Despite challenges faced by major chains like Galeria, experts argue that department stores can thrive with innovative approaches.

Galeria, one of Germany’s prominent department store chains, is once again fighting for survival, with experts declaring its centralized model outdated. According to Jörg Funder, a professor of business management in retail at Worms University of Applied Sciences, the traditional concept of offering everything for everyone on large floors has struggled for decades due to broad product ranges, oversized spaces, and reliance on dwindling city-center foot traffic.

However, Funder highlights several successful department stores that have adapted to modern retail demands. Examples include Ludwig Beck in Munich, which focuses on premium products, and Breuninger in Stuttgart, which emphasizes fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and gastronomy. Regional players like Garhammer in Waldkirchen and Engelhorn in Mannheim tailor their offerings to local tastes, while L&T in Osnabrück creates unique shopping experiences. Even discount chains like Woolworth have found success by targeting budget-conscious consumers, though sustainability remains uncertain.