022. Vanessa Stützle, Chief Digital Officer and Member of the Management Board at DOUGLAS, will become the new CEO of LUQOM Group, the e-commerce platform for lighting fixtures, from September 2022. She will continue to perform all her current duties until she makes the switch.

“It is with great regret that we will not continue to share the same successful path with Vanessa Stützle; at the same time, I am happy for Vanessa about this important career step,” said Tina Müller, CEO of DOUGLAS Group. “With a wealth of digital expertise and a tremendous degree of commitment, Vanessa Stützle has played a key role in shaping the successful digitalization of DOUGLAS. On behalf of the entire DOUGLAS team, I would like to thank Vanessa very much for her exceptional work with us in recent years.”

Henning Kreke, Chairman of the DOUGLAS Supervisory Board, said: “We thank Vanessa Stützle for her outstanding contributions and wish her all the best for the next step in her career. With the successful expansion of online retail and the Partner Program, Vanessa Stützle has played a major role in ensuring that DOUGLAS is now Europe’s number one in e-commerce in the premium beauty market.”

Vanessa Stützle was appointed Chief Digital Officer and member of the management board in May 2020, with responsibility for E-Commerce and Partner Program, Omni-Channel, CRM, Retail Media Sales and Data Strategy. Prior to this, the graduate in Business Administration was responsible for the online business at DOUGLAS as Executive Vice President from January 2018, with the added responsibility of customer relationship management from July 2019.

“I have had a great time at DOUGLAS. Together with Tina Müller, the entire management and my teams, we have achieved a tremendous amount and realigned the company’s e-commerce activities. I am very grateful for this experience and for the superb teamwork,” said Vanessa Stützle.

Information about Vanessa Stützle’s successor as DOUGLAS Group CDO will be provided in due course.

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is the leading premium beauty group in Europe. Offering more than 160,000 beauty and lifestyle products in online shops, the beauty marketplace and around 2,000 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a previously unparalleled assortment. The continued expansion of the fast-growing e-commerce business is the focus of the #FORWARDBEAUTY.DigitalFirst strategy programme. In fiscal year 2020/21, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.1 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

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DOUGLAS with significant sales and earnings growth in the first quarter 2021/22

• Significant like-for-like sales growth of 16.8 percent in the first quarter (October to December 2021)
• Like-for-like growth of 10.9 percent compared with pre-COVID-19 quarter 
  (Q1 2019/20)
• Like-for-like sales in brick & mortar business up 27.8 percent year-on-year to 866 million euros in the first quarter
• E-commerce sales growth of 75.4 percent compared with pre-COVID-19 quarter (2019/20), continuing at high level vs. prior-year quarter with +1.0 percent
• Group operating result (adjusted EBITDA) improves by 11.6 percent to 191 million euros thanks to good sales performance and strict cost management
• DOUGLAS taps into high-growth health market with acquisition of online pharmacy Disapo B.V.
• Tina Müller, DOUGLAS Group CEO: “The good results in the Christmas quarter, which is so important for us, impressively demonstrate the strength of our business model.”

Düsseldorf, 17 February 2022. DOUGLAS reports a significant increase in sales and earnings for the first quarter of the 2021/22 fiscal year (Oct. to Dec. 2021). While the brick & mortar business has gained significant momentum, the e-commerce business has succeeded in slightly expanding the high sales level of the previous year. Compared with the pre-COVID-19 quarter (2019/20), e-commerce sales grew by 75.4 percent.

Europe's leading premium beauty group increased like-for-like sales by 16.8 percent to 1.3 billion euros in the first quarter. This is 10.9 percent higher than pre-COVID-19 pandemic (2019/20, like-for-like) sales. Like-for-like sales in the brick & mortar business increased by 27.8 percent to 866 million euros. In e-commerce, sales rose by 1.0 percent to 437 million euros. All regions contributed to the good business performance in the first quarter, particularly France and Southeastern Europe. The Spanish business alone remains challenging.

”The good results in the Christmas quarter, which is so important for us, impressively demonstrate the strength of our business model,” said Tina Müller, DOUGLAS Group CEO. ”The store business recorded a clear and noticeable recovery after the long lockdowns. At the same time, we succeeded in slightly expanding the high sales level in e-commerce. With the strategic acquisition of the online pharmacy disapo.de, we are tapping into new growth markets, thus positioning DOUGLAS as a one-stop-shopping platform for beauty and health in Europe.”

Group operating earnings (adjusted EBITDA) rose by 11.6 percent to 191 million euros in the first quarter. In addition to the increase in sales, this was due in particular to ongoing strict cost management and savings from the Store Optimization Program (SOP). At the same time, the EBITDA margin was a very good 14.6 percent, unchanged from the prior-year quarter.

E-commerce: attractiveness of the product range is convincing

Despite the reopening of stores, DOUGLAS succeeded in slightly increasing e-commerce sales from an already high level to 437 million euros. E-commerce as a percentage of Group sales was 33.5 percent. DOUGLAS also further improved the relevant key figures for e-commerce. For example, the average value per basket Group wide rose to 67.50 euros (compared to the prior-year quarter). The share of total e-commerce sales generated via mobile devices increased by 4.1 percentage points to 65.1 percent.

At the same time, DOUGLAS further expanded its strong market position in e-commerce during the past calendar year. The market share in Germany increased by 1 percentage point and in France by 1.6 percentage points.

