Fashion
El Corte Inglés names Cristina Álvarez its new chairperson
Published
November 26, 2025
El Corte Inglés announces changes to its chairmanship. On the recommendation of Marta Álvarez, the board of directors of the Spanish department store group has unanimously approved the appointment of Cristina Álvarez as non-executive chair of the company. The handover between the sisters will take effect on January 15, 2026.
This change takes place “within an orderly, stable, and continuous framework,” the Spanish retail giant stressed. During the board meeting, Cristina Álvarez thanked her sister for the “magnificent work” she had done over the past six years, and said she would perform her duties “with humility, always defending the interests of the shareholders, employees, and customers of this great company.”
Marta Álvarez, who was re-elected to the position last July for (in theory) the next five years, explained in a letter to shareholders: “Now, with a new management team ready to achieve the objectives set out in the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, I believe, and I have proposed this to the board, that the time has come to open a new stage in the chairmanship with my sister Cristina at the helm.”
“With the efforts of all of us, we have achieved great results, which have allowed the company to face the future with confidence, always with the customer at the centre, and relying on the daily work of all the people who make up our company,” said Marta Álvarez, who will continue as a member of the board and its monitoring committee, as well as in the strategic management of own brands, fashion, and home.
“Cristina has my full support from the board and the monitoring committee to continue working for this company, to which I have dedicated practically my entire professional life,” she concluded.
Revenues of 8.212 billion euros in the first half of the year
In parallel with the change in the chairmanship, the Spanish department store group has released its results for the first half of fiscal year 2025-2026, the period from March 1 to August 31. Over these two quarters, the company achieved an overall revenue total of 8,212 million euros. On a like-for-like basis, turnover increased by 1.6% year on year to 7,032 million euros.
EBITDA for the period reached 539 million euros, an increase of 3.8% compared with the same period of the previous year, thanks to an improvement in margin, in line with the trend of recent years, according to the group.
“Net profit grew by double digits (up 10.3%) to 224 million euros, while recurring net profit rose by 13.8%, to 192 million euros. This positive evolution responds to the company’s objective of deepening management improvements, optimising resources and, therefore, achieving greater efficiency and profitability,” the company adds.
By business area, retail recorded an overall revenue volume of 5,908 million euros and turnover of 5,655 million euros, which increased by 1.2% on a like-for-like basis (LFL). “In line with the group’s priority of profitable growth, fashion and beauty performed well, especially in own brand. Sales from third-party brands, both domestic and international, also delivered positive growth,” the conglomerate emphasises.
In Viajes El Corte Inglés, the overall volume of revenues reached 2,049 million euros, with turnover of 1,262 million, a 3.3% increase over the previous year. The financial businesses are consolidating their positions in their respective sectors of activity: Seguros El Corte Inglés grew revenue by 11.1%, to 153 million euros, with a net profit of 43 million, i.e. 22.9% more than in the previous year. Financiera El Corte Inglés recorded an increase in revenue of 5.7% to 95 million euros, with a net profit of 30 million, which is 21.9% more than in the previous year.
“The strength of El Corte Inglés is also reflected in the decrease in net financial debt, which stands at 1,738 million euros, equivalent to 1.4 times EBITDA,” says the group, which details that, in absolute terms, the debt has been reduced by 195 million euros since August 2024. “The solidity of the balance sheet, as well as the generation of cash flows, allows the group to make progress in reducing debt while significantly increasing its investments in the different growth areas of the company… The commercial campaigns launched this autumn and the careful product selection carried out suggest a strong Black Friday and Christmas campaign.”
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Fashion
Switzerland’s Calida narrows sales decline, lifts profit in 2025
The group recorded an operating result (EBIT) of CHF 9 million (~$11.6 million) compared with CHF 4 million in the previous year, lifting the EBIT margin to 4.2 per cent from 1.7 per cent. Excluding Cosabella, the combined EBIT margin of Calida and Aubade reached 6.7 per cent, approaching the company’s medium-term target range. Operating net profit improved significantly to CHF 7.6 million (~$9.8 million) from CHF 0.5 million a year earlier, Calida Group said in a press release.
Calida Group has reported net sales of CHF 215.9 million (~$278.5 million) in 2025, down 5 per cent YoY.
EBIT rose to CHF 9 million (~$11.6 million) and net profit to CHF 7.6 million (~$9.8 million), supported by strong Calida and Aubade performance.
The group maintained solid liquidity and continued Cosabella repositioning while targeting future profitability improvement.
