pure retail, pure partnership!
Transcription
pure retail, pure partnership!
pure retail, pure partnership! Annual report 2011 NoTE This annual report is published by Euretco Holding B.V. In previous years it was published by Euretco BV. The annual report (Euretco Holding B.V.) from previous years may be requested for comparison purposes. See page 57 for contact details. SUMMARY OF NEWS REPORTS 2011 « Decorette forging ahead with new campaigns » « Euretco Wonen introduces new private label seats » « FreeBees savings Otto van Leeuwen: DARE TO CHOOSE 2 Vivante entrepreneurs put their customers first The power of collaboration More customer-focused, more solid, more professional, more reliable and decisive than other retail service organisations. Five clear and powerful core values which form the basis of the relationship between Euretco and the almost 1,300 independent retailers and franchise-holders. Together, they operate some 1,700 outlets in the home, fashion and sport sectors. Euretco offers the sense of belonging to a club, expertise, financial resources, efficiency and innovation to independent retailers with as a result that they together have the strength of a large organisation. With the emphasis on ‘together’. Because belonging, being a part of it, supports everyone’s individual success. Our expertise is anchored in the knowledge and experience of our employees. From our senior management down, most of them have act ually r un a shop or worked in one for a long period. Together with their teams of enthusiastic specialists they act as an expert sounding board in the areas of purchasing, marketing, sales and web services. And independent retailers can also come to Euretco for ad- s plan has SPORT 2000 as new partner vanced insights into effective management and modern HR policy. Detailed propositions which enable individual retailers to become stronger together. For example the unique Euretco Retail Monitor provides associate retailers with relevant and usable management information, which enables them to significantly improve their returns. Euretco has four core tasks: retail services, formulas, financial services – including the convenience of central payments – and wholesale. Concrete results from tailored advice and monitoring of administrative processes for retailers mean improved cost management and better margins. Highly successful shop formulas and floor designs include SPORT 2000, Runnersworld, Decorette, Vivante, Topform, Lampenier, Slaapkenner, Emotions, Qoot and JhUIST. Euretco also facilitates high-value marketing partnerships including the Mode Alliance and Het Origineel. In addition, via Euretco Label Company, Euretco has with Babyface, LCKR, Raggs and Blue Rebel a number of premium brands within the baby and children’s fashion segment with a clear international appeal. Euretco feels that its primary task is to take concerns away from retailers. They need to know that they are supported in their day-to-day efforts on the shop floor with relevant and appropriate knowledge, practical experience and functional facilities. Which then gives them the space they need to focus even more intently on the customer. That, coupled with the immediate and concrete benefits the collective brings in terms of purchasing, costs, investments in ICT and access to scores of international alliances, makes the collaboration between Euretco and its independent retailers and franchise-holders as unique as it is profitable. Euretco, the power of collaboration. » « Euretco Wonen reports great success » Euretco Wonen scores with a new style of relax armchairs 3 Prologue Pure retail, pure partnership SUMMARY OF NEWS REPORTS 2011 We are motivated by our passion for retail and for retailers and the desire to be the best retail serviceorganisation. Home, fashion and sport are our areas. Euretco feels comfortable here like no other company and we want to and can excel. With true added value for our associate retailers. And successful formulas which we bring to the market in a way that differentiates. Retail trade is dynamic and fast-paced. Every single day, tens of thousands of consumers and retailers meet on the shop floor, face-to-face and digitally. Consumers home in on the best deal and are more frequently heading for the internet first. In shops, consumers expect an experience, quality, advice and service. In exchange for this, they are prepared to pay a fair price. It is a question of balance, of matching. Everything revolves around aligning supply with demand. Personal attention for the customer is the « Exclusive collaboration between Dyanne Beekman and Euretco fashion retailers » « Sleep Expert expands with 5 premium de ION T C LE L O S C R 2012Y T E E K T JAC R SUMPLEN O FO INGS OUR TW BR COL ’ SHO OF S&ZO ‘JA 4 ealers key to success in this. Which means that retail is above all a true people job. Entrepreneurship also forms the basis of the match which Euretco has with the independent retailers we work with. We too think and act with a ceaseless strive to find the right balance between supply and demand. Demand from the retailers and the right supply that we want to provide in return. This is why we focus on independent entrepreneurship with a plus: greater collaboration, greater added value, greater efficiency, greater benefit. And as a result: greater returns. But it’s not just in sales figures and in profits that our added value is evident. Many retailers have been our associates for decades. Even in difficult times, the association demonstrates its inestimable value. Because even then, Euretco remains focused on continuity. This applies equally to retailers as it does to suppliers. We attach great value to having a good relationship with our suppliers. Which is hardly surprising in that we see them as crucial links in successful and profitable retail. Doing business with Euretco for suppliers means access to a large and highly representative organisation of inspired retailers with above-average ambition and drive. For the retailers, good supplier relationships in turn mean a a broader selection, keener prices, better terms, security and continuity. Our retailers’ interests: they come first. We constantly ask ourselves why anyone would actually want to go into business. Well: the reason is to work independently, be proactive, do things for yourself. We therefore choose carefully our position alongside the retailer. A position with varied roles, but which is always driven by our passion for entrepreneurship, and for retail. When it comes to identifying opportunities and seizing chances to observe and experience what drives the customer, what moves him or her to cross the threshold. To pick that particular retailer to spend their money with - money that after all can only be spent once. Service, customer focus and being open to innovation and change. Putting the customer at the heart of everything. Anyone who differentiates in this respect reports growth. And even bucks the trend. Euretco applies one important fundamental principle: the retailer ultimately decides what form of collaboration he or she prefers. We attach great importance to this independence, because it is precisely this personal source of inspiration that means independent retailers bring variety to the Dutch retail landscape. It serves them well. Connected and collaborative retailers in the retail trade on average perform better than individuals. Often even better than the large chain stores. A powerful Euretco is together with its associate retailers a player that offers a counterbalance to chain and multiple stores. Euretco therefore has a responsible role to play. We believe it is crucially important to remain closely connected with retailers’ interests. This collaboration is often long-lasting and every year, tens of retailers find their way to us. If Euretco becomes stronger, the retailers become stronger. And vice versa. Euretco is convinced that there is a good future ahead for inspired entrepreneurship in a constructive, professional collaboration within non-food retail. Retailers and their employees who are genuinely in touch with their customers and products will continue to occupy a strong position in retail-land. Euretco aims to continue to offer them the latest concepts and strong support so that they can concentrate on the service and on contact with their customers. That is what drives us. » « LCKR revived » « SPORT 2000 intensifies overall strategy » Christine Boland inspires participants EURETCO LABEL COMPANY KEEPS BLUE REBEL JEANS BRAND IN THE MARKET 5 Harry Bruijniks, chairman of the management board: ‘Our figures are again ahead of the market’ The year under review is best characterised as ‘a year with two faces’. Whereas in the first six or seven months there was talk in the fashion and home sectors of recovery and even some growth, the autumn unfortunately saw nothing but negatives. The very conservative emerging confidence all but evaporated to end the year in the