Denmark's Bestseller turns 50, achieves $5.92 bn revenue in 2024-25

The milestone year commemorates the founders, Merete Bech Povlsen and Troels Holch Povlsen, who opened their first store in Ringkobing, Denmark 50 years ago. The company has grown from a single shop into a global enterprise with over 2,800 stores and 25,000 employees across 90 countries, Bestseller said in a press release.

“We are pleased that we have managed to deliver results despite the ongoing challenging conditions affecting the fashion industry. At the same time, we remain humble and fully aware that the coming years will not be easy, and we know that we must work hard. Our results are the foundation that allows us, as a company, to make a difference – for example, through our contribution to the communities we are part of,” said Anders Holch Povlsen, CEO and owner, Bestseller. “In recent years, Bestseller has made significant investments to build a stronger foundation for the future—from sustainability initiatives to commercial activities such as store expansion and new logistics facilities.”

“We have invested ahead of the developments we anticipate, and we continue to invest strategically in key areas such as logistics, innovation, and—perhaps most importantly—people. We know that much lies ahead of us, and we are committed to taking on the responsibility that comes with our position. We are well equipped to achieve even better results and deliver on our ambitions that reach beyond our own company,” added Povlsen.

The company continues to invest strategically in sustainability, technology, and people. Through its innovation arm Invest FWD, Bestseller has backed technology firms such as Softwear Automation, focused on automated garment production, and matterr, a German company advancing polyester recycling technologies. These initiatives aim to drive industry-wide innovation and reduce reliance on virgin materials.

Under its sustainability strategy Fashion FWD, launched in 2018, Bestseller is integrating responsible practices across its design, production, and retail operations. The company’s corporate responsibility report outlines its ongoing work in environmental impact reduction, circularity, and improving social standards throughout its supply chain.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (SG)