Switzerland's Calida posts $128 mn H1 sales amid market headwinds

Brand-wise, Calida posted sales of CHF 66 million, down 5.5 per cent, but maintained margin discipline by avoiding excessive promotions and focusing on e-commerce and collection modernisation.

Meanwhile, Aubade saw sales fall by 10.2 per cent to CHF 28.9 million, particularly impacted by a weak French market, though improvements in its digital platform are expected to enhance future growth.

Cosabella’s repositioning remains ongoing, with H1 sales dropping 23.5 per cent to CHF 6.8 million due to restructuring, delivery issues, and economic headwinds.

The group has reported an adjusted operating loss from continuing operations of CHF 1.3 million (~$1.638 million). However, a CHF 1.5 million (~$1.89 million) overall operating profit was recorded, supported by the disposal of the Lafuma Mobilier factory building. Net liquidity improved by CHF 7.3 million to CHF 12.9 million, despite a negative free cash flow of CHF 2.7 million, the company said in its financial release.

“In a demanding environment, the Calida Group again demonstrated its resilience and innovative strength. The measures we initiated to optimise operations and focus on core values are progressing according to plan but will take time to unfold their full potential. The sales performance in H1 2025 reflected the difficult situation in our brands’ core markets,” said Thomas Stocklin, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Calida Group.

“At the same time, we are systematically keeping our strategic focus on the premium segment—through strong brand positioning and a deliberate pursuit of profitable business models, forgoing volume-driven growth. Only when the markets settle down and consumers regain confidence will the strategic decisions increasingly take effect,” added Stocklin.

With a new CEO at the helm and organisational restructuring underway, the group enters H2 with cautious optimism. Management expects a stable full-year result, with organic growth from Calida and Aubade reinforcing brand strength and Cosabella’s US expansion steadily progressing, added the release.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (SG)