Stockmann implements its new strategy – plans cooperation with consumer electronic retailer Expert


Helsinki, Finland, 2015-01-09 10:30 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- STOCKMANN plc, Press release 9.1.2015 at 11.30 EET

According to its new strategy, the future selection of Stockmann department stores and the online store will have a stronger focus on fashion, cosmetics, home products and food in Stockmann Delicatessen. To enhance the customer experience, Stockmann will complement its offering with attractive goods and services from tenants.

In order to implement this strategy, Stockmann is negotiating to lease retail space from its department stores to Expert ASA Oy, the fastest growing consumer electronics retail chain in Finland. The plan is to open the first Expert store in the Helsinki city centre department store premises in May 2015. Later on the aim is to expand the cooperation by introducing Expert stores in several other Stockmann department stores in Finland.

”Placing the inspirational customer experience at the core is the goal of our new strategy. We want to guarantee that Stockmann's customers will continue to find a wide range of high-quality products under one roof,” says Björn Teir, Director of Real Estate at Stockmann.

Due to the new partnership, Stockmann is planning to withdraw in stages, from April 2015 onwards, from its own electronics and home appliances product category, which is sold today in department stores in Finland and at stockmann.com. Stockmann will continue selling, among others, small kitchen and beauty appliances.

Sales staff in the electronic departments at the department stores will continue in Stockmann's payroll. In the buying and planning organisation the changes may lead to a reduction of less than ten employees.

”Like Stockmann, Expert is known for its high-quality products and good customer service. We wish to offer Stockmann's customers an even more comprehensive range of electronics at competitive prices. The plan is to complement Stockmann’s Loyal Customer offers both in department and online stores and, starting from autumn 2015, also to take part in the Crazy Days campaign," says Mika Aro, CEO of Expert ASA Oy.


Further information:
Björn Teir, Director, Real Estate, Stockmann Oyj Abp, tel. +358 50 553 5108
Mika Aro, CEO, Expert ASA Oy, tel. +358 40 543 9707


www.stockmanngroup.com


STOCKMANN plc

Nora Malin
Director, Corporate Communications


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