negative. For the sport sector, there were no positive signs in 2011. “Against this backdrop, Euretco performed well with figures that are ahead of the market figures. This is quite a performance from the retailers working with us. It is our shared success in circumstances which were not at all easy and are unfortunately still not easy.” Two faces “One year ago, I dared in my forecast for 2011 to remain optimistic about economic developments. That optimism has gradually become muted during the year,” says Harry Bruijniks looking back. “In March last year when I expressed my thoughts about the economy, I was well well aware that I perhaps had a more optimistic view of the economic picture than many other people. But nevertheless, I believed in recovery, just as I believed in our power to buck the trend. And until after the summer, I was on the right track in terms of the economy; however then, consumer confidence went into free-fall. And with it the belief that the Netherlands would escape another recession. This was not to be the case. Ongoing reports about, for example, new setbacks in combating the Greek debt crisis penetrated deep into society, leaving consumers more suspicious and conservative. People kept a tighter hand on the purse strings and the removals market even came to a complete standstill. Neither did the increasing uncertainty about mortgage rates help confidence among Dutch households. SUMMARY OF NEWS REPORTS 2011 « SPORT 2000 and retail Result are further developing retail culture » « LCKR revived: The brand for today’s children » « Interim Director Kenaad Tewarie ‘The power of Euretco’s e-commercepolicy is in its simplicity’ 6 And then at the end of the year, the disastrous tidings about the problems with various pension funds again came to the fore” Due satisfaction “If I look back at all the economic developments over the previous six to eight months and at the same time realise that consumer confidence recently in Europe has not fallen so sharply anywhere as it has in the Netherlands, it gives the results we as Euretco together with our retailers have reported an added sheen,” says Bruijniks. “In that sense, we can look back on the reporting year 2011 with a good feeling. Both with respect to our performance and with regard to Euretco’s financial development - satisfaction is due.” Bruijniks attributes the good results, despite the slight decline in turnover, primarily to consistent adherence to the policy introduced in 2010 to systematically reduce costs. Furthermore, we in 2011 outsourced various non-core tasks including logistics as well as the operation of some of our own shops. In addition to cost management, important commercial improvements were implemented. By investing in market support and further professional development of account management, the operating profit from a number of our formulas and the home and sport retail service divisions have improved significantly.” Qualitative impetus Euretco pressed ahead in 2011 with restructuring the organisation. A package of measures implemented on the basis of the results of an extensive investigation into every aspect of the business were given concrete form. “The investigation provided insight into a number of pain-points. In 2010, as well as in the previous year, this resulted in concrete changes to the structure and manning of the back office. In terms of our staff, we have focused not only on reducing the number of employees, but also on developing a wave of professionalisation. If we want to be in a position to service retailers optimally with knowledge and experience, we also need to have the capacity and quality that guarantee added value. In this case, sector knowledge alone is not enough. Proper and up-to-date insights into the fields of HR management, marketing, sales and leadership are also essential to successful business in the year 2012. We have made considerable progress in this area. The organisation, and not least at the account level - who are the people that have day-to-day contact with retailers – have had an enormous qualitative impetus. We have reduced the number of employees from 223 in 2010 to 212 in 2011, however we have grown in terms of quality.” Digital relief In addition, a lot of time and energy was invested in 2011 in supporting independent retailers in building their online profile and sales and the effective use of social media. The basic principle here is that these initiatives need to deliver added value to the retailers. And they find, according to an inventory, a choice of relevant services and the use of an appropriate e-commerce platform the most helpful. “Retailers do not have, or do not make, enough time for online activities. There is a general lack of knowledge about these things. But also of time: they are after all very busy on the shop floor,” is how Bruijniks describes the situation. But in terms of their business, they can’t afford not to get started. Because consumers are becoming completely digital. “Relief. That is the term that best describes what we have developed with respect to e-commerce. What this means is that we offer those services which enable our retailers to also be successful via the internet.” Since 2011 Euretco has been offering its retailers a wide variety of online marketing services such as workshops social media, e-mail and SMS services, search engine optimisation (SEO), search engine advertising (SEA) and website and shop content. « Euretco Wonen consumer panels reveal: invest in the sales person » THE NATIONAL SPORTS WEEK IS GROWING STRONGER THAN EVER, GET INVOLVED NOW 7 New outlet Anyone can build a web store. But that’s not all it takes according to Euretco. “You actually just need to build an online web store like a new outlet that requires independent control,” says Bruijniks. “It is certainly not a question of ‘just adding something on’, at least that’s not how we see it. A web store is an outlet, albeit digital, but nevertheless it’s a separate shop. So in the the web store you have to think about aspects such as specific routing, pricing, stock, management and campaigns.” During the course of 2012, with this in mind we will introduce a unique multi-site e-commerce platform for independent retailers. It will offer associate retailers and suppliers unparalleled opportunities to set up web stores and virtual stock management. In addition to the use of highquality images, and product descriptions on their own web store, the front page of which will be completely in line with their own look and feel, the the retailer will behind the front page have full benefit of the collective. “Thanks to intensive training, our account managers have the right knowledge and skills to provide retailers with the best and most appropriate advice with respect to their digital achievements.” Information management In 2011, a comprehensive restructuring of the digital organisation within Euretco itself was also kicked off. “We have been working very hard on this,” says Bruijniks explaining the focus. “Our IT infrastructure is very dated. And it developed as within so many organisations; it has been repeatedly extended, updated and refined in line with the user’s requirements. Until the limits have been reached and there is no more room for manoeuvre.” Euretco was close to reaching this stage. And that in an organisation where the availability of good information is of vital importance. Under guidance from Kenaad B. Tewarie – director Finance, IT and e-commerce – a start has been made to update the technical and software-related conditions, in which Euretco can continue in the future to optimally de- liver its services to retailers. Bruijniks: “Making information available better, faster, more conveniently and so that it is more challenging also encourages the mutual sharing of information. Internal communities will also be created to this end, including links to our CRM system and social media.” We are convinced that this extensive modernisation of the IT infrastructure will make a major contribution to strengthening the organisation. E-commerce is not a question of just adding something on, because then we’re not in the thick of it. Too much shop space As a board member of ‘Detailhandel Nederland’ (the umbrella organisation for all retail trade in the Netherlands), but certainly also in his capacity as chairman of the management board of Euretco, Harry Bruijniks has for many years strongly defended the interests of independent retailers. That is very necessary, he maintains. “Look at the problems caused by the domination of chain stores in many city centres and the excess of shops which the Netherlands has to deal with. Today’s shops target 40 million consumers. And that in a country where we need supply only 16.5 million nationals and where internet shopping is enjoying an unstoppable advance.” The retail space available has increased by 25 per cent over the past decade to a total of more than 30 million square