dm reports positive result for 2018/19 | Progresiv
German-based drugstore operator, dm, reports a 4.7% increase in group sales to 11.2 billion euros for FY2018/19. The retailer operates 3,668 stores across 13 countries in Europe. 
In its domestic market of Germany, dm achieved 3.7% sales growth to 8.4 billion euros. The result marks another positive performance for the drugstore operator, following a 2.5% growth in Germany last year.
The retailer has invested over 100 million euros in revamping its existing German stores, as well as extending its estate in the market throughout the year. The retailer is set to open its 2,000th store in Germany soon.
In its annual report, dm calls out several achievements from the year, many of which focus on its sustainable successes. These include its new commitments to labelling transparency and being awarded GREEN BRAND in Germany for 2019/2020.
Other successes include the launch of its new Seinz private label range, designed to target men, as well as its GLOW by dm event in Berlin which attracted over 12,000 beauty enthusiasts.
Internationally, the retailer achieved sales growth of 7.7% to 2.8 billion euros across 11 markets. These include Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Italy.
Dm has also focused on sustainability in its international markets. For example, dm in the Czech Republic extended its ‘Conscious Choice’ campaign, which focuses on showcasing its breadth of sustainable products. In Prague, the retailer also trialed packaging-free liquid refill stations at two of its branches.
In Austria, dm's biggest market outside Germany, sales grew 4.6% to 965 million euros. The strong performance is a reflection of dm's investment in the market, the retailer spent 25 million euros on revamping 35 of its existing branches, with focus on introducing new technologies. the retailer is set to re-locate its headquarters for its sub-group to a larger 9,000 sq. m site, designed to accommodate its expanded teams.
In the Czech Republic, sales grew 11.15%. The strong performance followed an invement into expanding and modernising its store chain in the market, 32 branches benefited from a revamp and there were four new store openings in the period.
In January, dm partnered with LOTTE to roll out 41 products from its private label brands ‘Balea’ and ‘Balea MEN’ to South Korea. A move which is well positioned to develop dm’s international presence, with the ranges proving popular amongst Asian consumers. (retailanalysis.igd.com)
