General merchandise stores saw current value growth in South Africa in 2024. Towards the end of the review period, the performance of general merchandise stores was largely driven by a focus on value in the context of prevailing economic constraints. In response to these challenges, premium brands diversified their offerings, with H&M launching a beauty range locally, for example. Moreover, in the challenging economic environment, the channel faced intensified competition from hypermarkets such

Value sales of general merchandise stores in Germany recorded strong growth in 2024, despite a slowdown as high inflation strongly boosted sales the previous year. Growth was entirely driven by variety stores, which accounts for the majority of outlets and value sales within general merchandise stores, while department stores experienced a modest decline due to the closure of 10 outlets.

Department stores in Morocco continued to struggle in 2024 as the retail landscape shifted decisively toward e-commerce and specialised chain outlets. The convenience, breadth of choice and competitive pricing offered by online platforms have drawn increasing numbers of consumers away from traditional department store formats. In parallel, niche retailers focusing on categories such as electronics, homeware and fashion are thriving by offering curated experiences and targeted customer service. T

Within general merchandise stores in Mexico department stores continued to account for the largest proportion of value sales in 2024. Innovation in e-commerce and a focus on an omnichannel environment cater to the needs of consumers from all income segments, with a prime example being Liverpool Marketplace’s investment in and click-and-collect initiatives, leveraging the company’s digital capabilities to deliver products to the greatest number of clients. Top players such as Liverpool, El Palaci

General merchandise stores saw a decline in current value terms in 2024 as consumers looked to cut down on non-essential spending (especially on non-grocery products) in the face of price increases, inflation, and financial insecurity. Additionally, some consumers switched to spending on experiences instead of material goods. Nonetheless, there were contrasting fortunes for department stores and variety stores in 2024. Department stores were negatively affected by these factors as they often foc

Department stores in Nigeria struggled in 2024 due to persistent macroeconomic headwinds. Concentrated primarily in Abuja and Port Harcourt, with no presence in Lagos, the channel suffered from weakening consumer spending and rising transport costs linked to elevated fuel prices. As many consumers prioritised essential goods and shopped closer to home, footfall declined. The channel also faced intensified competition from both specialist stores and e-commerce platforms offering greater convenien

General merchandise stores in India consists only of department stores, with insignificant sales for variety stores. Many consumers find it exciting to visit stores within shopping centres at the weekend, either for a family outing or for some retail therapy. Department stores therefore maintained dynamic growth in both outlet numbers and current value sales in 2024. Players such as Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop, and Reliance Retail are pioneering hyperlocal personalisation strategies which transform

The performance of department stores, which dominates value sales within general merchandise stores in the United Arab Emirates, has been impacted by intensified competition from online marketplaces, which offer a wider range of products at more affordable prices, mainly due to their increased focus on third-party merchants. The channel has also face increased demand for online shopping, affecting operators with low digital capabilities.

Department stores in Egypt continued to struggle in 2024, with many operators scaling back operations in response to sustained economic pressures. Diminished disposable income, rising operational costs, and currency depreciation have weakened consumer purchasing power, undermining performance in the channel. In a notable development, Alshaya Group announced plans to exit the Egyptian market by February 2024, closing down brands such as Debenhams and Mothercare. The channel also faced growing com

Department stores in the UK recorded marginal growth in 2024, driven by selective consumer spending and increased footfall in premium shopping destinations. However, growth remained subdued and value sales remained significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels, as the ongoing shift towards e-commerce and cautious discretionary spending continued to weigh on the channel. Nevertheless, some consumers sought out department stores for experiential shopping, valuing the opportunity to explore curated

Despite the number of department stores in Denmark remaining stable for many years the channel still saw positive growth in current value terms in 2024. However, despite inflation being notably lower than in the previous year, consumer confidence remained relatively weak. This cautious consumer sentiment limited sales growth in department stores with shoppers continuing to prioritise essential purchases, while they also focused more on value-driven options. Additionally, department stores faced

General merchandise stores saw current value growth in Ukraine in 2024. The channel is dominated by variety stores, which continued to weather the challenges of trading during a full-scale war better than many other types of retailers. This was mainly because the fact that these retailers offer wide ranges of grocery and non-grocery items at low prices ensured that they were well placed to meet the demands of consumers who have become much more budget conscious amidst steep falls in purchasing p