metres. Consumer spending trends have not kept pace with this development. The number of unoccupied shops has increased to around 6 per cent, or some 14,000 shops. Bruijniks: “Of course the current economic situation is playing a role in the increasing number of shops SUMMARY OF NEWS REPORTS 2011 « Charles van Schaik destined to become number one in running: Runnersworld enters new phase » « Lifestyle opens shop-in- retailer Euretco Wonen reports great success WITH THE RIGHT COMBINATION OF SALES CHANNELS, RETAILERS WILL FIND THE CUSTOMER IN THEIR SIGHT customer 8 that are unoccupied. However factors such as the declining and ageing population, the decrease in physical spending in shops and the aging of retailers available to deal with the knock-on problems also have their impact on the increase in the number of empty shop premises.” Greater variety Bruijniks urges the government to take an active role: “The government has to take responsibility so that we can over time retain a sufficiently acceptable retail landscape. This will require some consideration and the continued pursuit of new builds, not to mention options for redeveloping existing shopping areas and where necessary renovating uneconomic space. In this context, project developers and investors will also have to rethink their position and demonstrate their responsibility. We are on a slippery slope and and we can’t sustain things for much longer. We need less of the same and more variety. “The roads in to the expensive, and for many retailers inaccessible, centres are full of opportunities both for them and for the chain stores to make and keep things appealing. On the approach routes, you create affordable space for a range of differentiating shops run by independent retailers, while the consumer knows that further along he will find all the chains have to offer.” “We are taking this step at a time when all the consumer signals are on red,” explains Bruijniks. “And we are doing this very carefully in the realisation that we are constantly concerned with our retailers. In other words: the preparations and implementation of the merger must not disrupt the process with the customer in any way whatsoever. To keep things close to home: it will be business as usual throughout the alterations.” Process in development. Euretco and Intres both operate in the field of joint purchasing, payments and marketing, in particular in the fashion, home and sport retail trade sectors. In addition, they are major players in the franchise formulas market. Intres works among others with Intersport, Livera, Coach, Morgana and Libris/BLZ. The merger will be brought about through an exchange of shares. At the beginning of March 2012, the members of Intres approved the proposed merger between the retail service organisation Euretco and Intres by a majority vote. This happened during an Extraordinary General Members’ Meeting of the Intres cooperative. The Works Councils of both organisations then started to tackle the planning. The definitive realisation of the merger is still dependent on approval by the Netherlands Competition Authority (NMa). Double the collaborative power Developments within the fashion, home and sport segments and in the field of e–commerce require appropriate modifications to the working method, structure, quality and scale of Euretco. Intres came to the same realisation last year. From their shared passion for retail and big ambitions to continue delivering optimal retail services, both organisations in mid-2011 decided to investigate working together. The stated aims of joining forces are to better serve associate retailers now and in the future and as a result better secure the continued existence of the independent retailer in the Netherlands. There is also focus on the continued professionalisation of the role with respect to suppliers. shop formula within home stores ‘Both with respect to our performance and Eutreco’s financial development, satisfaction is due’ » « Lampenier launches new web shop » « Focus on Lampenier Zwolle » Morres Wonen adopts Euretco’s Decorette formula 6 questions for 9 2012: Growth contracting The Netherlands reported economic growth of 1.2 per cent for 2011. That looks promising, but the reality is rather different. According to figures from the CBS central office for statistics, there was a decline of 0.7 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared with the previous year. The decline in the period from October through to December 2011 is, according to the CBS mathematicians, largely attributable to a further decrease in consumption by households, which fell by 1.8 per cent. However a fall in government consumption and the export of Dutch products also contributed. While investments increased, they were at a lower rate than in previous quarters. On average, growth in turnover in the retail trade in 2011 was 1 per cent according to the CBS figures. In all quarters, prices were higher and volumes lower. Non-food stores yielded turnover of [translator’s note: figure missing?] per cent. The outerwear sector also saw turnover fall by 1.2 per cent. Home furnishings suffered the biggest fall in turnover: minus 2.9 per cent. The figures from CBW Mitex reveal a picture that looks far more critical. Uncertain consumer Consumers have never been so gloomy about their financial situation as they were at the end of 2011. Neither are consumers positive about their financial situation in 2012. This low level of consumer confidence and lack of willingness to spend are extremely unfavourable for household consumption. Dutch consumers also appear to have been SUMMARY OF NEWS REPORTS 2011 « Christian Wijnen breathes new life into SPORT 2000 Oosterhout » « Purchasing and sales group Proms is odd man out » « Runnersworld represented at Shell’s Be Well fair 10 Sportpointshop opened in Asten highly conservative with their spending. They are finding it is not the right time for major purchases such as furniture, a washing machine or a television. The Nibud (Netherlands Institute for Budget Information) calculated at the beginning of 2012 that everyone would have reduced purchasing power in 2012. Gross salaries will increase slightly in 2012, but in net terms no one will benefit according to the Nibud. Inflation increased in January 2012 to 2.5 per cent. The decline in purchasing power is stronger than was expected on the day of the Queen’s speech in 2011. The higher health insurance costs and higher than estimated inflation are the major causes. On average, households in 2012 have anything between ten or twenty euros through to more than one hundred euros less to spend per month. Joining forces Euretco remains conservative concerning concrete expectations for 2012. This is all to do with the merger with Intres. If this merger goes ahead, the strategic position as well as the financial support of the combined organisation will be further strengthened. The associated synergistic benefits and growth offer excellent starting points to face the economic developments in the short and long term in a retail market that finds itself under pressure. This sets the foundation for a strong organisation that is ready to do battle with the aim of continuing to provide optimal services to independent retailers. Both organisations need each other to secure a healthy future. Subject to impacts which may arise following successful completion of the merger process, Euretco expects to improve operating profit by 6 per cent in 2012. 2012: Cautious and realistic Expectations for 2012 vary per sector in the retail trade. Home furnishings will again face difficult times. The deadlock in the housing market is expected to make itself felt on turnover in this sector in 2012 too. With people moving home less, there will be no spending in this area. This will not be fully offset by investments in furnishings or maintenance or improvements to existing homes. Sales in the retail trade of textiles, clothing and footwear are expected to fall slightly in 2012 because consumers are wearing clothing for somewhat longer. Here too, budgetary arguments play a role. In addition, the shift in retail trade spending via the internet and mail order companies is becoming increasingly evident. It is expected that the decline in the retail trade sector which started some years ago has since 2009 meant a decrease in turnover for shops in cities. The increasing number of empty shop premises is visible evidence of this. From global Tupperware parties to three diversified shops » « Impulse members are friends of business » Lots of new sport 2000 outlets 11 Bram Huibers, Chairman of the Euretco Supervisory Board: ‘As far as I am concerned, joining forces is essential’ “Behind the scenes, 2011 was dominated for me and my colleagues by investigating the possibilities of a merger with Intres. The topic was not new on the agenda; there has been regular review as to how desirable a collaboration is. Under the current market circumstances, it