Under the year, Åhléns Group’s turnover landed at SEK 4.9 billion. This represents an increase of around 2 percent compared to last year’s SEK 4.7 billion. The sales growth comes from changes in the customer offering within the physical department stores and the company’s e-commerce business.
Operating profit landed at SEK 113 million, a decrease of approximately 27 percent from last year’s SEK 154 million. The year’s result also decreased, recorded as a loss of SEK 153 million.
The development was affected by financing costs for lease liabilities and previous tax deferrals, as well as ongoing investments in business development and digitalization.
Strengthened Cash Flow and Restructuring
During the period, the group’s current structure was formed under the name Åhléns Group AB. The company issued a secured bond loan of SEK 500 million. Simultaneously, the operating cash flow increased to SEK 1 billion, aided by conscious work to reduce inventory levels and decrease capital tied up.
This liquidity, together with the bond loan, was used to repay the tax deferrals that the company had.
The 2025/2026 fiscal year was characterized by a clear focus on strengthening Åhléns Group’s financial platform, improving cash flow and creating conditions for long-term growth and profitability, writes CEO Ayad Al-Saffar in the report.
More Department Stores in Sight
The group’s retail strategy is based on a combination of e-commerce and a presence in physical stores. New department stores were established in Trollhättan and Ingelsta during the past fiscal year.
The purpose of the expansion is to reach consumers locally. The next step in the establishment plan includes store openings in Skövde and Ängelholm, and the company is also evaluating more locations for the future.
We are convinced that strong city centers are created by attractive destinations where commerce, service and people meet. Åhléns wants to be a driving force there, writes Ayad Al-Saffar.
The focus going forward is on building on the company’s position within Swedish retail, despite a market with high competition and rapidly changing purchasing behavior.
We are entering the next fiscal year with a stronger financial platform, a clear focus on continued development and the ambition to consolidate Åhléns’ position in the Swedish market, concludes Ayad Al-Saffar.