report

BeneluX region
Lack of confidence
in the economy inhibits consumer
sentiment. Slow business
results in weak sales, especially
in the autumn.
Owing to the difficult economic environment and
declining private spending on consumption, the clothing
market in the Netherlands shrunk by 7 % in 2011.
Meanwhile, the market in Belgium increased by 1 %
thanks to a strong spring and summer season.
Business performance: slow autumn
Gross sales in the Benelux region shrank by 11.7 %
after adjusting for currency movements, or by 8.4 %
after adjusting for exchange rates and floorspace
(like­for­like). This was due in particular to the sluggish
mood on the market – with weak sales especially in
September and November – and to the contrast with
the high prior year figures, which were boosted
by the sell­off of old stock.
Branch portfolio: expansion of new shop design
In 2011 Charles Vögele opened one new branch in the
Benelux region. Eight shops were closed. In addition,
the company refurbished another seven outlets in line
with the new store design concept. By the end of
2011, a total of 47 shops were fitted out in the new design.
The total number of stores in the Benelux region at
the end of 2011 was 154 (previous year 161).
Employee numbers: slight decline
In 2011, Charles Vögele employed an average of 647
employees in the Benelux region on a full­time basis
(previous year 669). The reduction is due to continued
optimization of the branch network.
18
11
Gross sales in CHF million
Net sales in CHF million
141
117
10
179
149
09
204
170
08
216
180
07
221
184
0 750
11
10
09
08
07
Branches
0 400
*without apprentices
154
161
166
161
160
11
Employees*
Full-time equivalents*
946
647
10
981
669
09
681
1025
08
687
1067
07
704
1074
0 3500