is more a question of the need for the two biggest players to join forces.” “If you dare to take a realistic look at the situation we find ourselves in retail within 2012, you can only conclude that if organisations such Euretco and Intres were to do nothing, over time they would face a decline in margin and thus revenue. Nevertheless there are limits to what retailers on the one hand and suppliers on the other have in space and are prepared to give. So if you want to focus on continuity, you have to achieve growth. And it needs to be in a different way than simply increasing retailers’ contributions. At a certain point there is no more room for manoeuvre. Material gain can rather be found by seeking synergy between activities and thus saving costs. There are a number of concrete opportunities when you merge two organisations with a comparable role. From IT and accommodation through to HR costs and expenditure in the field of marketing and advertising. Furthermore, you together become a body of a scale that also has its effects in the market. After all: for suppliers you are an even more significant factor of importance, with all the positive effects that go with that. And this is certainly also true of the labour market: retail and management talent will soon have to make a serious choice between a chain and the country’s largest retail service organisation and formula agency. He or she can no longer ignore you’ “I was in favour of the merger plan right from the start of the negotiations in the knowledge that around us – and and SUMMARY OF NEWS REPORTS 2011 « AVEK’s director Roelf Kok: Designing together with retailers brings better results » « Sportpoint shop opened in Asten » « Babyface opens first shop-in-shops within V&D 12 often going relatively unnoticed – chain stores are continuing to grow, whereas the number of independent retailers is declining year on year. It is important, from the passion for retail that we at Euretco have within us, to continue to provide optimal service to the people who do it well and who favour a variety of shops in our country. One task we certainly must not lose sight of: grouping together purchasing and sales power is below the line the fastest to pay for itself. “All in all, I see nothing but benefits from the merger between Euretco and Intres. Not least, I am looking ahead to the intended merger of all the departments and people in Hoevelaken. We’ll have to grin and bear it when we leave Breda and Houten. But we’ll soon be sitting together in one office where we will also be able to organise lots of big events. From trade fairs to training sessions. I am convinced that this will also play a social role and help to further professionalise and intensify our contact with the retailers. ‘If you want to focus on continuity, you have to achieve growth. And in a different way than simply increasing retailers’ contributions The main thing is that we are in a phase with the organisation where we cannot escape an increase in scale. At the same time, this offers plenty of opportunities. And that after all is what binds us as pure retailers: to be entrepreneurial, discover prospects and act on them.” “Ik heb er alle vertrouwen in, dat het proces van samengaan en integratie uiteindelijk zijn vruchten zal afwerpen. Het zal zeker voor medewerkers wennen zijn. Vooraf is immers duidelijk dat de culturen op onderdelen verschillen. Dit laat onverlet, dat we onszelf alleen op deze manier het uitzicht bieden op een gezonde toekomst voor beide organisaties en de bij hen aangesloten ondernemers. Dat vooruitzicht maakt dit en komend jaar tot een uitdaging voor ons allemaal.” Bram Huibers, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Euretco Exclusive collaboration between Dyanne Beekman and Euretco launched successfully » Euretco Wonen Liesbeth den Boer: ‘I am proud that my father has been able to take a step back’ consumer pane Invest in the s ale s per son ls reveal: ! 13 Retailservices Fashion: capricious and unpredictable Unfortunately, figures don’t lie: 2011 was a disappointing year for the fashion sector. Revenues overall were 6.2 per cent down on the previous year, when the decline was scarcely 0.1 per cent. Women’s fashion yielded 7.9 per cent, men’s fashion 3.7 per cent, baby and children’s fashion 5.3 per cent and body fashion 5.6 per cent. The industry organisation CbW Mitex attributes the disappointing figures to a combination of economic factors and unpredictable influences such as that of the weather. In addition, it seems that while a lot of consumers come into the shops to look around, they are buying less. The decreasing interest in brands is also thought to be playing a role. Euretco Fashion Turnover within the Fashion segment stayed at the 2010 level, which is substantially better than the industry as a whole. Across the board, there were no big falls within the segment. This is in part the result of the considerable effort focused supporting retailers in their fight for market share. New retailers and suppliers also joined in 2012. More than trends The annual Euretco Fashion inspiration event for retailers and suppliers took place on 31 October 2011 at the Rijtuigenloods in Amersfoort. Some 400 visitors took inspiration there and talked to one another about passion for fashion retail. The “pure” theme which was central to the 2011 event was deliberately chosen. In turbulent times with little of the traditional security, we are looking for a new footing. Consumers see through a nice story, what they want is purity/authenticity. Not a mask, but transparency. Euretco Fashion challenged retailers to return to the core of the profession and above all to remain true to the original drivers. Rene Boender confirmed this picture in his presentation on Generation Z and Jos Burgers challenged the audience to get right alongside the customer. The heart of the programme came in the shape of a discussion led by Mathi- SUMMARY OF NEWS REPORTS 2011 « More than Trends was all about pure: ‘Whatever you give you get back’ » « Runnersworld Best Chain of Sports Shops » « Q MORE THAN TRENDS ALL ABOUT PURE ‘Whatever you give you get back’ 14 Purchasing – budgeting is a question of taking responsibility js van Nieuwkerk. He went in search of the power and drivers behind these thoroughbred people of fashion: opt for authenticity or individuality, be really good at something, modernise, have courage and persevere. These are the concepts that in 2012 2012 dominate in the formula for success. in fact been working on this for some years together with Intres. Christine Boland – trend analyst and consultant to the fashion sector – held the seminar Trends & Mindsets for an attentive audience of fashion retailers, delivering a fascinating and inspiring story about women’s fashion in 2011. Dyanne Beekman ERM An exclusive collaboration has been agreed with stylist Dyanne Beekman, known as the presenter of the TV programme Looking Good. In her own words, the stylist consciously elected to collaborate with independent retailers, ‘because they have a passion for the profession, know the customer best and it is precisely they who offer a high level of service’. The “coat to tote” collection forms a basic wardrobe for women with items that can be combined with one another. Each evening, Dyanne’s fans receive a tweet with clothes advice for the following day. Dyanne ensures plenty of publicity in the local media and also organises D Nights in collaboration with retailers to support the introduction to the customer. Organisations which took part in the Euretco Retail Monitor – the unique benchmark tool developed by Euretco on average generated turnover comparable with 2010, as the result of a price increase. To achieve this, they had to pull out all the stops. Lots of advertising, campaigns and themed events are needed to bring any sort of traffic at all into the shop. The number of participating sales points again increased. The monitor now represents consumer turnover of around 350 million euro and is rightly the sector monitor. Mode Alliance Seven large-scale shops who are associates of Euretco have joined forces and in November 2011 they launched the Mode Alliance at the Heineken Music Hall. No fewer than 1500 employees and customers immediately put the Mode Alliance firmly on the map. The aim of the Alliance is to jointly organise high-profile events which aim to make a day out in fashion a concept. By joining forces in shared marketing, the Mode Alliance is in a better position to achieve this. The planning for 2012 includes an event to be organised with the magazine Margriet. The activities will involve not only customers but employees as well. They need to be able to transfer their enthusiasm to customers and they can do that best by joining in. The initiators see the Mode Alliance as a mark of quality; customers are assured of a certain quality. In addition, Euretco has signed up for targeted trade fair concepts such as Vrouw&Zo and