The Group's gross operating margin decreased by EUR 85.3 million, to EUR 553.9 million. The relative gross margin was 47.3 per cent (47.8 per cent). Lindex's relative gross margin improved, whereas that of the Department Store Division, Hobby Hall and Seppälä decreased. The stock level of all divisions was below that of a year earlier, and the Group's stock level fell by EUR 21.3 million, to EUR 260.2 million. Operating costs decreased by EUR 46.0 million and depreciation by EUR 3.9 million. The company has already succeeded in meeting its original cost-savings target of EUR 28 million for the whole year. Efficiency measures aimed at achieving cost-savings will be continued.