Page 35 - Mellby Gård Yearbook 2018–2019

” A brand that is relevant to men of all ages.
“There will be more investment than usual over the next three years. Although this will reduce cash flow somewhat, it is absolutely necessary in the long term”, says Thomas Gustafsson.
The 2018/2019 financial year brought unchanged sales and lower profits. The causes for this sluggishness included the very warm summer, which did not favour retail. The weather and new competition from e-commerce companies resulted in extended periods of sales, each of which barely finished before the next began. During the year, Oscar Jacobson also transferred its golf range to licensed sales. What compensated on the upside was a changed mix with the centre of gravity shifting towards the proprietary channels, where profitability is higher than when selling via retailers.
Mellby Gård currently owns, wholly or in part, four clothing and retail companies. In addition to Oscar Jacobson, these are KappAhl, Lund Fashion and Open Air Group. Thomas Gustafsson emphasizes that all of the companies are equally important and that all of the companies should be organizationally self-sufficient. Attempting to identify cost synergies through purchasing, administration or finance is not part of the strategy.
“The independence of each company increases enthusiasm, motivation and pride among the employees. This is not something we intend
to change. However, we do have four companies facing challenges
that are both different and similar. The companies have considerable opportunities to learn from one another and, working together, each individual company can reach its full potential”, says Thomas Gustafsson.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS 2018/2019
» Roger Tjernberg re-entered as Acting MD.
» Breakthrough achieved in the UK, including through openings within the Selfridges and Harvey Nicholls department stores.
» Breakthrough for e-commerce sales.
» License agreements for golf clothes in China and the UK.
» The brand successfully established itself at 45 different sales outlets in Germany.
FACTS
Oscar Jacobson was founded in 1903 and is one of Sweden’s most reputable men’s clothing companies. A high level of quality in design, fabrics and fit is combined with timeless elegance and attractive styles for fashion-conscious men
of all ages. The company has sales in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Germany and the UK. Sales are conducted through approximately 220 retailers, ten proprietary physical flagship shops, three outlets and proprietary e-commerce.
Oscar Jacobson has been part of Mellby Gård since 2018. Mellby Gård’s representatives on the Board of Directors: Thomas Gustafsson (Chairman) and Sven Knutsson.
Headquarters: ..............................................................Borås Sales 2018/2019: ....................................... SEK 283.9 million Number of employees: ......................................................84 Chairman: .............................................. Thomas Gustafsson
Acting MD Roger Tjernberg
MELLBY GÅRD – YEARBOOK 2018 / 2019
| 35