Reflecting the poor performance of certain old-fashioned outlets, the closure or redevelopment of others and the way that demand has switched away from fashion to other products in recent years, both the mixed goods retailers and department stores in particular have been losing share of all retail sales.

However all is not lost; Mintel’s consumer research shows how successful the department stores have been in repositioning their offer, with their customer base showing a strong bias to the young, particularly for fashion. Retaining the custom of these youthful customers is just one way retailers can improve their profitability.

Meanwhile, the takeover deals of 2002/03 are looking increasingly to have been property driven. It appears that given the way the retail property market has performed in recent years, a department store has to do particularly well if it is not to be more profitable to sell the site for redevelopment.

Using the latest market size data and trend analysis, this report provides vital new insight into the current state of the market, its prospects and its consumers, as well as a summary of pan-European trends.

In addition, Mintel’s retail analysts provide an incisive review of the operational strengths, weaknesses and sales performance of the market’s leading retailers. Mintel’s findings offer you a unique way of understanding the prospects for department store retailers in the UK, enabling you to accurately evaluate the market for successful investment strategies. Use Mintel’s research to avoid market pitfalls, discover sector opportunities, identify growth potential and achieve the best possible results.

"Department Store retailing in the UK" is part of "Department Store retailing in Europe", a Retail Intelligence title. Should you wish to order more than one market report from with the title, please call the Mintel Information Team to discuss potential multiple-purchase discounts.