Early Life
Dirk Rossmann was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1946. His parents operated a small drugstore, which instilled in him an early understanding of the retail business. After completing his education and training as a druggist, Rossmann decided to venture out on his own, driven by the ambition to establish his own business.
Rise to Success
In 1972, at the age of 25, Dirk Rossmann founded Rossmann, opening the first self-service drugstore in Germany. This innovative concept, offering a wide variety of products at competitive prices, quickly gained popularity. Rossmann expanded the business, and it grew to 100 stores by 1982. The company's expansion continued throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s, with significant growth in Germany and entry into international markets, beginning in Poland in 1993. Rossmann's company expanded into Eastern Europe after the fall of the "Iron Curtain."
Key Business Strategies
Rossmann's success is attributed to several key strategies. One of them was the implementation of private-label products. The company was also quick to embrace the digital age, launching online sales early. Furthermore, the company's commitment to sustainability and employee involvement has played a significant role. In 2024, Rossmann achieved record revenues of €15.3 billion, reflecting a 10.2% increase. Rossmann continues to open new stores, with 330 planned in 2025.
Philanthropy
Dirk Rossmann has been involved in philanthropic endeavors, supporting programs focused on family planning and development. He is also known for supporting social programs and environmental causes, showing his commitment to social responsibility. He founded Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung in 1991 focused on family planning.