Dm drogerie markt, a prominent German retail chain in the Slovak market specializing in cosmetics, healthcare, and household products, has expressed its intention to sell non-prescription

medications in the future.

However, the company is currently faced with legislative and technical challenges that need to be addressed before implementing this plan, according to the Hospodárske Noviny daily.

Despite various challenges, such as efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and substantial investments to enhance store appeal, the company has recorded remarkable growth in the 2022-2023 business year. It achieved a substantial 23 percent increase in revenue, reaching €428 million, and now sets its sights on surpassing half a billion euros in the coming year.

Dm drogerie markt, which established its headquarters in Bratislava in 1995, operates over 20 stores in the Slovak capital, with further expansion in sight. Notably, the Aupark shopping mall in Bratislava is currently undergoing an expansion, with the popular drugstore chain planning to enlarge its store to 800 square meters, making it the largest dm store in the Slovak market. The expanded store will offer over-the-counter medications alongside their regular cosmetic and healthcare products. The branch in Aupark had recently faced a decline in sales, potentially due to the increased prominence of eco-friendly products, but it has since recovered its original sales figures.

In addition to the Aupark expansion, Dm drogerie markt is opening five new stores in various locations to strengthen its market presence. The company currently operates 158 branches in Slovakia, with notable success at the Nivy shopping mall in Bratislava, where a store achieves a monthly turnover of €800,000. Other branches in Prešov, Bardejov, and Námestovo have also demonstrated strong results, as reported by the company's CEO, Martin Podhradský. Photo by Wegavision, Wikimedia commons.