Chicory close to record sales in 2024
The Chicorée Group generated total sales of CHF 185 million in 2024, which corresponds to a decrease of 2 percent on the previous year's record figure.
In 2024, 2 new branches were opened. The Chicorée Group now has 182 locations in all parts of Switzerland and employs over 950 people.
"We are pleased that, after a strong 2023 with a record result, we were able to maintain a similarly high level of sales in 2024 despite the difficult market environment in the retail sector. Last year was characterized by a cool and rainy start to the summer. As a result, the summer collection sold very poorly, particularly during the important month of June. By contrast, the start of fall was ideal due to the very rapid change in temperature and weather. Christmas business was in line with the previous year. For the year 2025, which has now begun, we are aiming for a clear increase in total sales. The recovery in commodity prices, the normalization of the supply chain and a strong Swiss franc will also have a positive impact on the annual result," says Thomas Ullmann, CEO of the Chicorée Group.
City center locations under pressure, conurbation and specialist store locations gaining ground
City center locations also came under further pressure during 2024.
Conurbation and specialist store locations, on the other hand, have increased. The highest sales per square metre continue to be achieved at railroad stations.
New generation on course for growth
In 2020, Jörg Weber, owner and founder of the Swiss fashion chain Chicorée, stepped down from the Board of Directors after more than 38 years of operational activity and handed over the management of the company to the new CEO Thomas Ullmann and his two sons Pascal Weber and Mathias Weber, who joined the management team in their new roles as Co-CEOs.
Chicorée's fourth financial year under the new management team is also proving successful. "Innovations in all departments and a concentrated focus on the product and the customer will once again drive Chicorée's growth in the coming year," says Thomas Ullmann.
Focus on the customer program and new online store
In 2025, there will again be a strong focus on the customer programme and the personalization of customer communication. The online store will be expanded to cover the majority of the product range and new omnichannel services such as Click & Collect are planned (reserve products online and pay or collect them in store). The investments in technology and the omnichannel strategy are bearing fruit through stronger customer loyalty and more efficient processes.
Further expansion with a focus on French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino
Chicorée is still aiming for a fast pace and further growth in 2025. Between 5 and 10 new locations are planned. The Chicorée store network already covers most of Switzerland.
As in the previous year, expansion will continue, particularly in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and Ticino
Source: www.chicoree.ch
