During the first quarter, spanning from May to July 2026, Åhléns Group generated a turnover of SEK 1,122 million. This represents an increase compared to the same quarter last year, when turnover amounted to SEK 1,103 million. Operating profit also developed positively, reaching SEK 43 million, up from SEK 13 million during the corresponding period of the previous year.
Ayad Al-Saffar, CEO of Åhléns Group, notes that the company is starting the new fiscal year with higher profitability and increased sales.
During the first quarter, the group's net sales increased, while operating profit improved significantly compared to the previous year. The strengthened gross margin was the primary driver behind the earnings improvement, says Ayad Al-Saffar.
Increased Financial Flexibility
The gross margin for the quarter amounted to 47.8 percent. According to the interim report, the strengthened margin is a result of the company's work with assortment management, adjusted inventory levels, and increased cost control. The report also states that the inventory at the end of the quarter was lower than at the same time last year.
To manage the seasonal variations that continuously characterize retail and e-commerce, the group has also chosen to expand its financial flexibility. During the quarter, an extended check account credit of SEK 200 million was secured with Danske Bank.
It's an encouraging start and a foundation for our work to strengthen Åhléns Group's long-term competitiveness, adds Ayad Al-Saffar about the beginning of the year.
New Deputy CEO to Drive Growth
The financial development coincides with organizational changes in the retail company. In mid-September, it was reported that the company was restructuring its board and that Karin Lindahl has been appointed new Deputy CEO of Åhléns, after joining the company as Chief Operating and Sales Officer in May. She will retain her current responsibilities but receive an expanded mandate in the new role.
The owner and CEO Ayad Al-Saffar has previously stated that the appointment is part of the work to focus on profitability improvements and growth. This is in line with the company's stated goal of further developing the customer offering in the 53 physical department stores as well as in e-commerce to achieve sustainably higher profitability going forward.