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Düsseldorf, 7 October, 2024 – The DOUGLAS Group, Europe’s number one omnichannel destination for premium beauty, has rolled out a major redesign of its websites, online shops and apps for a further improved customer experience and enhanced brand positioning aligned with the premium appeal and identity of the DOUGLAS brand. The upgraded design aims to create an emotionally engaging beauty shopping experience and closely interlinks the online channels with the around 1,870 DOUGLAS and NOCIBÉ stores for a true omnichannel journey.
Philipp Andrée, Chief Commercial Officer of the DOUGLAS Group, said: “We know that our customers want more than just being able to do beauty shopping online in addition to visiting the store – they expect a holistic and coherent experience across all channels. At the DOUGLAS Group, we have been following this credo for years. With the redesign, we are now taking the omnichannel experience to a new level while at the same time further elevating the premium appeal of our brand. The team has done a great job and the feedback from our customers clearly shows that we have delivered on their expectations.”
True omnichannel shopping and improved user experience
In line with the growth strategy “Let it Bloom”, the redesign closely interconnects the digital channels with the on-site store experience by e.g. featuring prominent placements of the store finder, dedicated in-store services and omnichannel offerings such as Click & Collect or Click & Collect Express (available in select countries). To further facilitate cross-channel shopping, personalized services are now extended with a new “Favorite Store” function: After selecting a favorite or nearby DOUGLAS or NOCIBÉ store, users can enjoy additional benefits like information on in-store product availability, pre-filled data for e.g. Click & Collect orders, and notifications about upcoming events.
Beyond the increased omnichannel activation and a greatly enhanced, uniform look and feel with expanded space for brand showcases and clutter-free high-quality visuals, the new websites, online shops and apps also include a wide range of UX & UI updates to assist customers in quickly finding the information or product they are looking for. Customer centricity is a key success factor for the DOUGLAS Group: As part of the development process, the project team has conducted numerous User Tests and A/B Tests to ensure the highest degree of customer satisfaction.
App as a key performance driver
The online business is an important pillar of the DOUGLAS Group strategy and accounts for around one third of total Group sales. In the third quarter of the financial year 2023/24, E-Com contributed 9.8% growth in sales (net). The app in particular is a strong growth driver: It recorded more than 125 million visits in the last full financial year, drives loyalty and customer activation, and acts as an omnichannel hyperconnector with around 24% of DOUGLAS Group customers also using the app.
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 1,870 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. The DOUGLAS Group (Douglas AG) is listed at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Katharina Lessenich
CvD Group Communications
Tel: +49 211 16847 6644
Mail: newsroom@douglas.de
Düsseldorf, 14 August, 2024 – The DOUGLAS Group, Europe’s number one omnichannel destination for premium beauty, continued its strong financial and business performance in the third quarter of the financial year 2023/24 (April to June 2024) as it successfully further implements its “Let it Bloom” strategy. Since going public in March 2024, the company significantly deleveraged its balance sheet and strategically sharpened its profile as a customer-centric premium beauty retailer.
In the third quarter of the financial year 2023/24, the DOUGLAS Group grew sales (net) by 7.3% to 977.1 million euros (Q3 22/23: 910.5 million euros), confirming preliminary numbers published 17 July 2024. Store sales (net) grew by 7.2% (lfl: +6.3%) and E-Com sales (net) 7.5% year-on-year (lfl: +9.8%) – underlining the Group’s uniquely positioned omnichannel business model.
Sander van der Laan, CEO of the DOUGLAS Group, said: “Our sustained strong performance and continued growth – even above our expectations – demonstrate the resilience of our business model. Fully focusing on premium beauty is the right course for us, and this strategy strongly resonates with our customers. We’ll continue to build on this success and our strong brand.”
High demand for on-site shopping and personal beauty advice
DOUGLAS stores across Europe recorded a strong uplift in both visitors (+16.9%) and customers (+8.1%), emphasizing the important on-site experience and personal advice in beauty retail. The online business – which accounted for around one third of total Group sales – developed particularly well in DACHNL and CEE.
The DOUGLAS Group has successfully completed the integration of parfumdreams logistics into the OWAC (OWAC = One Warehouse, All Channels) in Hamm, Germany. As a result of temporary operational challenges directly related to the integration, segment sales (net) of PD/NB decreased by -10.2%. For the future, the DOUGLAS Group anticipates a significant positive impact on cost efficiency, profitability and ultimately the customer experience due to the streamlined supply chain.
From April to June 2024, the DOUGLAS Group achieved an adj. EBITDA of 162.9 million euros (Q3 22/23: 154.3 million euros), an improvement of 5.6% over the previous year. This corresponds to an adj. EBITDA margin of 16.7% (Q3 22/23: 16.9%).
