The DOUGLAS Group

The DOUGLAS Group is an international retail organization headquartered in Germany. We operate more than 1,500 specialty stores throughout Europe, employ more than 21,000 men and women, and post annual sales of some 2.7 billion EUR. Our success is based on the creed of “retail with heart and mind.” “Heart” means: We love to sell and are eager to serve our customers. “Mind” means: Our work is success-oriented and keyed to further increasing the corporate value of the DOUGLAS Group. The pillars of the lifestyle strategy shared by our five divisions are outstanding service, first-class product ranges and an enjoyable, stimulating shopping ambiance. Our goal is to leverage value-oriented growth to further cement our position as a leading European retail organization.

Perfumeries
The Douglas perfumeries lead the European market. With the opening of the first perfumery in Turkey during May 2006, Douglas now operates in 17 European countries and in the United States. With the 937 stores generating sales of 1.56 billion EUR, Perfumeries remains the most successful division in the DOUGLAS Group. Douglas will continue to grow – by way of new openings and acquisitions, as well as innovations in its ranges, services and shop design. The opening of the 1,000th Douglas perfumery is just around the corner.

Books
Numerous new openings and acquisitions have provided another strong growth spurt for the Thalia Group. Nearly 180 bookstores in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, coupled with sales topping 550 million EUR, define Thalia as one of the leading booksellers in the German-language retail book market and the undisputed number two in the DOUGLAS Group. With its modern multi-channel marketing strategy, Thalia also maintains a presence in online bookselling. The Thalia Group will continue to pursue its value-oriented growth strategy.

Jewelry
In Germany, Christ has come to stand for an attractive range of jewelry and watches in the mid- to upper-priced segment. Numerous celebrated designers work exclusively with Christ. The approximately 200 jewelry stores have posted annual sales of some 250 million EUR, making Christ the German market leader in this segment. The René Kern stores, which serve the luxury end of the market, have generated almost 50 million EUR in sales. Both Christ and René Kern will further hone their brand profiles with the goal of extending their good market positions with revenue-oriented growth.

Fashion
The Fashion division has placed its faith in leading international brand names. Situated in prime city locations and malls, the stores offer the ideal ambiance for showcasing high-quality collections. The 15 Appelrath-Cüpper stores and the 11 Pohland menswear venues are reporting sales topping 190 million EUR in Germany. New locations, such as those in Berlin and Hamburg, demonstrate that Appelrath-Cüpper is firmly on schedule for expansion. Pohland will continue to implement its existing store realignment program.

Confectionery
Hussel operates more than 200 shops in Germany and, since 2005, has also been active in Austria. Hussel is more than the quality and innovation leader in the German confectionery trade; sales of some 80 million EUR make it the country’s market leader as well. The company has expanded considerably with the takeover of more than 80 “Susi” confectionery shops. “Enjoy the sweet life!” is the motto for both these new venues and the Hussel locations, and Hussel will be leveraging la dolce vita for further profitable growth.