Commerce

Expansion and defence of the market position

Despite challenging market conditions, Denner was able to defend its position as Switzerland's leading discounter with only a slight 0.4% fall in sales to CHF 2'902.1 million. Footfall was up again on the previous year, primarily due to converting an additional 180 stores. Furthermore, Denner systematically passed on savings in the area of purchasing to its customers in the form of lower prices.

At migrolino, the dynamic growth trend of the past two years was continued. Sales were up by 10% to CHF 382 million. The number of migrolino locations increased to 287, due to the dynamic expansion in Ticino.

Like all petrol station operators and mineral oil dealers, Migrol was affected by the sharp drop in oil prices, with sales falling by CHF 262.8 million (-16.2%) in nominal terms. In real terms, however, sales rose by 2.7%, which meant that Migrol was able to increase its market share.

Despite a challenging non-food market environment, Digitec Galaxus, reported a double-digit increase in sales to CHF 696 million (after complete integration in Migros Group CHF 498.9 million), thereby consolidating its position as the clear online market leader.

Depot continued its successful growth trajectory, generating sales of CHF 456.5 million with a total of 450 locations and 19 new wholesale partner branches. In the local currency, Depot's sales increased by 12% to EUR 428.9 million.

In 2015, m-way strengthened its position as the market leader and a centre of excellence for electromobility, with sales up by 53%. The number of branches was increased to 29, concluding the expansion of the branch network. 80% of the Swiss population can now reach an m-way shop within 30 minutes.

Sharoo was able to build on its position as the first ever peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing platform in Switzerland by acquiring Amag as a further strategic partner and co-investor. Sharoo's innovative and pioneering approach was also recognised in the form of the Frost & Sullivan Price/Performance Leadership Award for Europe's best car-sharing concept.

Sustainable increase in competitiveness

Despite successfully completing the integration of Schild and increasing its market share, Globus’ sales were down by 3.3% to CHF 928.7 million, due to the very challenging market environment. As a result, it became necessary to introduce restructuring measures, which were completed in the second half of 2015.

Ex Libris continues to struggle in a declining and deflationary market with major structural changes and, despite a clear increase in market share, reported a 5.4% decline in sales to CHF 121.0 million. It was, however, able to strengthen its leading position in online and cross-channel retailing. In 2015, pure online sales already accounted for more than 50% of total sales.

At CHF 179.6 million, sales at OWiba were 0.3% above the previous year's total.

Due to the declining market, Interio's sales fell by 2.7% to CHF 181.9 million, although the strong growth in the online segment (32.9%) was encouraging.

The online supermarket Le Shop reported encouraging sales growth of 6.6% to CHF 175.9 million.

Probikeshop was able to increase its sales by 46.1% to CHF 56.8 million as a pure online retailer.

Investment in sustainable development

To improve competitiveness and strengthen the company’s market position on a sustained basis, investments of around CHF 196.2 million were made in the reporting year, the majority of which (CHF 174.5 million) in the Swiss market. Fulfilment of the basic social and ecological requirements is consistently encouraged and monitored by the companies of the Commerce Department.

Other commitments to environmental and energy management by the Commerce strategic business unit, along with the contributions to the Engagement Migros development fund, can be found here.