The financial result was impacted by negative one-off effects of around 85 million euros – around 31 million euros of which are cash effective – related to the redemption of secured notes and senior unsecured notes in April following the company’s IPO. Net income thus came in at -71.6 million euros (Q3 22/23: -26.1 million euros).
Full-year sales guidance raised due to strong performance in the first nine months
In the first nine months of the financial year (October 2023 to June 2024), Group sales (net) increased by 8.7% to around 3.5 billion euros (9M 22/23: around 3.2 billion euros). Growth was driven by both store sales (net) which rose by 8.2% (lfl: +7.4%) and E-Com which grew even stronger at 9.8% (lfl: +11.9%). In the same period, the Group generated an adj. EBITDA of 657.1 million euros, up 11.5% compared to the previous year and corresponding to an adj. EBITDA margin of 18.8% (9M 22/23: 18.4%). Free cash flow rose to 465.2 million euros.
Following the sustained positive business development and strong sales (net) numbers for the third quarter and first nine months, the DOUGLAS Group has raised its outlook for the financial year 2023/24 on 17 July 2024. The company now expects net sales to grow around 8.5% (previously: around 7%). The Group is well on track to deliver its mid-term earnings guidance of an expected adj. EBITDA margin of around 18.5%, after 17.7% in the financial year 2022/23.
Continuous development of store network – grand reopening in Vienna
The store business is a key pillar and growth driver for the DOUGLAS Group; just recently it celebrated the reopening of its “House of Beauty” luxury flagship store in Vienna with a grand ceremony and a visit by Hollywood star and DOUGLAS Group testimonial Diane Kruger. The luxury store offers a strong and curated selection of brands and products as well as individual beauty services on two floors with a sales area of 795m².
The company is on track to achieve its target of more than 200 store openings (net) and more than 400 store refurbishments by the end of 2026: In the first nine months of the financial year, it has opened 38 new stores and refurbished 69 existing ones (including relocations). 19 stores were closed in the same period, which included six franchise stores.
Truly Beauty, truly Premium: DOUGLAS Group refines its profile
In line with its growth strategy “Let it Bloom”, the DOUGLAS Group further sharpened its profile. With the sale of online pharmacy Disapo to Dutch MYA Health completed at the end of July, the Group now fully focusses on its resilient and fast-growing core premium beauty business where it strives to provide the best omnichannel shopping experience for its customers.
To further enhance the DOUGLAS Group’s premium positioning across all channels and along all customer touchpoints, the Group websites including the online shop and apps will receive a new look and feel starting in early September, aligned with the premium appeal and identity of the DOUGLAS brand. The redesign aims to create an emotionally engaging and inspiring beauty experience for customers – no matter on which device they prefer to shop. Alongside the new interface and a standardized infrastructure, the online channels will be more closely interlinked with the DOUGLAS and NOCIBÉ stores, offering customers a true omnichannel shopping experience.
Overview Financial Results
Q3 FY 2023/24 | Q3 2022/23 | Q3 2023/24 | Change | Change |
Sales (net) | €910.5m | €977.1m | +7.3% | +7.4% |
Stores | €619.3m | €664.1m | +7.2% | +6.3% |
E-Commerce | €291.2m | €313.0m | +7.5% | +9.8% |
E-Commerce % of sales (net) | 32.0% | 32.0% | +0.1ppt |
|
Segment DACHNL | €423.2m | €465.2m | +9.9% | +10.6% |
Segment France | €166.3m | €174.3m | +4.8% | +3.8% |
Segment Southern Europe | €139.3m | €146.2m | +4.9% | +3.7% |
Segment Central Eastern Europe | €124.8m | €144.0 | +15.3% | +12.2% |
| Segment PD/NB | €44.8m | €40.3m | -10.2% | -10.2% |
Adjusted EBITDA | €154.3m | €162.9m | +5.6% |
|
Net Income | -€26.1m | -€71.6m | -173.9% |
|
9M FY 2023/24 | 9M 2022/23 | 9M 2023/24 | Change | Change |
Sales (net) | €3,210.8m | €3,491.1m | +8.7% | +8.9% |
Stores | €2,156.1m | €2,332.9m | +8.2% | +7.4% |
E-Commerce | €1,054.7m | €1,158.2m | +9.8% | +11.9% |
E-Commerce % of sales (net) | 32.8% | 33.2% | +0.3ppt |
|
Segment DACHNL | €1,461.5m | €1,612.6m | +10.3% | +10.4% |
Segment France | €652.5m | €678.1m | +3.9% | +3.4% |
Segment Southern Europe | €495.5m | €522.3m | +5.4% | +4.8% |
Segment Central Eastern Europe | €428.9m | €505.8m | +17.9% | +15.2% |
| Segment PD/NB | €131.5m | €147.1m | +11.9% | +12.3% |
Adjusted EBITDA | €589.2m | €657.1m | +11.5% |
|
Liquidity (30 June) | €239.4m | €106.2m |
|
|
Net Income | €44.9m | €12.2m | -72.7% |
|
Segment Overview: DACHNL (Germany / Austria / Switzerland, The Netherlands / Belgium), France (France, Monaco), Southern Europe (Croatia / Slovenia, Italy, Portugal, Spain / Andorra), Central Eastern Europe / CEE (Bulgaria / Romania, Czech Republic / Slovakia / Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland), PD/NB (Parfumdreams / Niche Beauty)
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 1,870 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. The DOUGLAS Group (Douglas AG) is listed at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Peter Wübben
SVP Group Communications & Sustainability
Tel: +49 211 16847 6644
Mail: pr@douglas.de
Stefanie Steiner
Director Investor Relations and M&A
Tel: +49 211 16847 8594
Mail: ir@douglas.de
Düsseldorf, 1 August, 2024 – The DOUGLAS Group, Europe’s number one omnichannel destination for premium beauty, promotes its successful Corporate Brand DOUGLAS COLLECTION (NOCIBÉ COLLECTION in France) with a dedicated 360-degree brand campaign under the slogan “#IYKYK – IF YOU KNOW YOU KNOW” – the first-ever DOUGLAS & NOCIBÉ COLLECTION brand campaign. The campaign, which focuses on the brand's make-up range, will be launched on 1 August and activated internationally across all online and offline channels between August and September.
