The Douglas perfumery chain has announced an increase in sales and significantly higher profits for the 2024/25 financial year. However, after a good start from October to December 2024, consumer sentiment and consumer spending weakened at the beginning of 2025, particularly in Germany and France, the retail chain announced when presenting its annual results. Nevertheless, sales rose by 2.8 per cent to almost 4.6 billion euros. Both the expansion of the branch network and e-commerce contributed to this. Cross-channel services such as Click & Collect Express performed very well. Thanks to significantly lower debt, the group's net profit more than doubled to 175 million euros.

Expansion of the network and a look at the Gulf region

"In a very volatile and challenging year, we achieved results that were broadly in line with expectations," said Douglas Group CEO Sander van der Laan. "We expect solid growth in the European premium beauty market going forward. We have the strength and ambition to continue growing and anticipate momentum from the expansion of our store network and the development of new markets." Douglas is currently considering entering the Gulf region, where it sees great potential for the premium beauty business, van der Laan announced. With its thriving retail landscape, rapidly growing markets and affluent customer base, the region is predestined for premium beauty offerings. A decision is expected this year.

Moderate growth with new stores

In the 2024/25 financial year, 74 new stores were opened, including the first flagship store in Tallinn, Estonia. Douglas now has 1,960 stores across Europe with almost 20,000 employees. The group has also launched three new brands: NEST, Iräye and Drybar. A new campaign platform also creates uniform brand communication in all 22 omnichannel countries. According to van der Laan, the Düsseldorf-based group will continue to invest in strategic initiatives, including IT, supply chains and harmonised processes and systems for the entire organisation. The company is also testing the use of AI in marketing and online shops. In view of high price sensitivity among customers and intense competition, Douglas expects moderate sales growth to between 4.65 and 4.8 billion euros for the 2025/26 financial year.

Source: Douglas