Weltbild Verlag continues to grow

 The success curve of Olten-based Weltbild Verlag continues to point upwards. Last year, the bookselling and media company was able to increase its turnover by five percent to a total of 120 million. Managing Director Rita Graf attributes the good result for 2006/07 primarily to the "consistent integration of distribution channels and a unique market position in the book market", as reported by SDA. The company already generates 20 percent of its turnover from sales via its online stores. This segment alone grew by 28 percent last year. Another decisive growth factor was the continuous expansion of the product range, which includes books, CDs and DVDs, as well as the integration of a new second-hand range with over 15 million CDs, books and DVDs. As the SDA writes, Weltbild intends to further expand its Internet offerings.
From a publishing perspective, the publication of the Blick bestseller editions proved to be a stroke of luck for the Olten-based publishing house with a total of 216 employees. This six-volume series of biographical stories, such as "Die Fertigmacher", proved to be extremely strong sellers. In addition, the expansion of the Weltbildplus branch network went according to plan in the past financial year with three new openings. The 29th Weltbildplus branch will open at the end of August. The management also expects sales to increase in the coming year.