The History of Matas

The drugstore branch has its roots stretching back to the 1800´s. In those days, it was common for a druggist who could not own a pharmacy, to start a drugstore business. The drugstore sold, among other things, chemicals, feed, photographic supplies, washing detergent, herbs and spices. Many also prepared creams, hair tonics, after shave and skin tonic.

1949

A small group of drugstore owners discovered that they could receive bulk discounts if they purchased products collectively. Eventually more drugstore owners joined in the purchasing arrangement and, in November of 1949, MATerialisternes AktieSelskab or Matas A/S was formed.This collaboration proved tremendously successful. The first year saw a turnover of 537,000 DDK but had to record a loss of 24.50 DDK – the one and only loss ever recorded in Matas´ history. Already by the following year, the shareholders could count 60 stores and the nationwide structure was a reality.

1956

Matas A/S presents its first Matas logo, and the following year sees collaboration with Steins Laboratory and establishment of a constitution for all Matas products. This stipulated that Matas products may not contain hazardous chemicals and that the contents should, with regards to weight and size, accurately reflect the description of the contents given on the packaging, while maintaining the same, uniform standard of quality.

A few years later came the publication of the first 700,000 copies of Matas´ newspaper, a print run that was 4½ times larger than that of the country’s leading newspaper.

1967

The Stripe design was developed and the first bottled products with stripes saw the light of day. These included, among other things, skin tonic, toner and moisturising lotion. There were now over 150 druggists in the company.

1974

The Vital Shop was introduced, as a result of the health food wave that was sweeping Europe. There were now just less than 200 Matas stores.

Matas A/S celebrates its 40 year anniversary in style, with no fewer than three accolades:Crowned most “excellent” retail chain and presented with both the MMM prize and the Guldkorn (Gold Grain) of the Year for best weekly magazine advertisement.

1989

Matas A/S celebrates its 40 year anniversary in style, with no fewer than three accolades:

Crowned most “excellent” retail chain and presented with both the MMM prize and the Guldkorn (Gold Grain) of the Year for best weekly magazine advertisement.

The 90's

Environmental issues played a significant role in Matas. The country-wide Matas Return system was set in motion, and in so doing we became the first retail chain in Denmark, to allow for the return of packaging and thereby ensuring recycling.The Matas Environmental Fund was established in 1994 – and in 1995 the first two of Matas´ products received the Nordic Ecolabel. Since then, there have been numerous additions so that to date, Matas is able to offer approximately 100 Matas-brand products labelled with the Nordic Ecolabel.

2005

The new Matas MediCare concept is introduced. This new ground breaking section offers a wide range of products within derma-cosmetic skin care, over-the-counter medicines as well as first aid and veterinary preparations.

2006

The chain now includes 292 stores. A new generation of “Stripes” sees the light of day. The Stripes are now at the forefront when offering quality, health and environmentally-friendly products. The Matas chain´s stakeholders accept an offer for acquisition from, among others, the private equity firm CVC Capital Partners. In June, a clear majority agrees on a change in Matas´ statutes to allow for a new structure of ownership.

Individual negotiations with owners and CVC Capital Partners take place throughout the autumn of 2006.

2007

On the 28th February, Matas converts to a new structure of ownership. The majority of the stores now become part of a capital chain, where CVC Capital Partners are the principal shareholder. The privately owned stores continue to work in close collaboration with Matas A/S, with regards to the distribution of the Striped product range as well as joint campaigns.

2009

The Matas chain turns 60. The anniversary is celebrated by competitions offering great prizes to customers. In addition, the occasion is marked by the sale of selected products from the special “Dotted” range. The sale of this product range supports The Christmas Seal Houses, and results in a Matas´ contribution to the charity in excess of a quarter of a million Danish kroner.

2010

In the autumn of 2010, Matas launches its new customer club, Club Matas, that even as early as by the turn of the year, had attained a membership of 400,000 members. In 2012, the number of members has exceeded 1 million.

2011

Matas initiates a historical collaboration with Uldum's pharmacy on drug delivery first in three Matas stores and after that in further 10 more stores.

2012

Medicine dispensation is expanded to a total of 50 stores throughout the country.
Based on Matas’ loyalty club, Club Matas, which has now more than 1 mill. members, Matas develops a new loyalty concept together with the strongest B2C companies in Denmark. This new concept is launched under the name ClubM.

2013

June 10th Matas introduces the new concept StyleBox by Matas by opening the first shop. StyleBox includes hair care, make-up and nailproducts in the same store. In StyleBox it is possible both to have treatments and to buy a big variety of products. Since 2013 StyleBox has opened five other stores around Denmark.

June the 28th, Matas is listed on Nasdaq OMX Copenhagen. The IPO comprises a partial sale of existing shares from the company’s two major shareholders.
The company now welcomes approx. 12.000 new shareholders.

2015

Now 3 out of 4 Danish women aged 18 - 60 are members of the Matas costumer club, Club Matas.
The popular Matas shampoo “Luksusshampoo” is awarded as classic of the year at Danish Beauty Awards. In addition, the Matas foot care products are honored at the show.

2016

Matas opens the first two stores of the 2020 concept. The stores combine modern design and functional interior in an inspiring universe of health and beauty. The stores are intergraded with Matas’ online universe.

Matas in Sønderborg opens a new store with a shop-in-shop pharmacy. For the first time Matas and a pharmacy are located under the same roof, hereby giving the consumers easy access to prescription medications and pharmaceutical staff.The local pharmacy, Sønderborg Løve Apotek, is cooperating with Matas on this historic initiative.

2017

In November, Matas announces that the collaboration model with pharmacies will spread first in the coming year, where Skive Løve Apotek will open pharmacies branch in Matas, Viborg. This happens as a result of the successful test in Sønderborg.

In connection with the Board's appointment of new CEO in November, it is announced that resources will be released for investment in increased digitalization. This happens by closing the StyleBox chain, ect.

2018

All of Matas' stores are now assembled in the same company, as there are no more privately owned stores.

Plaisir Young Skin is honored as the 2018 Series of the Year at the Danish Beauty Awards.

In May, Matas presents a new business strategy for the next five years - "Renewing Matas", thus initiating the largest investment program in Matas' history. Over the next five years, Matas invests 600 million. DKK in webshop and in stores.

At the same time, the new concept "Matas Nature" is published with an increased focus on green products, modern health food and natural beauty, including two Matas Natur concept stores that open in the autumn.

Matas acquires the company Firtal Group, which owns helsebixen.dk, made4men.dk and a number of other online stores.

2019

Matas acquires Kosmolet A/S, the company behind the successful Danish makeup brand Nilens Jord. Known for its allergy-friendly and natural profile, Nilens Jord is the best-selling makeup brand carried by Matas.