• First year of operating profitability. Sales growth of 22.6% (like for like)
• Expansion of market shares in all product categories
• 25 million visitors in Public stores during 2015
• 32 million visitors in the 2 e-shops of the Company
• 800,000 special orders collected from customers for rare books and products from abroad

Public, the network of stores (Retailworld SA) which is member of Olympia Group, belonging to the interests of Panos Germanos, demonstrated a strong financial performance despite the tough economic environment in the country, thus reiterating the dynamic course which the Company has achieved in the Greek market.

More specifically, 2015 was a milestone year for the Company, since having completed 10 years of operation the network of Public Stores (Retailworld SA) achieved, for the first time, operating profitability. The consolidated operating results (before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization – EBITDA) of the ending year 2015 settled at a positive territory amounting to € 146,285 compared to losses of € 9,942,882 in the financial year 2014.

Turnover demonstrated significant like for like growth of 22.6%. More specifically, the consolidated turnover of year 2015 amounted to € 222,538,358 versus € 181,580,497 in 2014. The dynamic commercial plan of the Company which resulted into the significant expansion of market shares in all product categories contributed decisively in the above positive financial results. Public was the #1 retailer in terms of sales of mobile telephony products & accessories, action cameras & drones, books, movies, music and entertainment tickets. Moreover, the seasonal product categories were notable contributors to the increase in sales and the expansion of market shares of Public Stores in all product categories.

Commenting on the financial results of Retailworld SA, Mr. Christos Kalogerakis, Chief Executive Officer, noted the following: «Despite the volatile economic environment, 2015 was a year marked with the achievement of operating profitability. Our results demonstrated that we earned the trust of consumers and verified the strategy followed with regard to the expansion of market shares of Public Stores in the technology and entertainment product market. We are especially delighted that with the completion of the first 10 years of successful presence in Greece and Cyprus we have recorded dynamic growth, becoming one of the favorite brands of both Greek and Cypriot consumers. We will continue developing our operations making always an effort to earn the smile of our visitors».

The clear strategy of the Company which places emphasis on the customer was catalyst towards the continuous expansion of Public Stores’ position in the market and the growth achieved in financial results. Public Stores also emerged as one of the most dynamic Greek retail chains given the fact that during 2015, 25 million consumers visited the network’s stores, whereas 32 million consumers showed their trust and purchased products from the 2 e-shops of the Company, in Greece and Cyprus, thus making 800,000 special orders for rare books and products from abroad.

Finally, the customer oriented philosophy of Public Stores is demonstrated by the 11 distinctions earned by the Company during the year 2015, for services and development of the omnichannel, thus showing a steady improvement in all customer service ratios.

 

For additional information: Anthi Trokoudi, Director of Communication and Corporate Affairs, PUBLICWORLD S.A., tel. +30 210 – 8181580, e-mail: a.trokoudi@olympiagroup.gr