The management of Fourlis Group describes 2026 as both a transitional and an investment year.According to the company’s presentation to analysts, this year’s focus is on building the Group’s new platform, accelerating the transformation of its business model and further expanding its network.Within this framework, Fourlis Group’s profitability remains under pressure from a number of critical factors, including one-off transformation costs, expansion-related expenses, inflation, energy costs, transportation costs, rental expenses, as well as challenges stemming from Romania’s macroeconomic environment and broader market conditions amid ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty.The management of the listed group reiterated that the initiatives related to its business transformation entail one-off short-term costs, but are expected to support productivity, scalability, stronger execution capabilities and improved profit margins from 2027 onwards. It also noted that implementation of the transformation plan remains on track and includes digital investments ranging from the Group’s ERP systems to cybersecurity.More specifically, the first quarter of 2026 marks the beginning of the foundational phase for the Group’s new platform, encompassing organisational design and operational governance models, the establishment of shared services (Finance, Human Resources, IT, Procurement and Legal), as well as the roadmap for data and systems architecture.The period 2027-2028 is expected to represent the integration phase of the new platform, focusing on supply chain and omnichannel operations, digital capabilities across brands and standardised processes across all markets. The year 2028 is identified as the beginning of a scaling growth phase, characterised by faster retail expansion, margin improvement, customer growth and enhanced customer loyalty.ExpansionThe Group proceeded with investments aimed at upgrading stores across its network in Greece and abroad. Additional next-generation IKEA stores in smaller cities are planned from 2027 onwards, while the IKEA store in Ellinikon is expected to open in 2029.The company also launched an exclusive partnership between Intersport and the Hellenic Football Federation, in line with its strategic investment in football and the equipment of professional teams and academies.As for Foot Locker, the first “Reimagined Evolution” concept store in Greece opened in Chalandri in November 2025.First Quarter 2026In the first quarter of 2026, the Group reported a 12.6% increase in sales to 133.1 million, while recording losses of 5.6 million euros.Sales in the Home Equipment & Furnishings division (IKEA) increased by 6.1% to 82.5 million euros.INTERSPORT & Foot Locker sales rose by 24.9% to 49.7 million euros, supported by INTERSPORT’s performance, the contribution of Foot Locker and continued network expansion. In the Health & Wellness segment (Holland & Barrett), sales increased by 23.3% to 0.9 million.At the same time, the strategic partnership with Golden Age Capital / DrP Group for the development of Holland & Barrett progressed further, within the framework of a more scalable and capital-efficient growth model.