Man&Zo. Euretco has Q&A researcher Frank Quix on Retail 2000: It’s going faster than we predicted’ » Collaboration between Dyanne Beekman and Euretco launched successfully 15 Private labels Support for traditionally organised private labels is under pressure although the profitability of the labels in general is still ahead of the market average. In the light of this market, Euretco is focusing in the private label field increasingly on reducing the risks for retailers and responding ‘item-wise’ to the latest trends. Good examples are the successful introductions of Basefield and Commander in collaboration with Intres. Retailers can make their own customised selection from the very wide range. In women’s fashion, there appears to be a return to the eighties. The latest trends and just the right item at the right time lead to success with the customer. Last-minute savings and additional purchases determine success, but are also time-consuming. Euretco fashion provides support in various ways. Via the must-have Net, we provide information about what is on offer from suppliers in the short-term. We also pro-actively look at home and abroad for items for which there is demand and, where necessary, have these manufactured. Under the private label (No)Frills, detailed items are manufactured to meet the latest developments. Items are delivered on average 3 months after the first sketch which means they have an optimal connection to the consumer. E commerce Contrary to physical retail sales, online clothing purchases are increasing and an online presence as a retailer has now become a fundamental condition. The choice to do this via a web store is not easy. Experience shows that “web store operations” require new disciplines both in terms of logistics as well as in terms of online marketing, and also bring challenges with respect to quality assurance, cost management and stock efficiency. Euretco in 2011 developed a model to offer retailers the opportunity to exploit online opportunities and focus on online marketing of their shop as a brand, while the back-office logistics, despatch and stock management are handled via a professional external partner. In particular, the aim is to get the speed of sales of stock up to a standard level by placing this centrally in the mutual collaboration between retailers. The model provides relief to retailers through collaboration. In July 2012, the first (men’s) fashion retailers will go live with their own web store using this model. Home: still not easy The home sector, according to market figures from CbW/ Mitex, has for the third year in a row faced falling sales. The SUMMARY OF NEWS REPORTS 2011 « Ros Zonweting & Decorette Nijkerk selling atmosphere and leisure » « SPORT 2000 founder at the League of Experience » « LifeStyle opens shop-in-shopformula within home stores 16 decline in 2011 was 3.0 per cent. Specialist sleep businesses reported the biggest fall: -7.9 per cent. Specialist furniture businesses managed to limit the decline in turnover to 0.3 per cent. Home textiles businesses saw their sales fall by an average of 0.4 per cent. December was an excellent sales month for the sector, however the first two months of the last quarter certainly did not reflect the same picture. Analysis of the market shows that consumers are widely turning to the internet, but are then consciously selecting a specific shop because of experience, perception and purchase. Euretco Wonen Sales from the Wonen division developed in line with the market. Just as with colleagues in the other divisions of Euretco, Wonen is also making great strides. For example Euretco shared its knowledge and insights with retailers at the ‘Euretco Wonen etaleert’ (Euretco Wonen on Show) event. The show was held at the Home Trade Center in Nieuwegein. Central were the topics ‘learn to think differently’, ‘collaboration through the chains’ and ‘be open to combinations of sales channels’. Growth and repositioning Concrete steps towards growth have been taken in part with expansion of the ‘Slaapkenner’ (Sleep Expert) formula with 5 dealers who, note, joined in the same month. With Nox, Førss and Optisleep, ‘Slaapkenner’ offers three exclusive own brands. Other initiatives included the introduction of the own brand relax armchairs for the Woonvisie, Emotions and Flitspool home groups, the complete repositioning of these 3 concepts, the opening of Lifestyle shops in the shop within home furnishing stores and the launch of a number of new own brands, including ‘Topdream and ‘Bij Mij Thuis’. The objective for Vivante in 2011 was to make choices in the context of quality improvements. For a number of points of sale this meant opting for quality above quantity. A completely new communication concept has been designed in which the local hero is central and the content and service under the own brands have been improved. The formula here is clearly to grow in number in 2012. « Chantal Riedeman, founder of Shopology: turn 100% of visitors into 100% customers » « Euretco’s Arja de Boer: ‘Shopology works’ » Lampenier launches new webs shop Ros Zonwering and Decorette Nijkerk selling atmosphere and leisure 17 Regional evenings and benchmark Under the title ‘How to surprise the customer’, Euretco Wonen successfully organised 4 regional meetings. A total of some 60 retailers were represented. The evenings were held at retailers’ own shops. The participants interactively helped one another with new, inspiring ideas; the retailers who attended scored the evenings with an 8 on average. A good reason to adopt this tool even more actively in 2012. Following the lead of their colleagues from Euretco Fashion, Wonen developed its own benchmark tool to replicate the successful Euretco Retail Monitor. With the tool’s help, individual retailers can compare their annual figures against the average figures in the sector as a whole. The retailer thus gains clearer insight into the various core values such as gross profit margin, sales per square metre, stock ro- tation rate and average sales per employee. This allows the retailer to compare himself with peers in the same sector and if required manage or direct business operations on the basis of the outcomes. With better insight into the relationship between costs and turnover, retailers can thus achieve a better balance within their business operations. The more pro-actively they operate on the basis of their figures, the more alertly they can react and as a result capitalise on opportunities in this difficult market. Online presence In the home segment too, the internet as a means of orientation and as a sales channel is indispensible. Retailers from the design platform ‘Het Origineel’ have therefore decided together with Euretco Wonen to initiate a web store activity. The primary aim is to optimise the online presence of these retailers with design collections from their physical shops. This web store activity must meet the needs and wishes of today’s consumer to view and ultimately purchase designer furniture extensively online. The core of the concept: Efficiency and collaboration in the background while retaining your own identity and activity in the forefront. In 2011, a start was made in developing this shared web store platform. Euretco takes care of and supports the development as well as facilitating the content. Successful collaboration As part of making the collaboration between Euretco Wonen and the InternationaleMeubelGroep (IMG) more intensive, (IMG) a policy has been developed in the field of supplier management whereby the synergistic effects are able to be realised as optimally as possible. One initial project in this context was successfully completed in 2011. The results of this project have confirmed to both Euretco Wonen and IMG that further intensification of the collaboration will ‘pay off’. SUMMARY OF NEWS REPORTS 2011 « Euretco director Harry Bruijniks on family companies: ‘In order to know where you are going to, you have to know where you ha Purchase and sales group Proms is odd man out 18 Sport: a difficult climate 2011 was a poor year for sport. Not so much because of a notable decline in sporting performance, but certainly for many retailers of sportswear and sports equipment. In 2011, the sector faced a climate that had a crucial impact on sales figures. For example there was no winter weather at the beginning of 2011, the spring was quite warm and the summer ended up being a washout. The year came to an end with no real winter to speak of. Consequences: reduced demand for sportswear and equipment in the very periods when sales need to be achieved. And, as we know, at the start of 2012 there was a sudden severe freeze. Which of course meant an enormous surge in the sale of skates. However it was too late for the retailers’ 2011 results. In the meantime, the sector is undergoing a number of substantial changes. Research indicates that the growth from the sales share from web stores is unstoppable. In the