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Jumbo Delivers Robust Performance Amid Global Headwinds and Expands Across Europe

Greek retail giant Jumbo has reported a net profit of €117.18 million for the first half of 2025, underscoring the resilience of its business model in a challenging global market. Despite facing persistent supply chain delays, escalating transport costs, inflationary pressures, and tariff disputes, the company continues to post an 8% sales increase compared to the same period last year.

Strong Financials and Strategic Growth

The group’s sales reached €497.28 million with a gross profit margin of 53.86%, a slight decline from 55.27% in the previous year due in part to an increased share of lower-margin wholesale transactions with franchise partners. Meanwhile, Jumbo’s EBITDA stood at €165.36 million, nearly matching the previous period’s performance. Excluding a one-time insurance compensation benefit received in 2024, EBITDA showed a notable growth of 7.05% over last year’s results, with margins maintained above 33%.

Expansion and Market Diversification

Jumbo is strategically positioning itself for continued expansion. With the current operation of 89 stores across Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania, the company has mapped out an aggressive growth trajectory. Plans include the opening of two new hyperstores in Cyprus over the next five years, alongside targeted acquisitions and the development of new retail outlets in Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania. These expansion efforts are expected to bolster the group’s market presence and support sustaining its organic growth rate of 8% annually.

Embracing Digital Transformation and Operational Excellence

Identifying the importance of digital transformation, Jumbo is making systematic investments in enhancing its online store presence across all operating markets while simultaneously upgrading its cybersecurity, artificial intelligence tools, and ERP systems. These initiatives aim to improve customer experience, optimize decision-making processes, and drive operational efficiency. Additionally, a significant investment of over €60 million in two new distribution centers will further underpin the company’s logistical capabilities in the medium term.

Robust Balance Sheet and Shareholder Returns

The retail leader maintains a strong liquidity position, with cash and cash equivalents surpassing its loan and lease liabilities by €309.79 million as of June 30, 2025. This financial stability, supported by a successful share buyback programme, reflects Jumbo’s commitment to delivering dividends and value to its shareholder partners, even as it navigates a complex international environment.

As the Christmas trading period approaches, all eyes will be on Jumbo’s performance, which is expected to serve as a key indicator of whether the group can sustain its positive momentum in the coming months. With measured expansion and continued investments in both physical and digital capabilities, Jumbo sets a strong example of strategic resilience in today’s volatile retail landscape.

Monday.com To Cut 20% Of Workforce As It Expands AI Strategy

Monday.com, the Israeli workplace software company, is laying off about 630 employees, or roughly 20% of its workforce, as it restructures the business to support a leaner operating model and accelerate investment in artificial intelligence.

Restructuring Around AI

In a regulatory filing, the company said the workforce reduction is intended to better align resources with its AI strategy, which has become a central focus of its product development.

Earlier this year, Monday.com expanded its AI offering by introducing the Monday.com AI Work Platform, designed to integrate AI agents into day-to-day business workflows.

The platform includes a no-code app builder, a customizable AI agent, workflow automation tools and a chatbot capable of generating reports, updating dashboards and assisting with routine tasks.

Part Of A Wider Industry Trend

Monday.com’s restructuring reflects a broader shift across the technology sector, where companies are reducing costs while increasing investment in AI development and infrastructure.

According to Layoffs.fyi, tech layoffs rose sharply in May, with 78% of companies citing AI-related restructuring as a factor behind job cuts this year. More than 122,000 technology roles have been eliminated worldwide in 2026, according to the tracker.

Restructuring Costs

Monday.com expects to record restructuring charges of between $45 million and $55 million as a result of the layoffs. The move highlights how software companies are reallocating resources to support AI-focused products and services as competition in the sector intensifies.

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