The origins of today's DOUGLAS Group date back more than 200 years. It all began in Hamburg's Speicherstadt district – and a lot has happened since then.
With the opening of a soap factory in Hamburg's Speicherstadt in 1821, our namesake, Scottish immigrant John Sharp Douglas, laid the foundation for our company today. From the very beginning, he acts exactly the same way as we still do today: bold, modern, and determined.
Our origins date back around 200 years to Hamburg: a historical photo shows workers in front of the J. S. Douglas Söhne soap factory.
The earliest price list that could be found of the J. S. Söhne Douglas soap factory (around 1870).
In 1830, J. S. Douglas revolutionized soap manufacturing. Thanks to shorter production times, costs could be reduced and the products could reach more people. In 1851, “Chinese Sky Soap” even won a medal at the first World's Exhibition in London.
SINCE
1909
Berta Kolbe is the first woman to take over the management of J.S. Douglas Sons. One year later, Anna and Maria Carstens made her an offer: they wanted to sign a license agreement to use the renowned Douglas name to open a perfumery. In return, Berta Kolbe would receive a secure sales channel. On June 1, 1910, the Carstens sisters opened the first “Parfümerie Douglas” on Neuer Wall in Hamburg. More perfumeries followed in the coming years, while the soap factory continued to produce soap, sunscreen, and toothpaste until the 1990s.
The sisters Maria and Anna Carstens had an idea in 1910 that changed everything: they used the name “Douglas” and opened their first perfumery.
On June 1, 1910, the Carstens sisters opened the first “Parfümerie Douglas” at Neuer Wall 5 in Hamburg. The direct successor to the original store is now located at Jungfernstieg 24.
DOUGLAS focuses on marketing at an early stage – with a strong emphasis on attractive packaging and prominent advertising.
FROM
1969
The confectionary manufacturer Hussel AG takes over the DOUGLAS perfumeries. Under leadership of CEO Dr Jörn Kreke, the company pushes ahead the expansion of its new perfumery branch through further acquisitions and branch openings. In the course of this development, Hussel AG is restructured into a holding company with two separately operating companies: one for confectionery and one for perfumeries. Later, from 1976, all perfumeries are rebranded and named “Parfümerie Douglas”; the affiliated company is now called “Parfümerie Douglas GmbH”.
FROM
1973
With the acquisition of the Austrian perfumery chain Parfümerie Ruttner, DOUGLAS makes a first step towards international expansion. In the 1980s, store openings and further acquisitions follow in the Netherlands, France and Italy. Apart from its international expansion, DOUGLAS also grows in its home market of Germany, for example by acquiring the Er + Sie perfumeries. Until the 2000s, DOUGLAS continues to expand rapidly in Europe, entering markets such as Spain, Poland, Hungary, Romania and Switzerland.
Since the 1980s, DOUGLAS has also been active in France – initially with its own DOUGLAS stores, later with the NOCIBÉ brand.
In 1995, the DOUGLAS Beauty Card was launched, our customer card, which has since developed into a customer loyalty program that now offers attractive benefits to 59 million cardholders (as of September 30, 2024).
The flacon changed its function in the 20th century - from a mere vessel, it transformed into a work of art that reflected the character of the perfume.
SINCE
2000
In addition to the growing store network, DOUGLAS opens its first online shop. More online shops follow in the foreign markets. In 2011, DOUGLAS reaches another milestone and expands its online offering with its first ever mobile app.
FROM
2012
The Kreke family and the financial investor Advent International take over Douglas Holding AG, which at the time also includes the companies Thalia, Christ, Appelrath Cüpper and Hussel. They realign the company with a clear focus on retailing beauty products. DOUGLAS expands internationally and acquires the French perfumery chain NOCIBÉ. In 2015, the company is partially sold to CVC Capital Partners; in 2016, the company headquarters are relocated from Hagen to Düsseldorf.
FROM
2017
DOUGLAS launches the strategic offensive #FORWARDBEAUTY. This includes a new brand identity, the expansion of E-Commerce and the transformation of stationary stores into points of experience. In 2018, DOUGLAS takes over German Parfümerie Akzente and its online shop parfumdreams; one year later, in 2019, DOUGLAS acquires a majority stake in Niche Beauty and launches a beauty partner program in Europe. In 2020, online shops, partner program and stores are integrated on a connected digital platform.
SINCE
2023
Just in time for the start of spring, DOUGLAS kicks off ‘Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026’, a clear omnichannel growth strategy that puts customers at the center of all activities. The strategy is based on four pillars: the Group aims to become the leading omnichannel destination for premium beauty in all of its markets as well as to offer the most distinctive range of brands, the most customer-friendly omnichannel experience and the best operating model.
In 2023, DOUGLAS enters two new markets and opens its first stores in Slovenia and Belgium (image: DOUGLAS store in Antwerp).
In 2024, a new branding and logo are established: In line with its positioning as an omnichannel provider for premium beauty, the company brands itself DOUGLAS Group. With four strong consumer brands - DOUGLAS, NOCIBÉ, Niche Beauty and parfumdreams -, it is active Europe wide and has omnichannel activities in 22 countries.
SINCE
2024
The DOUGLAS Group returns to the Frankfurt Stock Exchange as Douglas AG.