meantime, margins are also under pressure as a consequence of rising raw material prices and increasing pressure from discounts. Increasing numbers of independents are failing or are joining chains and joint supply organisations. The fact is that within the sports sector, big differences in results are evident. Retailers who have choices within their range perform better than generalists. Euretco Sport: improved sales Euretco Sport, in which independent retailers as well as retailers who are associates of Sportpoint collaborate, achieved an increase in turnover in 2011 compared with 2010. At the same time a large sports retailer, Telstar which has seven megastores, joined. The collaboration with Sportpoint is working satisfactorily. Sportpoint is an entrepreneurial group which brings together independent entrepreneurship and collective power. The group comprises 80 successful sports retailers with a high return on capital invested. The entrepreneurial group associated with the Sport retail service division grew by six in 2011 to a total of 103. ave come from’ » « FFranklin van Blijdestein: believe firmly in the next generation » Integrate the best of two worlds NIPIUS MOVES FROM VME TO EURETCO WONEN Custom-made in Maasdijk 19 Formules Steve Evers director of Formulas: “Retailers need to look at those things that we can influence.” Formula development and Healthy Growth with a capital ‘G’. This, as far as director of Formulas Steve Evers is concerned, is what it’s all about day in, day out. Growth as a means, not as an objective. Both for retailers and franchise-holders, as well as for Euretco. “In order to create optimal conditions for ourselves in all areas. “From this fundamental premise it was clear that in 2010, we needed to continue full steam ahead with the line we had taken of restructuring and strengthening our services to our retailers who use our formulas. The focus in 2011 was very much on exploiting and extending internal synergies. Making use of each other’s knowledge, expertise and networks in other words.” And that is what happened. However the climate in which these steps had to be taken was not at all favourable. Quite literally when it c a me to t he weat her gods col labor at i ng . And in figures when it comes to the economic conditions. Effective strategy There was a considerable improvement in operating profit from the formulas in 2011 compared with 2010. The results from Decorette recovered from a break-even level to return a good profit, partly due to a considerably reduced cost basis. Runnersworld, despite exceptionally difficult market conditions, managed to maintain profits. Lampenier was below target. SPORT 2000 finished below the level of the previous year, caused largely by the tough market conditions. “The strategy rolled out in full in 2011, which is based on formula expansion, healthy growth, excellent operation and the exploitation of internal synergies, did not fail to have its impact during the year under SUMMARY OF NEWS REPORTS 2011 « Max Dohle of Hoogeveen: ‘Most achievable is succession by external retailers’ » « Bakers Zitmeubelen: ‘Family companies ar SPORT 2000 FRANCHISE COUNCIL CHAIRMAN JURRIEN KRUIDHOF Runnersworld enters new phase 20 # ‘If you work together, the friendship will last’ review,” says Evers. “We are according a lot of attention to the management side of running a business by the associated independent retailers and franchise-holders. To achieve excellent operations, you very much need relevant information. So we also need access to such up-to-date and correct information. We are therefore big supporters of introducing, for example, a central tills system. This helps us to actively monitor the most important indicators and use the data analysed to our joint advantage.” Circle of influence Steve Evers is a keen advocate within Euretco of taking a different view of retailers’ attitude with respect to everyday reality: “We are a bit too quick to establish that we have no influence on certain things. We can’t do anything about the recession, or about the debts crisis, or about declining consumer confidence. At least that is the attitude at the moment. And we seem then to be satisfied with our lot. My vision is that you have to look at those things you can in fact influence. Because knowing that there’s little you can do about some things is ‘nice to know’, but it doesn’t help you to move forward. What can you address, what can you influence from your position, your role? In summary: what is your circle of influence?” If Evers carries this vision through to practice in shops, he will come to things such as product availability, a ‘rigid’ shop, tailor-made collections and stringent stock management. Runnersworld: plus and minus ers who left the Euretco collaboration. We were ultimately able to draw a line under this period. Since then, under the inspired guidance of new management filled with fresh fervour and supported by the successes, we have gone about maintaining high levels of performance.” Runnersworld, with 23 shops, reported a robust increase in sales at the end of 2011. Running is, with some 4 million practising the sport, the fastest growing athletics discipline in the Netherlands. The need for expert, professional advice on clothing, footwear, training and running techniques and the like is also increasing. Runnersworld – which has been sailing under the That there’s little you can do about some things is ‘nice to know’, But it doesn’t help you to move forward.’ Within Runnersworld there was in 2011 an almost unstoppable dynamic. “A lot has indeed happened from the very positive through to less pleasant developments. To begin with: autonomous turnover again grew vigorously. There was further good news when Runnersworld was for third time in a row voted the best retail chain in the sports sector in our country.” What was bad, according to Evers, was the enduring discussion which was held with a number of the initial retail- re a step ahead’’ » « Build objectivity into your succession planning » « Jaring de Wolff Furnishing” ‘Our shop is the brand’’ » For the third time Runnersworld best chain of sports shops 21 Euretco flag since 1994 – offers the right response. “The formula works excellently, not least thanks to the specialist and professional engagement of retailers and their staff.” The management of Runnersworld will in 2012 and the years ahead focus on controlled growth. We know from research that there are completely untapped opportunities in the ‘Randstad’ area. We are also in contact with a number of retailers who are very serious in their ambition to open new branches. ”In the near future, Runnersworld will increase its number of outlets from 30 to 35. Also in the retail services division, Euretco will actively strive for collaborations within the formulas. reported a much less severe decrease in sales and thus performed better than the market. In the hardware category, sales for SPORT 2000 remained at the 2010 level, which is good to note. In other segments, the weather was the big killjoy during the major seasons. Evers: “You can work as hard as you possibly can on your own structure and ways of operating, but at the end of the day it’s all about getting the consumer over the threshold. And getting the consumer to make purchases. And our retailers were left in the lurch a little in this respect. The weather is a crucial factor in business planning in the sports sector. In addition to the basic sales, there are always two peaks: in the winter when cold weather means skating and in the summer for swimwear SPORT 2000: the wrong weather and beach fashion.” 2011 brought some dramatic disapThe total sports market in the Netherlands reported a 9.2 pointments in this respect. We saw a glimpse of summer per cent decline in sales for 2011. SPORT 2000 as a whole in May; after that it was predominantly wet and cool. Sales SUMMARY OF NEWS REPORTS 2011 « Slijkhuis Interieur Design: ‘We are driven by passion’ » « Van Schuppen Wooncentrum: ‘Customers don’t have a number, they Lodewijk Mode voor Mannen: Runnersworld’s success rolls out further 22 ‘The best retailers are born in times of crisis’ of winter clothing, skis, skates, moon boots and such like were far below expectations both at the start and the end of 2011 because of a lack of snow and ice. “Retailers whose basic turnover is from a less functional range suffered less from the impact of the weather. Retailers who compiled their offer carefully and took this into account to some extent had a lucky escape in 2011. Anyone largely dependent on fashion and seasonally-related articles such as skates and beachwear conversely took a hard hit. A number of SPORT 2000 retailers also faced these problems, but fortunately the majority did not.” In 2011, the leadership of SPORT 2000 was handed over to a new management team. In addition, the complete logistics process was outsourced. This has enabled the number of deliveries per week to the various shops