SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS: MARC O’POLO GENERATES OVER A HALF BILLION EUROS IN FISCAL YEAR 2021/2022

The Marc O'Polo Group achieved preliminary brand sales of 592 million euros in fiscal year 2021/22 (June 1, 2021, to May 31, 2022), including through its licensing business. This represents an increase of 35 percent compared to the previous year. In terms of earnings before taxes (EBIT), the premium casual lifestyle brand grew disproportionately, despite high investments in the new "House of Product" building, the introduction of an ERP system and the sustainability and internationalization strategy.

"For the first time in the company's history, we generated more than half a billion euros in sales. Our strategy and investments in internationalization, in modernization of the brand and sustainability of products, and in the company are paying off in full," said Maximilian Böck, CEO of Marc O'Polo AG. "This result is particularly significant in view of the ongoing pandemic and war in Ukraine, because rising raw material prices, delivery difficulties and a changing consumer mood definitely influenced the business," Böck notes.
 
Marc O'Polo scores in all strategic target areas
With an increase in sales growth of almost 80 percent, the main drivers are the independent Marc O'Polo DENIM line, which is aimed at a younger target group, and the development of the international business. In fiscal year 2021/22, Marc O'Polo achieved 40-percent growth outside its home market. But also in the core DACH region, Marc O'Polo continues to expand its leading position in the premium casual lifestyle segment, growing in sales by 31 percent. The Shoes and Accessories divisions have also developed very successfully, with growth of 50.4 and 60.3 percent respectively.
 
The company sees great potential in expanding its menswear share in both the casual and denim segments, which increased sales by 46 percent. The share compared to womenswear is thus steadily increasing and already exceeds 32 percent.
 
The company is making enormous progress in modernizing and rejuvenating the brand with its Scandinavian roots. For example, since 2019 the number of in-store shoppers has increased by 267 percent  in the under-29 target group and by 122 percent among 20- to 44-year-olds. . Already, 10,000 square meters of store and wholesale space have been equipped with the new, exclusive "Scandinavian Studio" concept. "Scandinavian Studio" underlines the brand's modernity, innovation and premium quality. The online store was also redesigned in line with the new look and feel. Only recently, Marc O'Polo received the German Brand Award for its new brand & corporate design as well as product branding.
 
Milestones in the past fiscal year include the entering of 18 additional international markets, the opening of the Paris store and showroom as an international hub, the large-scale image campaign on the topic of sustainability, which was also broadcast on TV for the first time, and the "Good" rating from the Fair Wear Foundation.
 
Marc O'Polo is consistently working on the implementation of its sustainability strategy '01 Journey 10 Pathways'. As early as next year, all products will be sustainable, and by 2025 the company is aiming for climate neutrality on both the corporate and product sides.
 
Profitable growth with fantastic team performance
Marc O'Polo believes it is well equipped for the future. "Thanks to our strategy, we are not only fully on track in terms of sales but have also been able sustainably to increase our profitability. This creates the basis for further growth as a core-healthy company," said Markus Staude Skowronek CFO/CHRO of Marc O'Polo AG. "Our special thanks go to our great Marc O'Polo team, without whom we would not have achieved these results. We are therefore even more pleased that we can distribute a company bonus for the successfully completed fiscal year and additionally pay out compensation for high inflation."
 
Marc O'Polo has always stood for a strong team spirit. This was confirmed by the renowned "Working in Fashion” employer ranking from industry magazine TextilWirtschaft last fall. Marc O'Polo was the only medium-sized company to earn a top position, coming in second overall.