One of the dm stores in Bratislava, Petržalka. (source: OC Galéria Bratislava Petržalka)
Dm drogerie markt, a leading German player in the Slovak retail sector that offers cosmetics and healthcare and household products, plans to sell over-the-counter medications in the future.
However, the firm needs to overcome legislative and technical obstacles at first, writes the Hospodárske Noviny daily.
In addition, the company has continued its remarkable growth in the 2022-2023 business year. With a substantial 23 percent increase in revenue, reaching €428 million, the company is setting its sights on a new milestone - exceeding half a billion euros in the coming year.
The growth comes despite various challenges, such as reducing its environmental impact and substantial investments to enhance store appeal.
Expansion in Aupark
Dm drogerie markt opened its headquarters in Bratislava in 1995. In the Slovak capital, there are now over 20 stores. But that's not the end.
Currently, the Aupark shopping mall in Bratislava is undergoing an expansion. The popular drugstore chain will thus increase the size of its store to 800 square metres, making it the largest dm store on the Slovak market.
In this store, dm drogerie markt will offer over-the-counter medications alongside their usual cosmetic and health-care products. The branch in Aupark recently experienced a decline in sales, potentially due to the more prominent placement of eco-friendly products. It took several months for the store to recover its original sales figures.
New store openings
Dm drogerie markt is not only capitalising on the Aupark expansion but also opening five new stores in various locations, reinforcing its market presence.
Currently it operates 158 branches in Slovakia.
Among dm's thriving branches, a store in the Nivy shopping mall in Bratislava stands out thanks to its monthly turnover of €800,000. Stores in Prešov, Bardejov, and Námestovo are delivering great results, said the company's CEO Martin Podhradský.
