The chief executive of drugstore chain dm-drogerie markt, Christoph Werner, has called on the business to be ready to "venture quickly and decisively" in order to embrace the needs of the customer of tomorrow.
Werner was speaking at the announcement of dm-drogerie markt's 2018/19 full year results, which saw the business generate sales of €8.4 billion in Germany, and a total of €11.2 billion in the 13 markets in which it operates.
'Constant Regeneration'
Commenting on the group's full year performance, Werner said that the business continues to "work incessantly on our appearance and our performance processes, and pursue the goal of expanding our strength through constant regeneration".
This includes the rollout of a new corporate culture, 'dm-dialogicum', which has seen 1,800 employees move to a new building in Karlsruhe, to assess the challenges of the future, both for the bricks and mortar operation as well as online channels.
The company has invested €100 million in its branch network over the past year.
Major Transformation
"The trade is confronted with major transformation processes, and in some cases with disruptions," Werner said.
"Today, well-established companies and well-known brands must be ready to venture quickly and decisively and to question what is new, if they want to be relevant tomorrow."
dm-drogerie markt has also announced a new e-commerce solution, Marktabholung Express, which will enable shoppers to pick up online orders at any dm store after just a few hours, as well as investing in its 'new media' presence: a recent event, Glow by dm, brought together bloggers and influencers, as well as a range of startups, to discuss the future of the cosmetics industry.
Werner also hailed the group's sustainability efforts, which included the company recently receiving GREEN BRAND certification for its climate protection initiatives.
"Sustainable action is deeply rooted in our company," he said. "Sustainability is an essential part of our self-image."
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
