IGDS connects, informs and supports leading department stores worldwide. We are the world's largest department store association.

Key Facts about the Department Store Sector

# of visitors per year

> 1bn

# global sales

~ US$120bn

# of stores worldwide

2.500

# of FTE (incl. concession)

600.000

16th World Department Store Summit 2025 in Seoul

The 16th IGDS World Department Store Summit will be staged on 11-12 June 2025 in Seoul, South Korea, organised by LOTTE Department Store and Intercontinental Group of Department Stores (IGDS). 

Titled 'How to Best Captivate Customers', the Summit will analyse the best ways to respond to the needs of more dynamic and demanding customers, discuss the latest developments in the retail and department store industries, and showcase ambitious strategies and forward-thinking ideas.

IGDS WDSS 2025 Website

 

GDI Impact Leadership Programme 2025

Developing the Next C-Suite Leaders

The Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute (GDI) has the pleasure of launching the GDI Impact Leadership Programme (ILP), developed in  cooperation with IGDS. The programme, tailored specifically for department store executives, was a resounding success, addressing the unique challenges and complexities of the retail industry.

The GDI ILP 2025 is scheduled to be held from 5th – 8th May 2025 in Zurich, Switzerland. Registrations will open soon. 

GDI Impact Leadership Programme

IGDS Intercontinental Network

IGDS WDSS Awards

During our international open-enrolment event, we celebrate the best achievements and performances by department stores and their personnel across the world.

The IGDS WDSS Awards are the reference and benchmark for the retail industry.

Discover our nine Awards


 

Our Global Events

The IGDS World Department Store Summit  (IGDS WDSS) provides a unique platform for department stores CEOs, senior executives and major stakeholders to meet and exchange ideas.

The 16th IGDS WDSS will be staged on 11-12 June 2025 in Seoul, South Korea.

IGDS Global Events