Department Stores

Department Stores

Brief Excerpt from Industry Overview Chapter:

Companies in this industry operate physical retail establishments that sell items such as clothing, cosmetics, footwear, and home furnishings, typically from registers within individual departments. Major companies include JCPenney, Macy's, and Sears (all based in the US), as well as Debenhams and Marks & Spencer (UK), El Corte Ingles (Spain), Galeria Kaufhof (Germany), Galeries Lafayette (France), Hudson's Bay Co (Canada), and Isetan Mitsukoshi (Japan).

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Technology and changing shopping preferences, particularly among younger consumers, are disrupting the retail industry. Online giant Amazon has surpassed Walmart as the biggest apparel retailer in the US, according to a CNBC report. Department stores also face competition from other digital retail platforms, such as YouTube, that offer transactional functionality direct from video. New digital marketplaces also offer a social component and sense of community desired by the next generation of consumers.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major products include apparel (about 60%), which typically generates most sales for the industry, cosmetics and fragrances (10%), and footwear (10%). Apparel includes women's, men's, and children's clothing. Cosmetics include makeup, skin care, hair care, and fragrances. Appliances include refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, and dishwashers. Companies may also sell kitchenware, bedding, towels, and sheets. Services may include gift wrapping, gift registries, delivery, appliance installation, and personal shopping.