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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.

LinkedIn Introduces Advanced AI-Powered People Search

Over the past two years, LinkedIn has steadily integrated artificial intelligence into its platform, enhancing everything from ad copies and personalized content to hiring assistance and job-hunting strategies. The latest innovation focuses on improving one of its most critical features: search. Following the successful rollout of a job search tool for U.S. members earlier this year, LinkedIn is now extending natural language search capabilities to people search.

Streamlined Queries For Targeted Connections

Utilizing natural language queries, users can perform searches such as, “Find me investors in the healthcare sector with FDA experience,” or, “People who co-founded a productivity company and are based in NYC.” This new system simplifies the process that once required precise titles or cumbersome filtering, ensuring a more intuitive and effective way to locate key professional contacts.

Enhancing Professional Networking

During early testing, LinkedIn observed that professionals leveraged the AI-powered tool not only to explore new job opportunities but also to foster business growth and career advancement. As Rohan Rajiv, Senior Director of Product Management at LinkedIn, explained, this upgrade transforms conventional search methodologies by delivering rapid, contextually relevant results that traditional keyword searches often missed.

Industry Trends And Competitive Dynamics

The move comes at a time when AI-enhanced search functionalities are becoming ubiquitous across the digital landscape. Platforms ranging from Google and Bing to startups like Happenstance AI and Clado are racing to deliver more intelligent and responsive search solutions. LinkedIn’s innovation not only reinforces its position as a leader in professional networking but also highlights the transformative impact of AI on everyday digital interactions.

Looking Ahead

Currently available to premium users in the U.S., the AI-powered people search tool will soon expand globally. Future updates are anticipated to refine the tool’s query understanding, ensuring even greater accuracy and relevance. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, LinkedIn’s commitment to integrating advanced AI capabilities underlines its dedication to providing professionals with the tools they need to connect, collaborate, and thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.

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