Douglas is pushing for premium after “sustained growth”

Douglas exceeded expectations in its latest quarter. Under CEO Sander van der Laan, the German cosmetics chain now intends to focus on the premium beauty segment and is giving its digital channels a makeover.

Self-confidence boosted

Sales rose 7.3 % to 977.1 million euros, in line with preliminary figures published by the company in July, with sales in shops and online rising at the same pace. The company therefore raised its outlook for the coming year and now expects a 8.5 % rise in net sales.

In the medium term, the retailer is counting on an adjusted EBITDA margin of 18.5 %, although net loss doubled to 71.6 million euros as Douglas reduced its debt following its IPO in April. However, that flotation is not yet a success, as investors have somewhat lost faith in retail and certainly the luxury sector.

Makeover continues

Van der Laan, by contrast, is more confident than ever about his strategy. He believes his company’s steady growth shows the resilience of its business model and the choice to focus entirely on premium beauty was the right one. The group therefore recently sold its online pharmacy Disapo.

In the first nine months of the financial year, the group’s sales increased by 8.7 % to 3.5 billion euros. EBITDA rose 11.5 % to 657.1 million euros, good for an 18.8 % margin. By the end of 2026, Douglas plans to open more than 200 stores and refurbish over 400 more. In September, all the company’s websites, including its online store and apps, will get a new look.