"Not only do we have strong, well-known premium beauty retail brands with DOUGLAS and NOCIBÉ, but also a comprehensive range of high-quality products and brands developed at and exclusively available at the DOUGLAS Group”, says Anke Menkhorst, SVP Group Marketing at the DOUGLAS Group. “With its first-ever international omnichannel brand campaign, we want to increase awareness of our largest in-house brand, the DOUGLAS & NOCIBÉ COLLECTION."
Campaign concept based on consumer insights and picking up on a social media trend
The campaign’s attention-grabbing slogan, the hashtag #IYKYK, picks up on a current social media trend and alludes to insider knowledge – in this case that the DOUGLAS & NOCIBÉ COLLECTION offers high-quality make-up products at an affordable price.
"With our DOUGLAS & NOCIBÉ COLLECTION, we aim to democratize premium cosmetics. We believe: Beauty is a right, not a privilege!”, says Susanne Cornelius, CEO Corporate Brands at the DOUGLAS Group. “The idea for the campaign concept emerged from a consumer insight: Customers who have tried DOUGLAS & NOCIBÉ COLLECTION products once and know about their premium quality gladly come back for more – in other words: if you know, you know."
The campaign primarily targets young, social media-savvy consumers. Its aim is to raise awareness of the DOUGLAS & NOCIBÉ COLLECTION brand concept and make-up products and to expand the target group by creating talk value.
Strong focus on beauty expertise and personal advice in DOUGLAS and NOCIBÉ stores
The campaign focuses on the DOUGLAS & NOCIBÉ COLLECTION make-up bestsellers and customers’ product favorites as well as the beauty expertise of around 15,000 Beauty Advisors in the DOUGLAS and NOCIBÉ stores across Europe. Highlighted products include the Skin Augmenting Hydra Powder and the Lash Curve Mascara as bestsellers, and the Lovely Lip Oil as a novelty. They all feature high-quality formulas, exceptional textures, and sophisticated effects at an affordable price.
Free DOUGLAS & NOCIBÉ COLLECTION make-up touch-ups will be offered in all DOUGLAS and NOCIBÉ stores during the campaign period (varies by country) so that customers can try and experience the products themselves. The promotion underlines DOUGLAS’ and NOCIBÉ’s premium brand positioning with a strong focus on beauty expertise, inspiration, and personal advice.
Target group-oriented omnichannel activation
In line with the DOUGLAS Group's omnichannel model, the campaign will be activated internationally across all online and offline channels for a consistent brand experience at all touchpoints. Special focus is placed on target group-oriented social media and influencer activations with educational and interactive content formats as well as an innovative event concept in cooperation with Café Soulbrunch in Düsseldorf, Germany. For one month, customers can test the DOUGLAS COLLECTION products in a special atmosphere and experience them in the form of an exclusive #IYKYK menu inspired by the products. The local activation kicks off with an influencer event that includes a DOUGLAS COLLECTION masterclass, food tastings, and other innovative activities.
About DOUGLAS Group Corporate Brands
Corporate Brands are an important strategic pillar of the DOUGLAS Group’s assortment, ranging across all core product categories. They are aimed at building customer loyalty as well as broadening the customer base by capturing current trends and offering a great value proposition.