In 2024, general merchandise stores in the Czech Republic continued to register moderate growth in outlet number and a double-digit increase in retail current value sales, albeit due to the performance of variety stores. Department stores are falling out of favour with Czech customers, losing out to shopping centres and supermarkets offering a wide variety of quality branded products. There remained only 15 department stores in the Czech Republic in 2024, compared with 17 at the beginning of the

General merchandise stores in Japan maintained dynamic current value growth in 2024, with increases for both department stores and variety stores. In the wake of the growth in demand experienced in 2023, department stores in Japan continued to thrive in 2024, largely due to the ongoing resurgence of inbound tourism. Luxury items, including jewellery, watches, and cosmetics, showed a slight increase in sales. Before the pandemic, it was notable that visitors from China predominantly purchased lar

In 2024, retail value sales for general merchandise stores grew by 39%, with variety stores being the main retailers in this category. Variety stores, particularly those offering price-friendly products, performed well due to increased price sensitive behaviour, and consumers actions to save money. This shift in spending priorities significantly boosted the popularity of value-for-money offers, with variety stores seeing positive growth as a consequence. Promotion and marketing support remained

General merchandise stores in South Korea saw growth in both outlet numbers and current value sales in 2024, although variety stores saw a much better performance than department stores. Despite seeing current value growth in 2024, department stores saw a decline in outlet numbers, and the channel was unable to achieve past growth rates. This is because consumer spending has contracted due to a general economic slowdown. In addition, major product categories have seen a shift to online shopping.

After a strong rebound in 2022 as pandemic-related restrictions were eased, department stores in Australia struggled to maintain momentum in 2023 and 2024, with minimal growth in retail value terms. The end of the lockdowns offered a short period of strong sales followed swiftly by high inflation and interest rates, with consumers struggling to make ends meet during a global economic downturn. As a result, local spending plummeted in 2023 and 2024, with many consumers forced to spend the majorit

In 2024, general merchandise stores in Singapore struggled as a result of the strong Singapore dollar, which has influenced consumer spending in multiple ways. With rising living costs and greater caution around discretionary expenditure, many Singaporeans have reduced their outlay on non-grocery merchandise traditionally found in department stores, such as apparel, footwear, bags and luggage. For those who wish to spend, the strengthening currency and increased ease of international travel have

General merchandise stores saw a slight rise in value sales in current terms in Indonesia in 2024. While outlet numbers rose in the category during the year, the situation varied across general merchandise stores. Variety stores witnessed a marked expansion of its store network, while department stores’ outlet numbers declined. The leading player in department stores, Matahari, closed seven outlets in 2024. Players in department stores are focusing on optimising their outlet networks and retaini

General merchandising stores in Saudi Arabia witnessed a mixed performance in 2024. Department stores face several challenges and have not yet seen value sales return to pre-pandemic levels. By comparison, variety stores are prospering as they benefit from their ability to cater to budget-conscious consumers. Consumers were increasingly drawn to the convenience and affordability, as economic factors led to more cautious spending patterns. In addition to urbanisation and population growth, female

Value sales of department stores in Hong Kong recovered in 2024, following a decline the previous year, while the number of outlets continued to rise. Sales were supported by the increase in new shopping centres and the emergence of unique stores which opened during the year. Despite the fact that many consumers now shop online more frequently or prefer to shop at specialists to find certain goods they require, with sales assistants in these outlets considered more experienced and knowledgeable

Department stores in New Zealand witnessed a decline in retail value sales over 2024, highlighting the reduction in overall consumer spending in this year, especially for higher ticket items which are typically sold at department stores, such as expensive fragrances or fashion. Consumer demand for products normally sold through this retail channel is still high, but people are seeking cheaper deals elsewhere when buying electronics, fashion accessories and beauty products. For example, the pharm

In 2024, overall general merchandise stores in Vietnam recorded healthy increases in both current value sales and the number of outlets, partly because of a notable rise in inbound and local tourism. These tourists show a strong appetite for shopping, particularly in major cities such as Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. They are drawn not only to the wide assortment of goods in general merchandise stores but also to the attractive discounts commonly available in this channel. Local shoppers

General merchandise stores saw a flat performance in Portugal in 2024, affecting both department stores and variety stores. While department stores are being impacted by the poor performance seen in the fashion industry (with apparel seen as non-essential by price-sensitive consumers), variety stores face challenges driven by the growing competition from e-commerce platforms and international budget players such as AliExpress, Shein, and Temu. Added to which, variety stores include a high number