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

Key Facts about the Industry

# of visitors per year:

> 1bn

Estimated global sales:

US$223bn

# of stores worldwide:

10'900


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