The largest Corporate Brand is the DOUGLAS & NOCIBÉ COLLECTION. It is positioned as an entry point to the premium beauty assortment and offers consumers high-quality products at an affordable price in all relevant beauty categories: skin care, make-up, hair care, fragrances, and accessories. The other three Corporate Brands Dr. Susanne von Schmiedeberg, Jardin Bohème, and one.two.free! capitalize on selected growth segments, such as specialist face care and fragrance. The DOUGLAS Group continuously strives to refresh its Corporate Brands Portfolio with a well-filled innovation pipeline.
Corporate Brands boost the Groups’ profitability and growth and accounted for approximately 7.5% of sales (net) in the financial year 2022/23. As part of its ‘Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026’ strategy, the DOUGLAS Group aims to significantly increase sales (net) from Corporate Brands until 2027 and beyond.
With its brands DOUGLAS, NOCIBÉ, parfumdreams and Niche Beauty, the DOUGLAS Group is the leading omnichannel provider of premium beauty in Europe. The DOUGLAS Group inspires its customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a unique assortment online and in around 1,860 stores. The DOUGLAS Group is the partner of choice for brands and offers a selected range of exclusive brands as well as its own corporate brands. The product range includes fragrances, make-up, skin care, hair care, accessories and beauty services. The corporate strategy "Let it Bloom - DOUGLAS 2026" focuses on strengthening the successful omnichannel positioning and the consistent further development of the customer experience. The successful business model is based on the DOUGLAS Group's omnichannel offering, leading brands and data expertise. In the 2022/23 financial year, the DOUGLAS Group generated sales of 4.1 billion euros and employed around 18,000 people across Europe. The DOUGLAS Group (Douglas AG) is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Katharina Lessenich
CvD Group Communications
Tel: +49 211 16847 6644
Mail: pr@douglas.de
Düsseldorf, 31 July, 2024 – The DOUGLAS Group, Europe’s number one omnichannel destination for premium beauty, today announced a change in the organization in the Netherlands and Belgium: After more than 25 years in different functions at the DOUGLAS Group, Willem Duthler, CEO BENE, has decided to step down from his role due to personal reasons as of 9 September 2024. He will be succeeded by Sebastiaan de Jong as new CEO Netherlands and Belgium.
Sebastiaan de Jong brings a wealth of experience from different retail functions to the DOUGLAS Group. With more than 25 years in various international managerial positions at Dutch drugstore chain Etos, Dutch retailer Ahold and Intergamma Benelux, he has a proven track record of strategically driving growth and innovation in the retail sector. Sebastiaan de Jong will start at the DOUGLAS Group on 12 August 2024, ensuring a smooth transition before taking over the baton from Willem Duthler in September.
“I am really happy that we were able to win Sebastiaan for this position. His expertise in the European retail landscape combined with his inclusive leadership style and ability to create strong teams will be instrumental as we continue to bring our strategy ‘Let it Bloom’ to life in the Netherlands and Belgium. We look forward to our future collaboration and wish Sebastiaan a great start at the DOUGLAS Group,” said Sander van der Laan, CEO DOUGLAS Group.
Willem Duthler joined DOUGLAS in 1998 as Commercial Manager and eventually became CEO for the Netherlands in 2005. In addition to this position, he held mandates as CEO of the Czech Republic, Latvia and Lithuania organizations as well as Germany and Switzerland, before stepping into his current position in 2017. Under his leadership, the DOUGLAS Group has achieved significant milestones: Thanks to an outstanding team in the country, the company greatly expanded its market presence in the Netherlands, and is on a successful growth trajectory in Belgium as well.
“We would like to thank Willem for his ongoing contribution to the growth of our business – not only in the Netherlands and Belgium. Willem has built a strong team that was further elevated by his experience. He has been an invaluable leader, showing vision and dedication over the past 26 years. I have truly enjoyed our cooperation” said Sander van der Laan. “We wish him all the best in his new phase of life.”
With its brands DOUGLAS, NOCIBÉ, parfumdreams and Niche Beauty, the DOUGLAS Group is the leading omnichannel provider of premium beauty in Europe. The DOUGLAS Group inspires its customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a unique assortment online and in around 1,860 stores. The DOUGLAS Group is the partner of choice for brands and offers a selected range of exclusive brands as well as its own corporate brands. The product range includes fragrances, make-up, skin care, hair care, accessories and beauty services. The corporate strategy "Let it Bloom - DOUGLAS 2026" focuses on strengthening the successful omnichannel positioning and the consistent further development of the customer experience. The successful business model is based on the DOUGLAS Group's omnichannel offering, leading brands and data expertise. In the 2022/23 financial year, the DOUGLAS Group generated sales of 4.1 billion euros and employed around 18,000 people across Europe. The DOUGLAS Group (Douglas AG) is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Peter Wübben
SVP Group Communications & Sustainability
Tel: +49 211 16847 6644
Mail: pr@douglas.de
Düsseldorf, 17 July, 2024 – The DOUGLAS Group, Europe’s number one omnichannel destination for premium beauty, has raised its sales (net) growth forecast for the current financial year from previously around 7% to around 8.5% following sustained positive business development and strong preliminary net sales numbers for the third quarter and first nine months. At the same time, the company is well on its way to deliver the mid-term earnings forecast of an expected adj. EBITDA margin of around 18.5%, after 17.7% in the financial year 22/23. In line with its strategy “Let it Bloom”, the DOUGLAS Group also pushes ahead with its strategic focus on the strongly growing core premium beauty business and is selling its online pharmacy Disapo to MYA Health B.V.
