On a preliminary basis, currency-adjusted revenues in the fourth quarter grew by 13% compared to the prior-year period. In reporting currency, sales increased by 10% year over year to EUR 1,177 million (Q4 2022: EUR 1,068 million), making the final quarter of 2023 the most successful one in HUGO BOSS’ history from a top-line perspective. 

Brand momentum drives double-digit improvements at BOSS and HUGO

In the fourth quarter, brand momentum was fueled by several brand initiatives implemented over the course of 2023, including the successful launch of the Fall/Winter 2023 collections. Building on the enhanced relevance of BOSS and HUGO, both brands continued their double-digit growth trajectories, thus further expanding market shares worldwide. In the three-month period, currency-adjusted sales for BOSS Menswear were up 13% year over year, while revenues for BOSS Womenswear and for HUGO expanded by 14% each.

Robust growth across all regions with particular strength in the Americas

From a geographical perspective, all regions contributed to revenue growth in the final quarter of 2023. Currency-adjusted revenues in EMEA came in 7% above the prior-year level against a particularly strong comparison base, reflecting solid sales increases in key markets such as Germany and France as well as double-digit improvements in emerging markets. In the Americas, HUGO BOSS maintained its stellar momentum from previous quarters. Consequently, sales increased 18% currency-adjusted in the three-month period, supported by ongoing double-digit growth in the important U.S. market. Revenues in Asia/Pacific increased by 33% currency-adjusted, reflecting strong double-digit sales improvements in both China and South East Asia & Pacific.

Momentum in brick-and-mortar retail and digital business continues

The Group’s digital business successfully continued its double-digit growth trajectory from previous quarters, with currency-adjusted revenue growth of 26%. This performance was driven by double-digit sales increases across all digital touchpoints, including the Group’s digital flagship hugoboss.com and digital revenues generated with partners. Also in brick-and-mortar retail, momentum continued in the final quarter. Currency-adjusted revenues were up 12% compared to the prior year, driven by both store productivity improvements as well as additional selling space. In brick-and-mortar wholesale, currency-adjusted revenues were up 5% year over year, with all three regions contributing to growth. Sales in the license business increased by 15%, led by double-digit growth in the important fragrance business.

2023 marks record year for HUGO BOSS

In light of the robust performance during the fourth quarter, HUGO BOSS achieved its full-year 2023 sales and earnings targets, which had been revised upwards twice during the year. On a preliminary, non-audited basis, HUGO BOSS achieved record sales of EUR 4,197 million in fiscal year 2023, reflecting robust growth of 15% in reporting currency (2022: EUR 3,651 million). Sales thus came in at the upper end of the Company’s most recent guidance range (guidance: increase between 12% and 15% to EUR 4.1 billion to EUR 4.2 billion). On a currency-adjusted basis, this translates into an increase of 18%. This performance was driven by the rigorous execution of the Company’s “CLAIM 5” strategy, thus enabling HUGO BOSS to once more strongly outgrow the global premium apparel market. In doing so, the Company gained further market shares and exceeded its initial 2025 sales target of EUR 4 billion two years ahead of plan.