to be increased. Furthermore, virtually all the own-name shops have been sold, as planned. Only in Gouda is SPORT 2000 still under direct management; that branch is currently being used as a test bed for new concepts and developments. In the year under review, the FreeBees savings programme was for the first time applied within the formula. Consumers can cash in FreeBees at SPORT 2000 shops. Furthermore, in collaboration with premium suppliers, a shop-in-shop was implemented in fifteen shops in 2011. This has been so successful that extending the scheme across several shops is now being considered. At the same time, there has been intensive work on the web store project. Finally, SPORT 2000 also needs to make a dynamic move from ‘bricks’ to ‘clicks and bricks’ – including in the form of a functional web store and successful commercial tactics. y have a name’’ The merger between Euretco and Intres has forced us to make a choice. The Articles of Association from both these international sport organisations do not permit both the sports formulas to operate within a single retail service organisation. In addition, the Netherlands Competition Authority (NMa) has determined that it is not desirable to have both formulas under one roof. If the merger actually goes though, Euretco will choose the Intersport formula. “Intersport and SPORT 2000 both have a strong position in the Dutch market. These are powerful formulas with a robust market share, firmly anchored in the Dutch sports retail landscape, with every opportunity of a successful future. Ultimately, Intersport’s more dominant market position was a deciding factor in the decision-making,” says Evers. ‘Intersport and SPORT 2000 both have a strong position in the Dutch market. They are powerful formulas with a robust market share, firmly anchored in the Dutch sports retail landscape, with every opportunity for a successful future’ » « Van Tilburg mode and sport: ‘The feeling that you can mean something better for a customer. That’s what counts’ » ‘There isn’t much that beats going shopping with your daughter’ 23 Decorette: spectacular turnaround The Decorette retailers of course also faced a stagnating home market, and more specifically the further decrease in the number of home moves. Home furnishings is likely to be a sector that is highly sensitive to the economic situation in the next few years. Nevertheless, the formula is reporting good results. Following a difficult start, Decorette recovered in 2011 from a position of having fallen behind and managed to turn things around. This was in particular thanks to the change in strategy, whereby price is temporarily being used as a weapon in the fight for consumer favour. “The course was determined at the end of 2010 with implementation following in 2011: Decorette wanted to shake up the market with a price argument it has never used previously. The message was conveyed in a major advertising campaign.” A drastic change of course, as Evers too was aware when he personally took the helm for the formula within a year of joining. “I cannot deny that ‘Decorette symbolises quality and professional advice. Campaigns and offers were not really ‘Decorettes’. SUMMARY OF NEWS REPORTS 2011 there was considerable resistance from retailers. Decorette symbolises quality and professional advice. Campaigns and offers were not really ‘Decorettes’. But I wanted to create some temporary movement. Because wherever all sorts of impacts outside your sphere of influence, such as the stagnating housing market, threaten to define policy, you have to take action for yourself on the things where you can do something. Recognition of the name was excellent, but that wasn’t what it was about. However consumers look at the price as well. And this was an area where Decorette had never really been prominent. The price campaign is temporary, but at a certain point we need to return to the original brand values.” Evers praises the retailers, along with his core team which acted more than superbly in dialogue with the retailers. He expects that over time, the focus can again shift away from price, and the balance with quality and expertise can be restored. “We should not want to move away from price totally as a tool. The consumer is set on it; as long as they care about price, we also need to use it.” For the Decorette formula, growth is a tool but not an aim in itself. As a result of this, there will in 2012 be a focus on further optimisation of the retailers. Lampenier: further roll-out In comparison with 2010, Lampenier still managed to realise an increase in turnover. That is a great achievement in an extremely difficult and declining market. A market in which the number of specialist providers is declining year on year and the competition, in part from builders’ merchants and the internet, is strongly increasingly. “The number of shops in the lighting sector has fallen dramatically in the past years: from 500 a few years ago to fewer than 300 now. Causes: succession issues and strong competition from other sectors such as the builders’ markets.” Lampenier of course also faces the changing market condi- « Lodewijk Mode voor mannen: ‘The best retailers are born in times of crisis’ » « Tuerlings Fashion Group: From jackets with ho ROETGERINK MODE, THE FASHION STREET IN TWENTE ‘Dad, when can I work behind the till?’ 24 tions. The new shop concept tested in Katwijk is working well but is too expensive for most retailers. Evers: “We considered the consequences. The result: we will gradually move across to a simpler business model in which the internet will play an important role. On the one hand, we want to further roll out Lampenier as a concept, on the other hand we are going to introduce Lampenier as a shop in the shop in a number of furniture business run by our retailers who are active within our Wonen division. In addition, we are giving priority to e-commerce applications as part of which physical and digital efforts will reinforce one another. What you might imagine here is that the consumer looks for a fitting on the internet and within the Lampenier environment is directed to a suitable choice in the range. This all happens on a central web store. At the end of the process he can then select his own branch. At that point he is linked to the nearest Lampenier retailer.” The first shop in shop has now opened in Vlissingen. Autonomous branches opened their doors in 2011 in Zwolle and Drachten. The web store has also been updated. “Lampenier is within Euretco the example of a formula where even with very few resources and people, great things are being achieved. 2012 will be an important year for Lampenier. In the planning is further investigation into the opportunities for more intensive collaboration with Decorette.” Development In 2012, Evers wants to keep all his staff’s energy focused on maximum support to the retailers. We want to facilitate them to reach micro-level. We have in recent times invested heavily in our management’s skills and knowledge. The knowledge and expertise of those colleagues concerned are raised systematically. As a result we have shifted from being a purely product-focused organisation involved in development to become a complete retail partner.” Quick’s managing director John Ouwejan: ‘You generate traffic together’ » « Chris Koot agenturen: remain independent of the banks » H to am th be e rg R oy mo al d ho e p us ur eh ve ol yo d r orns and bells to a stably growing family company 25 Wholesale SUMMARY OF NEWS REPORTS 2011 « Ten Wolde of Krommenie: From manufacturing via small business through to casuals » « Chairman Hans Biesheuvel, SME Ne Profile: A special on the backbone of the Dutch economy 26 Euretco Label Company (ELC) reported a slight improvement in operating profit in 2011.Turnover increased by almost 15 per cent compared with the previous year. It was primarily the increase in turnover from the LCKR and Babyface brands which contributed to the positive result. The addition of the new brand Blue Rebel – a jeans brand for children – also contributed to the pleasing figures for 2011. However the margin in 2011 came under heavy pressure from increased raw materials prices and the foreign exchange results. As a result, the increase in turnover did not unfortunately result in the same increase in profits. The so-called Flash programmes were well received in the shops. ELC will focus increasing attention on this with the aim of reaching the retail trader at the right time with the right articles and collections. There is also demand for this from the shops. Certainly now the market is under pressure, the retail trader wants to be in a position to add products during the season. This is achieved with ELC through Flash collections from the LCKR and Blue Rebel brands. Babyface Babyface is a strong brand in the current baby market, both nationally and internationally. Babyface opened the first of a series of ‘shop in shops’ within V&D. In August 2011, The