Strong third quarter and first nine months of the financial year
Based on preliminary numbers, the DOUGLAS Group continued its growth trajectory and increased sales (net) by 7.3% in the period from April to June 2024. The growth stems from a strong performance in both channels: while store sales (net) went up 7.2%, E-Com sales (net) grew 7.5%.
In the first nine months (October 2023 – June 2024), Group sales (net) increased by 8.7% to 3.5 billion euros (PY: 3.2 billion euros). This growth was broad-based with store sales (net) rising by 8.2% and E-Com growing even stronger at 9.8%. The performance underscores the Group’s successful omnichannel model.
Sander van der Laan, CEO of the DOUGLAS Group, said: “We have made excellent progress in recent years and months and increased our sales again in the third quarter. We are growing stronger than expected and continue to improve our profitability. This is exactly how we want to continue.”
The full set of financial figures for the third quarter of the financial year will be published on 14 August 2024.
Clear focus on premium beauty – sale of Disapo to MYA Health B.V. in final stages
The due diligence has been successfully completed and the selling agreement for Disapo was signed by MYA Health B.V. on 16 July 2024. The transaction is expected to be closed by the end of July 2024. As a result of the sale of its online pharmacy business, the DOUGLAS Group anticipates improvements in its profitability in the future.
The DOUGLAS Group had initially acquired Disapo in 2022 as part of its former strategy to enter the pharmacy market and converge beauty and health. With its new growth strategy “Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026”, introduced in early 2023, the company has since made the fundamental decision to fully shift the focus on the resilient and strongly growing core premium beauty business across its stationary stores and online shops. As such, the DOUGLAS Group had been evaluating various strategic options for its online pharmacy business, eventually leading to the sale of Disapo to MYA Health.
Disapo currently employs around 90 people. The sale of the company has no effect on employees and operations at this point in time. As a result of the transaction, MYA Health will acquire all shares and activities of Disapo, including inventories, the logistics center near Aachen and all assets and intellectual property.
About Disapo and MYA Health
Online pharmacy Disapo B.V. is headquartered in the Dutch city of Heerlen. Operating from its own logistics center near Aachen, Disapo ships a wide range of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription pharmaceuticals as well as cosmetics and supplements.
MYA Health, based in Amsterdam, operates a mobile app offering services around prescriptions and prescription medication, which was founded in 2021 by Christian-Alexander Vry and Dr. Daniel Lewinski. MYA Health is backed by a number of investors, including Fiege Logistics. The combination of MYA and Disapo creates an all-in-one digital offering for people who rely on prescription drugs.
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 1,860 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. The DOUGLAS Group (Douglas AG) is listed at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Peter Wübben
SVP Group Communications & Sustainability
Tel: +49 211 16847 6644
Mail: pr@douglas.de
Stefanie Steiner
Director Investor Relations and M&A
Tel: +49 211 16847 8594
Mail: ir@douglas.de
Vienna, July 1, 2024 - DOUGLAS is reopening its luxury flagship store in the heart of Vienna, in Ernst Wahliss' porcelain department store. After closing in mid-April, the store shines in new splendor after just a few weeks of modernization. From July 1st, Viennese and international customers can expect an extensive and luxurious product portfolio as well as individual services on two floors with a total of 795 square meters.
"Our new store at Kärntner Straße 17, right in the heart of Vienna, is an outstanding example of our strategy," says Veit Weiland, CEO DOUGLAS DACH. "It is a triad of iconic architecture, historic urbanity, luxury and expertise in the space. Vienna is a cultural stronghold, center and contact point for European and international customers who value quality, service, inspiration and exclusive products. Here, our customers can enjoy a luxurious shopping experience tailored to their needs. The strategic optimization of our store network is a key component of the Group-wide omnichannel strategy 'Let it Bloom - DOUGLAS 2026'. The House of Beauty in Vienna not only marks a significant and important milestone in Austria, but also the long-term and sustainable implementation of our strategy within the DOUGLAS Group throughout Europe. One thing is certain for us: the stores are and will remain an important point of contact for our customers."
