The DOUGLAS Group is a European retail organization with almost 2,000 specialty stores. In fiscal year 2008/09 we posted sales of 3.2 billion EUR.

The DOUGLAS Group stands for “retail with heart and mind.” “Heart” signifies that we love retail – and are eager to serve our customers. “Mind” denotes that our work is success-oriented and our growth earnings-oriented, with the goal of further increasing the corporate value of the DOUGLAS Group.

Upwards of 24,000 employees are now committed to our lifestyle philosophy of offering our customers outstanding service, first-class product ranges at fair prices, and a stimulating shopping ambiance. This philosophy forms the common thread linking all five operative divisions, each of which presents its own strong and distinctive brand image on the market:

The Douglas perfumeries are currently represented in 21 countries. As the market leader in Europe, Douglas stands for competence in the areas of fragrance, cosmetics, and body care.

With their wide range of sophisticated products, the Thalia bookstores also occupy market-leading positions in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Christ jewelry stores head Germany’s market in the mid- to upper price range. 

In the Fashion division, the AppelrathCüpper womenswear stores number among the leading providers of high-quality fashion at all their locations.

The confectionery specialist Hussel is the market leader of Germany’s confectionery sector, and has been operating in Austria since 2005.

Headquartered in Hagen, Germany, the holding organization DOUGLAS HOLDING AG is responsible for investments and management; it also performs key leadership and service functions for the DOUGLAS Group’s subsidiaries. The service divisions – which operate as profit centers – are also based in Hagen, along with most of the service centers for the sales companies.

True to the principle “as much decentralization as possible, as much centralization as necessary,” we make all our decisions close to our customers’ needs. This underscores the strong customer- and service-oriented approach that comprises an important pillar of our success