maconda advises in the German department store sector
maconda News July 2015
maconda’s retail expertise was once again in demand for the analysis of the German department store sector. The Cologne consultants have already examined the colourful world of department stores on several occasions—both in strategy projects and in Commercial Due Diligence engagements. This time, particular attention was paid to assessing the future prospects of this retail format in Germany ahead of a potential transaction.
The maconda team analysed, among other things, the competitive landscape of German department stores with their broad offering. Based on the various product categories and specialised assortments on offer, the consultants carried out a market segmentation. In the relevant segments—above all clothing & shoes, watches & jewellery, personal care & cosmetics—the key competitors were assessed and compared, and the intensity of competition was evaluated.
In addition, we once again drew on our wealth of experience from extensive store and location analyses. This included examining the performance of the stores of a major department store chain. In particular, this comprised analysing the key success drivers and estimating the growth potential, especially with a view to the increasingly important online business.
maconda was also able to contribute its extensive retail expertise in evaluating various forms of space management. For example, the advantages and disadvantages of shop-in-shops and concession areas were examined from the perspective of a department store operator, particularly with regard to inventory risk, staffing and business predictability.
We would also be pleased to support you as a competent and trusted partner—whether in retail, consumer goods or other industries that we cover through various competence centres. Please feel free to contact us at any time if you require expertise in this area. We are happy to be of assistance.