Tradition meets luxury: the DOUGLAS House of Beauty in Vienna
With its unique porcelain-clad façade in the prestigious historicist style, Kärntner Straße 17 is one of Vienna's most famous addresses. The Viennese House of Beauty extends generously over two floors, in which historicist building elements merge with high-quality materials in a modern color concept of white, black and grey with golden accents to create an exclusive shopping ambience with a feel-good factor. The interior design follows a stringent, aesthetic scheme that combines varied product displays and service points to create an inviting and functional retail concept. The beauty favorite in the bustling city center stages exclusive brands such as Nars, Drunk Elephant and Charlotte Tilbury within appealing theme worlds and offers new, innovative beauty applications.
Product diversity in the DOUGLAS brand worlds
On the first floor of the DOUGLAS store, customers can experience the thematically divided theme, brand and product worlds. From facial care brands to trendy decorative cosmetics brands, the store presents a carefully curated brand mix of innovations, bestsellers and classics. The upper floor is home to a diverse range of luxury and niche fragrances, with highlight brands including XERJOFF, Versace Atelier and Creed. The central element of the extensive range is a world of luxury brands, including Chanel, Armani, Tom Ford, Lancôme and Austria's exclusive brands Charlotte Tilbury, Carolina Herrera, Augustinus Bader and Dr. Barbara Sturm. The classics are complemented by young brands such as Sol de Janeiro, MAC and Kylie Cosmetics.
Comprehensive selection of individually tailored services and beauty suite
DOUGLAS customers can look forward to a professional and individual shopping experience: from waxing and plucking to tinting and brow lifting - eyebrows are skillfully staged at the Benefit Brow Bar. In addition, the service portfolio also offers a professional, free skin analysis for personalized care and product recommendations. The highlight of the versatile store concept is the new Beauty Suite on the second floor: perfectly coordinated skincare treatments from brand partners Sensai, La Prairie, Babor, Dermalogica, Dr. Susanne von Schmiedeberg and La Mer as well as innovative, luxurious facial treatments such as microneedling, microdermabrasion, ultrasound and hydrafacial, as well as manicures and pedicures are offered here. For those who need to get ready quickly, the store offers an after-work make-up service, where customers can be styled for the evening in just 15 minutes.
Grand opening celebration
From competitions, lucky bike raffles and products to test, to photo spots and product consultations - at the grand opening celebration from July 18, Viennese customers can look forward to three days of diverse promotions, offers and special beauty entertainment. There will also be a GHD styling station on an event area directly in front of the store.
With its brands DOUGLAS, NOCIBÉ, parfumdreams and Niche Beauty, the DOUGLAS Group is the leading omnichannel provider of premium beauty in Europe. The DOUGLAS Group inspires its customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a unique assortment online and in around 1,860 stores. The DOUGLAS Group is the partner of choice for brands and offers a selected range of exclusive brands as well as its own corporate brands. The product range includes fragrances, make-up, skin care, hair care, accessories and beauty services. The corporate strategy "Let it Bloom - DOUGLAS 2026" focuses on strengthening the successful omnichannel positioning and the consistent further development of the customer experience. The successful business model is based on the DOUGLAS Group's omnichannel offering, leading brands and data expertise. In the 2022/23 financial year, the DOUGLAS Group generated sales of 4.1 billion euros and employed around 18,000 people across Europe. The DOUGLAS Group (Douglas AG) is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Yasmin Badaghlou
Corporate Communications Manager
Tel: +49 211 16847 6644
Mail: pr@douglas.de
Düsseldorf, 5 June, 2024 – The DOUGLAS Group, Europe’s number one omnichannel destination for premium beauty, is testing its AI Beauty Advisor Chatbot as the latest innovation in its strategy to elevate the omnichannel customer experience as the company continues to expand its wide AI technology portfolio. Leveraging Google Cloud’s advanced AI technology, the chatbot POC is designed to assist and inspire customers with personalized product recommendations, beauty advice and routine ideas, and gift shopping guidance based on individual preferences and dynamic conversations. During the early testing, the chatbot is available for DOUGLAS Group employees only. Whether it will ultimately be rolled out for customers depends largely on the results of the current test phase.
Pioneering customer experience and operations with AI
The DOUGLAS Group continuously develops and tests new ideas and solutions to elevate the experience for customers – online and offline. In the past, the company has introduced several digital innovations in its stores and apps, including a skin analysis tool allowing customers to determine their skin type, a Fragrance Finder helping users to discover the perfect perfume, and the Beauty Mirror which utilizes augmented reality to enable customers to virtually test various cosmetics.
Beyond these frontend tools, the Group also further leverages AI across large parts of its organization such as pricing, demand forecasting & replenishment as well as marketing, e.g. by utilizing generative AI to accelerate the creation of text and images and to optimize budget allocation.