Hague experienced the first one. The second one will open in September in Nijmegen. ‘Shop in shops’ are also being developed for the independent retailers. Blue Rebel In mid-2011, ELC entered into an intensive collaboration with a logistics partner Promese in Breda. The entire physical logistical process is now outsourced. This results in optimisation of this process as well as new opportunities in terms of flexibility and e-commerce business for retail traders. LCKR A lot of time and energy has been invested in the experience aspect of the LCKR brand. During the year under review, the logo and the house style were completely revised. New brand values were defined and a new communication plan devised that will be expressed among other things in folders, POS material and the look and feel of the website. The results will be visible on the shop floor starting from the new 2012 collection. etherlands: The innovative power of retailers Blue Rebel is, together with the trademark rights for the children’s brands Rags and Eager Beaver, accommodated within ELC. Blue Rebel in particular has great potential; this is also evident from the initial results. At the beginning of 2012 there were 140 points of sale in the Netherlands, including de Bijenkorf with 7 branches.Business abroad are also looking on. ‘We are developing to become a complete retail partner’ » « Decorette is forging ahead with new campaign » Max Bakers, Bakers Zitmeubelen: max dohle of hoogeveen ‘Most achievable is succession by external retailers’ ‘Family companies are a step ahead’ 27 Euretco achieved a good year in 2011. Despite the unfavourable economic period, we reported normalised EBITDA of €8.7 million. This amount excludes one-off merger costs which are chargeable under 2011. The result represented an improvement in comparison with 2010 of €2.1 million, or 31%. In 2010, normalised EBITDA was €6.6 million. Net profit was €2.2 million. The Euretco solvency ratio rose further in 2011 to 45.1% (2010: 40.0%). Financial data Standing by the retailer “In 2011, retail services more emphatically gave shape to our responsibilities towards our independent retailers and franchise-holders,” says chairman of the board Harry Bruijniks. “For example we have put a lot of energy into supporting retailers who faced economic difficulties, or the threat of them. Where possible, we helped them fight to survive and return to a promising position for the future.” Bruijniks maintains that Euretco is adopting a realistic and honest position in these circumstances: “We analyse clearly and are honest in our assessment as to whether there is a future or not. And retailers can expect that of us. It also means standing by the retailer. And not, as a lot of banks and other financiers often do: giving retailers an umbrella when the sun starts to shine but taking it away again when it starts to rain.” Bruijniks talks of ‘a professional duty of care, but it is an obligation’. New digital world In addition, Euretco last year actively facilitated and supported the associate retailers in developing and applying modern marketing techniques, such as social media and e-commerce. “We have, after making an inventory of our ICT infrastructure in 2010, last year worked intensively on SUMMARY OF NEWS REPORTS 2011 « Euretco Wonen introduces new private label seats » « FreeBees savings programme has SPORT 2000 as new partner » « E Slijkhuis Interieur Design ‘We are driven by passion’ 28 creating a comprehensive digital platform for both retailers and suppliers. After all, the parties concerned all have an interest in being digitally connected and thus reinforce one another,” says Bruijniks. In the autumn of 2011, retailers had the opportunity to become familiar with the set-up and lots of interesting opportunities offered by the digital platform. “Via special training courses, the first retailers became familiar with what for many of them was the completely new, but at the same time challenging and opportunity-rich digital world.” This process will be continued in 2012 and will run for the entire year as a minimum, even just to develop the system itself which will then offer new options and opportunities. With an eye on changes In addition to giving day-to-day substance to the partnerships with retailers, maintaining and strengthening relationships with suppliers and – where necessary – offering concrete support in adverse times, there is intensive work in preparing for the proposed merger with Intres. “Of course any such process requires an awful lot of consideration, energy and research. We have passed the exploratory phase; the feeling each way is good since we are now talking about completely concrete aspects such as finances, limiting conditions, structure and organisation.” Bruijniks is at the moment not prepared to issue any statements about the outcomes. “Of course developments as part of this process also have a direct impact on the sales figures and profit for 2012. The members of Intres gave the merger the green light at the beginning of March and both works councils have agreed the plans. Definitive completion ofmerger is still dependent on approval by the Netherlands Competition Authority (NMa). It is expected that the merger will be completed this spring,” says Bruijniks. Euretco Finance The operating profit of Euretco Finance was better during the year under review than one year previously. The biggest reasons for the improved results are an increase in revenues Euretco Wonen reports great success from payment discounts and penalty interest and reduced additions to the debtors’ provision. While efforts will continue to focus on further reducing the balance of accounts receivable, including loans, a stabilisations is now being endorsed. The approach of entering into dialogue with the retailer at an early stage is bearing fruit. However current market conditions mean that a number of debtors will have to pull out all the stops if they are to pay Euretco on time. The number of retailers in payment areas - which means with a balance beyond 30 days – is hardly becoming less. It is evident that a number of retailers have clearly already eaten into their capital in 2009 and 2010. For them, the ‘lean times’ cannot last much longer. In the Wonen division, it seems the‘pain threshold’ has already been reached. However we are now seeing more fashion and sports retailers hit problems. The collaboration with commercial account management was therefore further intensified in 2011 in order to achieve timely solutions with the retailers in question. Internal organisation As the result of extensive research carried out in 2009 and 2010 into quantitative, but primarily also into qualitative HR needs in the medium term, a start was made in 2011 with further professionalisation of the commercial teams. In particular when it comes to the balance between thorough sector knowledge and experience and broad management skills – including in the fields of HR policy, administration and marketing – Euretco needs a strong framework. After all, retailers and Euretco employees not only need to speak the same language, the intensive contacts must certainly deliver added value for the retailers. At the end of 2011 Euretco had 212 employees. This was 11 fewer than a year earlier (-5%), when there was already discussion about reducing staff numbers - at the time by no fewer than 30 FTEs. » « Exclusive collaboration between Dyanne Beekman and Euretco Fashion retailers » Van Schuppen Wooncentrum ‘Customers don’t have a number, they have a name’ Woninginrichting Jaring de Wolff ‘Our shop is the brand’ 29 Key figures Euretco Holding B.V. 2011 2010* 1.293 226 1.725 1.408 242 1.875 725.121 739.729 34.433 35.693 standardised operating result EBITDA standardised EBITDA ** 5.251 6.302 7.608 8.659 2.538 4.234 4.923 6.620 net result 2.239 596 group assets capital base balance sheet total property, plant and equipment investments depreciations cash flow 13.564 33.464 74.247 952 2.357 4.596 11.432 29.595 74.049 394 2.385 2.981 solvency ratio 45,1% 40,0% personnel expenses 15.324 19.165 212 223 number of entrepreneurs including formula participants number of formula participants number of affiliated shops turnover (excl. VAT) gross results operating result number of employees (FTE) amounts are in thousands of euros * figures of 2010 are made comparisive **Normalised in 2010 for the provisions for the restructuring process, among other things, and for merger costs, for example, in 2011 SUMMARY OF NEWS REPORTS 2011 « Slaapkenner adds 5 top dealers to its network » « LCKR updated » « SPORT 2000 intensifies overall strategy » Tuerlings Fashion Group FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION From suit jackets with all the trimmings to a consistently growing family company ‘‘The idea that you can make a difference for a customer is what counts’’ 30 31 Euretco Holding B.V. Stadionstraat 2 NL-4815 NG Breda T +31 76 578 57 11 [email protected] www.euretco.com