Coolblue has achieved record sales of 2.46 billion euros last year, thanks to a huge expansion in Germany. Profit also increased, despite the energy division taking a hit from the new Dutch government.
Eight new stores
The electronics retailer’s total sales in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, combined with the turnover from Coolblue Energy, rose by 2.1%. This growth was driven by a significant expansion in Germany and the opening of eight additional stores. Operating profit (EBITDA) increased by 10.8 % to 97.8 million euros.
The retailer opened eight new stores last year,and plans to open the same number this year. The German expansion will continue in full force, with new stores in Hamburg and Münster and the opening of four depots which will double the delivery area – the first of which (near Hanover) is set to open in March. This means that Coolblue will then be able to reach an additional seventeen million potential customers. The retailer is already larger in Germany than on its Dutch home market. Meanwhile, the warehouse in Tilburg (near the Belgian-Dutch border) is being mechanised for increased efficiency.
Record customer satisfaction
In the Netherlands, the solar panel market declined after the government decided to change energy consumption regulations. The Coolblue Energy division adapted by transforming into a full-service energy installation company, also installing heat pumps and air conditioning systems.
Founder and CEO Pieter Zwart is particularly pleased that Coolblue achieved its highest ever customer satisfaction score last year, with a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 72. This is not just a measurement to him, but it is “the engine of our company, “because satisfied customers are the best marketing you can have“, he told Dutch newspaper FD. Coolblue celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, which Zwart promises will be “the most most most amazing Coolblue year ever.”