Integration of beauty profile for personalized shopping advice
The new AI Beauty Advisor Chatbot POC is the latest example of the Group’s commitment to innovation. It leverages Google Cloud’s advanced technology to navigate the DOUGLAS Group’s extensive online product assortment. By understanding and predicting customer preferences, the chatbot enhances the shopping experience, making it more intuitive, enjoyable, and efficient. The chatbot is designed to, when logged in, integrate the data of a customer’s beauty profile – such as product preferences and information from the skin type analysis – to deliver a highly personalized experience.
For example, if asked, “Can you recommend a moisturizing serum suited for dry skin?”, the chatbot can provide specific and customized product recommendations from the wide range of DOUGLAS Group products, taking into account product data like ingredients, brands, price, and personal preferences.
AI to transform interaction between customers and brands
Philipp Andrée, Chief Commercial Officer of the DOUGLAS Group, said: “Our collaboration with Google Cloud and the early testing of an AI Beauty Advisor Chatbot are a testament to our commitment to innovation and always staying on the cutting edge to improve the customer experience. In today's fast-paced world, customers seek hyper-personalized shopping and inspiration, and with innovations such as an AI Beauty Advisor Chatbot we are always working towards meeting these needs. Collaborating with Google Cloud, a leader in AI technology, allows us to leverage their expertise to constantly experiment with new services and offerings for an unparalleled omnichannel beauty shopping experience.”
Bernd Wagner, Managing Director of Google Cloud, Germany, said: “Our collaboration with the DOUGLAS Group marks a significant step in bringing advanced AI solutions to the retail industry. The AI Beauty Advisor Chatbot, developed in collaboration with Google Cloud, showcases the potential of technology to transform the way consumers interact with brands and products - factors critical to a company’s future success."
Currently in early testing, the chatbot is being fine-tuned based on internal feedback to ensure it meets the highest standards of performance and reliability prior to a potential rollout for customers.
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 1,860 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.
Katharina Lessenich
CvD Group Communications
Tel: +49 211 16847 6644
Mail: pr@douglas.de
Düsseldorf, 29 May, 2024 – The DOUGLAS Group, Europe’s number one omnichannel destination for premium beauty, continued to grow profitably in the second quarter of the financial year 2023/24 (January – March 2024) and accelerated its trajectory with double-digit offline and online growth.
Confirming preliminary numbers published 15 April 2024, the DOUGLAS Group grew overall sales (net) by 11.5% to around 958 million euros (Q2 2022/23: nearly 860 million euros). Both stores and E-Com developed well: Store sales (net) increased by 11.9% (lfl: +10.8%) and E-Com sales (net) by 10.7% (lfl: +10.4%). Keeping their growth momentum, Group sales have now increased for eleven consecutive quarters.
Sander van der Laan, CEO of the DOUGLAS Group, said: “We have confirmed our trend and market position with a strong second quarter and good performance in all our segments. Our omnichannel model continues to drive our growth while we kept costs under control and thus further improved our profitability. Beyond that, our recent refinancing greatly expanded our financial flexibility. All of this puts us in an excellent spot to meet our annual and mid-term guidance.”
In the second quarter of the financial year 2023/24, the DOUGLAS Group continued to improve its profitability and generated an adj. EBITDA of 145.9 million euros (Q2 2022/23: 125.5 million euros), a rise of 16.2% compared to the previous year. This corresponds to an adj. EBITDA margin of 15.2%, an increase of 0.6 percentage points year-on-year. All segments contributed to overall sales (net) and adj. EBITDA growth. Net income from January to March came in at ‑41.3 million euros (Q2 2022/23: -42.2 million euros) and was affected by a number of non-recurring effects, including expenses in connection with the DOUGLAS Group’s IPO at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in March 2024 and a positive one-off effect in the financial result due to the valuation of bonds and related assets.
Strong momentum in first six months of the financial year
From October 2023 to March 2024, the DOUGLAS Group achieved net sales of around 2.5 billion euros (+9.3%) and generated an adj. EBITDA of 494.2 million euros, a considerable increase of 13.6% compared to the same period in the financial year 2022/2023. On a half-year basis, store sales (net) increased by 8.6% (lfl: +7.7%) and E-Com sales (net) by 10.7% (lfl: +10.5%), demonstrating the resilience of the omnichannel model and sustained customer demand both offline and online. Net income in the first six months was at 83.9 million euros (H1 2022/23: 71.0 million euros), up 18.1% year-on-year. In addition to the IPO costs, mainly incurred in the second quarter, the half-year was affected by non-recurring effects in the financial result. Free cash flow amounted to 363.4 million euros compared to 237.8 million euros in the previous year.
In April 2024, following its listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, the DOUGLAS Group completed a comprehensive refinancing and reduced its net debt by around 1.3 billion euros through the primary proceeds from the IPO, an equity injection by CVC and the Kreke family as well as available liquidity. The new financing comes with improved conditions leading to an expected reduction of yearly interest expenses of up to 100 million euros. The leverage ratio has decreased significantly within a year from 5.0x per 31.03.2023 to 2.7x as of 31.03.2024. The company remains committed to further deleveraging and accordingly expects a positive impact on the future net income.