“We are benefiting from the consistent digitalization of our business model in recent years,“ said Vanessa Stützle, Chief Digital Officer DOUGLAS Group. “We have further expanded our market share in key core countries over the last 12 months, delivering sales growth of over 75 percent in the Christmas quarter compared to before COVID-19. At the same time, we have once again increased efficiency in our online business. We will continue to develop our online offering and thus strengthen our leading role in the market.“

DOUGLAS taps into online health market

By acquiring the Dutch online pharmacy Disapo B.V., DOUGLAS is also tapping into a significant growth market and expanding its portfolio of health products. Based in Heerlen (NL), disapo.de Apotheke B.V. pharmacy is one of the fast-growing providers in the online pharmacy business. “The markets for beauty and health are increasingly converging, which we can clearly see in the wishes of our customers,“ said Tina Müller. In the course of the upcoming introduction of the e-prescriptions in Germany, the online pharmacy business is expected to witness huge growth. “With Disapo, we will systematically exploit the growth opportunities in the online health market. This will enable us to further expand our position as the leading beauty destination with a comprehensive range of health products.“

OVERVIEW FINANCIAL RESULTS

* like-for-like

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is the leading premium beauty group in Europe. Offering more than 160,000 beauty and lifestyle products in online shops, the beauty marketplace and around 2,000 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a previously unparalleled assortment. The continued expansion of the fast-growing e-commerce business is the focus of the #FORWARDBEAUTY.DigitalFirst strategy program. In fiscal year 2020/21, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.1 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

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Beauty and health are converging: DOUGLAS enters online pharmacy market

• DOUGLAS acquires Dutch online pharmacy disapo.de to enter high-growth online pharmacy market
• Online pharmacy to be linked to DOUGLAS platform – launch in Germany
• Plans for gradual expansion of over-the-counter pharmacy products in core European DOUGLAS markets
• Tina Müller, DOUGLAS Group CEO: “The beauty and health markets are increasingly converging. By entering the online pharmacy market, we will systematically exploit the growth opportunities in the healthcare market.”

Düsseldorf, 10 February 2022. With the acquisition of the Dutch online pharmacy Disapo, DOUGLAS is opening up an enormous growth area while also significantly expanding its health product portfolio. For Europe’s leading premium beauty platform, this move is one more step in its systematic digitalisation strategy. Based in Heerlen (NL), disapo.de Apotheke B.V. is among the high-growth providers in the online pharmacy business, currently with Germany and China as core markets. The company with around 200 employees recorded sales in the high double-digit million range in the 2021 financial year. By making this acquisition, DOUGLAS is strengthening two pillars of its growth strategy: the consistent digitalisation of its business model and the expansion of DOUGLAS Group’s offering to include healthcare products.

“The markets for beauty and health are increasingly converging, which we can clearly see in the wishes of our customers,” says DOUGLAS Group CEO Tina Müller. “We recognised this trend early on and began to continuously expand our assortment to include more health products. We will continue to build upon our leading role as a beauty and health platform in this segment. In the course of the upcoming introduction of e-prescriptions in Germany, the online pharmacy business is expected to witness huge growth. With Disapo, we will systematically exploit the growth opportunities in the online health market.”

DOUGLAS will connect Disapo to its own digital platform, thus offering millions of DOUGLAS customers access to the online pharmacy. The launch is planned for the first half of the year, initially in Germany with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, which will be offered, sold and shipped independently via the partner Disapo on the DOUGLAS marketplace. The options for ordering prescription medicines will be further expanded when so-called e-prescriptions are introduced nationwide in Germany in the course of the year.

“By offering over-the-counter medicines and other pharmacy products through Disapo, our marketplace will instantly reach millions of customers in Germany alone. We are thus systematically developing into a beauty and health platform,” says Vanessa Stützle, Chief Digital Officer of DOUGLAS Group. “We are planning a gradual expansion of the online pharmacy offering into our core European countries, thus entering a market with sales in 2020 in excess of 160 billion euros.”

DOUGLAS has already signed a purchase agreement with Disapo founder and CEO Sebastian Kraus. The acquisition remains subject to antitrust approval; the transaction closing is expected in the course of the spring. Sebastian Kraus will remain CEO of disapo.de Apotheke B.V. and will contribute his online retail expertise with pharmaceuticals and other pharmacy products to the partnership with DOUGLAS. “Over the past few years, we have put a great deal of passion and energy into making Disapo a high-performance online pharmacy,” says Kraus. “Now we are pooling our strengths with DOUGLAS to open up outstanding new growth prospects. I am very much looking forward to working with the DOUGLAS management team.”

The sales volume of the German pharmacy market in 2020 is estimated at around 60 billion euros; in the DOUGLAS core countries of France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Austria and the Netherlands, the volume was last estimated at more than 100 billion euros. Online retail accounted for around five percent of the total market in Germany in 2020. Disapo has a broad portfolio and was named “Trend Shop Rising Star of 2022” by Computerbild and Statista.

About the DOUGLAS Group

DOUGLAS is the leading premium beauty platform in Europe. Offering more than 160,000 beauty and lifestyle products in online shops, the beauty marketplace and over 2,000 stores, DOUGLAS inspires customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a previously unparalleled assortment. The continued expansion of the fast-growing e-commerce business is the focus of the #FORWARDBEAUTY.DigitalFirst strategy programme. In fiscal year 2020/2021, DOUGLAS generated sales of 3.1 billion euros in the areas of perfumery, decorative cosmetics, skin and hair care as well as nutritional supplements, health and accessories.

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