The group maintained a solid financial base with net liquidity of CHF 25.1 million and an adjusted equity ratio of 67.9 per cent, while free cash flow reached CHF 9.8 million. The board proposed a cash dividend of CHF 0.25 per share, corresponding to a payout ratio of 23 per cent in line with its long-term dividend policy.
“After a challenging first half of 2025, the Calida Group developed positively in the second half and achieved operational improvements on sales and profitability. By deliberately and systematically forgoing discount-driven growth and strategically positioning Calida and Aubade in the premium segment, the brands were strengthened in the long-term. Overall, 2025 was another year defined by a persistently challenging market environment,” said Thomas Stocklin, CEO of the Calida Group.
“Geopolitical uncertainty, US trade and tariff policies, and muted consumer sentiment in our core markets impacted the entire industry. In this environment, the Calida Group has demonstrated strategic discipline and, step by step, is evolving in the desired direction. Today, our group is more agile and efficient. Combined with our financial strength, this positions the Calida Group to pursue well-considered organic as well as external growth opportunities, allowing us to look to the future with confidence,” added Stocklin.
Operationally, the company continued implementing its efficiency-focused strategy by reintegrating functions into individual brands, streamlining group management structures and strengthening capabilities across product management, marketing, operations and sales.
Brand-wise, Calida generated sales of CHF 145.1 million, declining modestly as store traffic softened, although e-commerce growth and a strong Christmas season supported second-half performance. The brand improved its operating contribution margin through higher gross margins and ongoing cost optimisation while reinforcing its premium market positioning.
Aubade recorded sales of CHF 58 million amid weak consumer sentiment in France and the strategic withdrawal from unprofitable channels following the pandemic-driven demand surge. Nevertheless, margin performance strengthened through strict cost management, ongoing rebranding initiatives and progress in expanding export markets, particularly in the United States.
Cosabella reported sales of CHF 12.8 million, extending its negative growth trajectory and contributing higher losses as the brand remains in an intensive repositioning phase under strategic review. The group is targeting a turnaround towards operational break-even in 2026.
Overall, the group indicated that organisational restructuring, inventory optimisation and disciplined channel management enhanced agility and cost efficiency, positioning the company for future growth while aiming to improve group profitability further as Cosabella’s performance stabilises.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
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Fashion
US’ Wolverine Worldwide 2025 revenue rises 6.8% on Active Group growth
The gross margin expanded to 47.3 per cent and diluted earnings per share more than doubled to $1.14 from $0.55.
Wolverine Worldwide has reported revenue of $1.874 billion in 2025, up 6.8 per cent, led by Active Group growth and strong Saucony performance.
Margins and earnings improved, while cash rose and debt declined.
Fourth-quarter revenue increased 4.6 per cent.
CEO Hufnagel highlighted brand momentum and transformation progress.
The company expects 2026 revenue growth with steady margins.
The company strengthened its balance sheet during the year, ending with cash of $206 million, up 35.6 per cent, and net debt reduced 16.2 per cent to $415 million. Inventory increased 10.7 per cent to $274 million, Wolverine Worldwide said in a press release.
The fourth quarter (Q4) revenue rose 4.6 per cent YoY to $517.5 million, supported by strong Active Group growth, particularly Saucony and Merrell. Active Group revenue increased 12.4 per cent to $372.7 million, while Work Group declined 11.3 per cent to $134 million. Gross margin improved to 47 per cent from 43.6 per cent, reflecting product cost savings, favourable mix and price increases, partly offset by higher US tariffs. Diluted earnings per share climbed to $0.38 from $0.28.
“We exceeded our expectations across all key metrics in the fourth quarter, finishing a solid year for the Company. Our biggest brands are growing around the world, direct-to-consumer (DTC) continues to improve, earnings per share increased meaningfully YoY, and I believe we’re finding our footing where we’ve underperformed,” said Chris Hufnagel, president and chief executive officer of Wolverine Worldwide. “I am pleased with our progress in transforming the company and encouraged by the momentum we have carried into 2026. We’re focused squarely on executing our brand-building model with pace and distinction—building awesome products, telling amazing stories, and driving the business each day.”
Looking ahead, Wolverine Worldwide expects fiscal 2026 revenue of $1.96-1.985 billion, representing growth of 4.6-5.9 per cent YoY. The company anticipates gross margin of about 46 per cent, operating margin of roughly 8.8 per cent and diluted earnings per share between $1.31 and $1.46, signalling continued but measured expansion as brand-driven strategy execution progresses, added the release.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
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