“Let it Bloom – DOUGLAS 2026” implementation well on track
The strong development in recent quarters has been visibly supported by the ongoing implementation of "Let it Bloom". The DOUGLAS Group has recently taken further strategic decisions and passed several key milestones which it expects to drive the positive momentum:
DOUGLAS Group confirms outlook for financial year 2023/24
The DOUGLAS Group forecasts sales (net) to increase by around 7% in the financial year 2023/24 and also mid-term, driven by both channels with an anticipated increase of store sales (net) in the mid-single-digit range and an anticipated increase of E-Com sales (net) in the high-single-digit range. EBITDA is developing positively, in line with the target to develop to an adj. EBITDA margin of around 18.5%. With the results achieved in the first half of the financial year 2023/24, the DOUGLAS Group is well positioned to deliver on this guidance and achieve both this year’s targets as well as the mid-term expectations.
Overview Financial Results
Q2 FY 2023/24 | Q2 2022/23 | Q2 2023/24 | Change | Change |
Sales (net) | €859.7m | €958.4m | +11.5% | +10.7% |
Stores | €560.1m | €626.9m | +11.9% | +10.8% |
E-Commerce | €299.6m | €331.5m | +10.7% | +10.4% |
E-Commerce % of sales (net) | 34.9% | 34.6% | -0.3ppts |
|
Segment DACHNL | €399.8m | €459.4m | +14.9% | +14.9% |
Segment France | €161.0m | €168.5m | +4.6% | +4.1% |
Segment Southern Europe | €133.9m | €141.9m | +5.9% | +6.1% |
Segment CEE | €113.3m | €136.2m | +20.2% | +17.8% |
| Segment PD/NB | €36.5m | €43.7m | +19.8% | +20.4% |
Adjusted EBITDA | €125.5m | €145.9m | +16.2% |
|
Net Income | -€42.2m | -€41.3m | +2.0% |
|
H1 FY 2023/24 | H1 2022/23 | H1 2023/24 | Change | Change |
Sales (net) | €2,300.3m | €2,514.0m | +9.3% | +8.7% |
Stores | €1,536.8m | €1,668.8m | +8,6% | +7.7% |
E-Commerce | €763.5m | €845.2m | +10.7% | +10.5% |
E-Commerce % of sales (net) | 33.2% | 33.6% | +0.4ppts |
|
Segment DACHNL | €1,038.3m | €1,147.4m | +10.5% | +10.2% |
Segment France | €486.1m | €503.8m | +3.6% | +3.3% |
Segment Southern Europe | €356.1m | €376.1m | +5.6% | +5.3% |
Segment CEE | €304.1m | €361.8m | +19.0% | +16.3% |
| Segment PD/NB | €86.6m | €106.9m | +23.4% | +23.9% |
Adjusted EBITDA | €435.0m | €494.2m | +13.6% |
|
Liquidity (31 March)* | €238.2m | €818.6m | +243.7% |
|
Net Income | €71.0m | €83.9m | +18.1% |
|
* As of 31 March 2024, only parts of the IPO proceeds as well as the equity injection have been used to repay financial debt. The full refinancing became effective on 15 April 2024.
Segment Overview: DACHNL (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, The Netherlands), France (France, Monaco), Southern Europe (Andorra, Croatia, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain), Central Eastern Europe / CEE (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia), PD/NB (Parfumdreams, Niche Beauty)
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 1,860 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. The DOUGLAS Group (Douglas AG) is listed at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Peter Wübben
SVP Group Communications & Sustainability
Tel: +49 211 16847 6644
Mail: pr@douglas.de
Stefanie Steiner
Director Investor Relations and M&A
Tel: +49 211 16847 8594
Mail: ir@douglas.de
Have you heard about DOUGLAS Daily? Our new beauty multimedia library for Germany, Austria and Switzerland? In addition to packshots and press information about products from our exclusive brands and own brands, you can also discover more about a steadily growing portfolio of other brands available at DOUGLAS, in the form of informative brand pages, a pool of experts and a magazine full of inspiring lifestyle content.
GO TO DOUGLAS DAILY (GERMAN)
PRESS CONTACT PRODUCT, BEAUTY & LIFESTYLE
Do you have further questions about the DOUGLAS Group? The team in our Communications department will be happy to assist you and looks forward to your message or call.
SVP Group Communications & Sustainability
Luise-Rainer-Str. 7–11
40235 Düsseldorf
CvD Group Communications
Luise-Rainer-Str. 7–11
40235 Düsseldorf
Corporate Communications Manager – Sustainability & ESG
Luise-Rainer-Str. 7–11
40235 Düsseldorf
