Price-conscious customers put pressure on profits at Douglas

Price-conscious shoppers put pressure on Douglas’ profitability during the Christmas period. Despite a slight increase in sales, margins declined. However, the perfumery chain is sticking to its annual forecast.

Weak December

According to preliminary figures, Douglas’ sales in the first quarter of the fiscal year, ending in December, rose 1.7% year-on-year to €1.67 billion, the company reported on Monday. However, the adjusted EBITDA margin (before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and special items) fell to 19.9%, compared to 21.5% a year earlier.