The KaDeWe Group with its three luxury department stores KaDeWe in Berlin, Alsterhaus in Hamburg and Oberpollinger in Munich has been awarded the “Most Innovative Department Store in the World” award for the first time.
The award is presented every two years by the Intercontinental Group of Department Stores (IGDS), the world’s largest association for department stores and department stores. With a total turnover of 45 billion euros, it has 45 members from 37 countries and more than 1,200 retail stores on five continents. The award was presented at the IGDS World Department Store Summit (WDSS) in Dubai.
Jury Chairman Michael Ganci, Senior Vice President at NuOrder in the USA, said: “As a beacon for the surrounding retail sector and known for the best parties and events, The KaDeWe Group offers an upscale experience on both its physical and digital channels , comprehensive and exceptional experience. Their department stores attract both tourists and local residents who find up-and-coming brands and regional food products to shop in a truly innovative environment.”
In the other award category “World’s Best Team at a Department Store”, the Wine & Spirits Team at KaDeWe in Berlin was ranked among the top three in the world with third place.
André Maeder, CEO of the KaDeWe Group: “We are full of joy and simply incredibly proud! For the KaDeWe Group, the award as ‘Most Innovative Store of the World’ by the international industry is both a great appreciation and confirmation of our strategy. We are very honored by the award and we would like to thank the IGDS jury. We would like to thank our owners, Signa and Central Group, for their trust and continued support. A special thank you goes to all of our teams for their commitment and for making the KaDeWe, the Alsterhaus and the Oberpollinger what they are in the here and now as well as in the future: the most innovative retail icons in the world.”
The Thai Central Group holds 50.1 percent of the KaDeWe Group with its three luxury department stores in Germany and the Austrian conglomerate Signa holds the remaining 49.9 percent. The portfolio will soon be expanded to include the Carsch-Haus in Düsseldorf and the “Lamarr” in Vienna. The openings are planned for spring 2025.
