The drugstore chain dm further expanded its position in Austria in the past financial year: in around 380 stores, its online shop and more than 200 hairdressing and beauty salons, the company generated sales of just under 1.4 billion euros – an increase of 5.6 per cent. According to the company's calculations, more than 230,000 people shopped at dm in Austria every day, around 9,000 more than in the previous year. Thanks to its own brands, savings effects from large purchasing volumes and process optimisations, dm was able to keep its sales prices well below the national inflation rate. Further market share was gained in particular through its own brands. More than half of the products sold come from the brand family, which includes Alverde, Balea, Denkmit and dmBio. Nevertheless, around three-quarters of the shelf space is available for branded goods.

Stable with a permanent price concept

High-quality own brands, a loyalty programme and the permanent price concept are the three pillars of success, emphasises Harald Bauer, CEO of dm Austria. Prices for around 16,000 products in the range in Austria have not been increased for an average of 23 months. The permanent price concept also helps to smooth the flow of goods, maintain partnerships and make processes efficient and resource-friendly. A new, highly automated logistics location in Kronstorf, Upper Austria, is also set to create synergies between Austria, Italy and Slovenia and is considered the largest single investment in the group's history.

Announcement against "country surcharges"

Country-specific differences in prices, packaging sizes or product quality are becoming more transparent thanks to international procurement and delivery in the region and are to be reduced in future. "We will use our opportunities to engage in dialogue with the industry where country-specific differences cannot be explained," announced Bauer. At the same time, omnichannel concepts combining stationary product ranges and digital services, including delivery services, are to be further expanded. A dm-owned online pharmacy is also in the pipeline. In addition, dm is expanding the use of photovoltaics at its locations, increasing the recyclability of packaging and aiming for climate neutrality by 2045. Training programmes, apprentice initiatives, attractive salaries for its more than 6,800 employees and social commitments are also intended to strengthen employee loyalty and the company's profile as a responsible employer in order to ensure further growth.

Source: dm