European Department Stores Retailing

The UK has the largest department store market in Europe, almost half as large again as the second market in Germany. As the market reaches saturation, operators are looking abroad for growth, with Debenhams, M&S and House of Fraser looking to expand overseas. While new member states provide easier growth, their demographics do not support a large number of department stores.

Scope

• Market size, sales including category sales and growth rates.
• Sales through channels of distribution, share of total retail spend.
• Analysis by retailer, with market shares, store profile statistics and sales densities.

Highlights

Strong own brand development provides superior growth opportunities than traditional department store propositions.Cross-border expansion offers scope for growth - but not necessarily in the original format. The most favourable options are opening new branches in countries with a similar culture (like El Corte Ingls in Portugal, Stockmann in Estonia and Debenhams and House of Fraser in Ireland).An ageing population profile offers further opportunities. The increase in 45+s and the decline of 15-44s is regarded as a problem for most retail sectors, but can be regarded as an opportunity for department stores.

Reasons to Purchase

• Assess the market's dynamics through robust exclusive market share and market size data.
• Identify the growth prospects through detailed analysis of the key issues and drivers of the market.
• Understand each retailer's store portfolio, retail proposition and future outlook