Douglas sales rose to EUR 4.58 billion in fiscal year 2024/25, up 2.8%, or 3.5% excluding the divested online pharmacy Disapo. Both brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce contributed to the increase, with store sales up 2.5% (like-for-like: +0.2%) and e-commerce sales growing 5.6% excluding Disapo.
Reported EBITDA was up 3.6%, amounting to 756.5 million euros. Net income more than doubled to 175.4 million euros (compared to 84.0 million euros last year).
Growth was driven by a strong e-commerce performance, whereas the increase in store sales was attributed to the expansion of the network. In the French market, which has been facing a downward trend, Nocibé improved its position and gained share, and the Douglas Group also gained share in the slightly growing German market.
The Douglas Group continued to expand and upgrade its store network, adding a net 74 new company-owned stores in FY 2024/25, bringing the total store count to 1,959 as of 30 September 2025, including franchise locations. In parallel, the company modernized its footprint by refurbishing 139 existing company-owned stores during the period, including several relocations.
Middle East expansion
For the future, the Douglas Group said it plans to drive growth by reinforcing its operational foundations while exploring geographic expansion.
The company is investing in IT, supply chain capabilities, and standardized processes, alongside testing artificial intelligence in areas such as marketing and online customer experience.
In parallel, Douglas is looking to expand beyond continental Europe by evaluating entry into the Middle East. The GCC countries are seen as attractive due to their strong purchasing power, dynamic retail environments, and fit with Douglas’ premium beauty positioning, with a final decision expected in 2026.
“We anticipate solid overall growth in Europe’s premium beauty market, but observe a changing consumer behaviour compared to the highly dynamic post-pandemic years. As a leading player, we want to take advantage of the opportunities in this phase of market consolidation and rebalancing. We have the strength and ambition to further grow and also expect momentum from the ongoing expansion of our store network and by tapping into new markets – also outside of continental Europe. That’s why we consider a market entry in the Middle East where we see a great potential for our premium beauty business,” said Sander van der Laan, CEO Douglas Group.
Last month, US retailer Ulta Beauty made its debut in the region, with the opening of its first store in Kuwait.
In light of the economic and market conditions leading to high price sensitivity among consumers, the Douglas Group expects sales between 4.65 and 4.80 billion euros for FY 2025/26.
