The DOUGLAS Group, Europe's leading omnichannel premium beauty destination, announced today that it is revising its financial guidance for the 2025/26 fiscal year following weaker-than-expected third-quarter business performance. The company now forecasts net sales growth of 0-1%, equating to 4.58-4.63 billion euros, down from the previous expectation of at least 4.65 billion euros. Adjusted EBITDA margin is projected at around 15.0%, compared to an earlier forecast of approximately 16.0%. Net leverage is expected to reach 3.0x to 3.5x by September 30, 2026, versus the prior range of 2.5x to 3.0x.
The adjustment reflects significant changes in consumer behavior and market dynamics, particularly price sensitivity and delayed purchases amid ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty. The European premium beauty market continues to shift, with e-commerce growing faster than physical stores and delivering solid profitability at the EBIT level, while like-for-like store sales have turned negative. Channel mix, category mix, and overall spending patterns vary across markets, though cross-channel services such as Click-and-Collect are performing strongly.
In response, the DOUGLAS Group is accelerating strategic measures to safeguard profitable growth. CEO Sander van der Laan stated that the company is reallocating investments from stores to online business, investing in competitive pricing while strengthening differentiation and exclusivity, and continuing to drive digitalization forward. Some initiatives are expected to deliver short-term benefits, while others will take longer to materialize. The company emphasizes a sustainable medium- to long-term approach.
Despite the challenging environment, the DOUGLAS Group remains confident in its omnichannel business model, strong brand partnerships, and healthy financial profile. The company has already addressed many current challenges through its transformation into a true omnichannel retailer. Van der Laan noted that differentiation and pricing matter more than ever, and the company's curated premium assortment, attractive pricing, and excellent brand name provide a clear competitive edge.
Further details and an update on strategic measures will be published at the DOUGLAS Group quarterly reporting on August 12, 2026. The company's shares are listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. For more information, visit the DOUGLAS Group website.
