dm reports H1 results | Progresiv
German-based drugstore operator, dm, has reported sales growth of 3.6% to 5.54 billion euros for the six months ending March 2019. 
The retailer now operates a total of 3,623 stores across 13 markets, with 1,977 of these stores located in its home market, Germany.
Dm's strong performance in the half was boosted by 2.2% growth in Germany, a reflection of a series of recent investments.
Investments include 30 new store openings in Germany throughout the period, continued focus on range innovation through its dmSTART programme and new efforts to target men through the launch of a new private label range, an online platform and renewed in-store merchandising strategy.
The retailer has reported a strong performance in its international markets in H1, growing its market share in countries outside of Germany.
The drugstore operator reports 8.3% sales growth to 1,370 million euros across its Central and Eastern Europe markets, which includes Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia , Bosnia-Herzegovina, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Italy.
Dm mentions a continued strong performance in Austria, achieving 4.3% sales growth to 475 million euros in H1, the result follows investment in store renovations in FY2017 . Store numbers in Austria remain flat but the retailer plans to expands its chain of cosmetic studios, and slightly reduce its hairdressing studio estate.
Dm will continue its store opening programme in Germany, with 32 new stores openings and 27 stores set to benefit from renovation in the second half of the year. It is also on track to open its new distribution centre in Wustermark, Germany, in Q3 2020.
Sustainability is high on dm's agenda, with the retailer announcing new initiatives in this area. Following successful trials of refilling stations in Austria, dm is considering plans to expand the scheme further across its international and domestic estate. (retailanalysis.igd.com)
