In the first quarter of 2021, the generated sales revenues above the levels of the previous year and the pre-crisis period in 2019, despite the pandemic-related restrictions.
The established markets are also above the previous year’s level, excluding the acquired Spanish chain Óptica & Audiología Universitaria.
External sales incl. VAT and changes in inventories increased in the first three months of 2021 by 9% to €445 million (previous year: €407 million). Consolidated sales rose by 8% to around €382 million (previous year: €355 million).
Pre-tax profits rose to €41.8 million (previous year: €17.6 million) and the net income increased to €28.5 million (previous year: €12.1 million).
This result is influenced by higher costs for infection protection measures, among other things. Approximately €6 million have also been included as corona bonuses for all employees working in direct contact with customers.
As at 31 March 2021, Fielmann operated 875 stores (previous year: 776), 288 of which also contained hearing aid studios (previous year: 209). Fielmann is Germany’s largest employer in the optical industry with a total of 21,582 employees in the Group as at 31 March (previous year: 20,234), of whom 4,277 are apprentices (previous year: 4,065).