The latest title from Mintel European Retail Intelligence, Department & Variety Store Retailing in Europe 2003 investigates this diverse sector across seven major markets – France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK.

Our analysis shows that of the seven markets monitored, the UK has the largest mixed goods retailing sector by turnover, followed by Germany. Some way behind are the markets of Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Ireland in that order. However Ireland has grown much more quickly than any other country over the last five years, while Germany's sector value was 15% lower in 2002 than 1998. This can be seen as a reflection of the wider economic and consumer conditions prevailing in both countries.

Department and variety stores have been losing share of all retail sales, Ireland being the one exception. Lack of physical expansion is one of the main reasons behind this under-performance while, in Germany, our analysis into consumer trends shows that consumers are eschewing upmarket department stores in favour of discount retail formats. After Ireland, the UK has held up best, reflecting in part higher levels of investment in new and refurbished stores.

The largest European expansion programmes in situ are with Debenhams and House of Fraser. Meanwhile, discount formats Gifi, Wilkinsons and Poundstretcher all have ambitious plans and targets. Debenhams will add 111,000m2 (16 new stores) between Autumn 2003 and 2007, and House of Fraser has 60,670m2 of new space in the pipeline to Autumn 2006. Gifi is looking to add around 20 stores per annum over the next six years until it reaches its target of 300 outlets in French metropolitan locations. It is also experimenting with a larger store format dubbed MAXIGIFI. Poundstretcher's aim is to increase its UK network from 338 stores in 2002 to 500 over the next few years.

Lack of potential targets would appear to preclude domestic-based corporate activity within Spain, France or the Netherlands. Each of these countries is dominated by just one or two groups within the department and variety stores sector and there are very few, if any, potential targets for them to acquire.

Over the next five years to 2007, Mintel unique market forecasts predicts that Ireland's mixed goods sector will remain the fastest growing of the seven countries reviewed, followed by Spain, the UK, France, Italy the Netherlands and Germany in that order.

Department and Variety Store Retailing presents an opportunity to gain a practical insight into the strengths and weaknesses of both established and emerging retailers. It provides expert and independent insight into their corporate activity, the strategies being employed, the markets in which they operate and the consumer and sales trends within these markets.

Ideal for benchmarking and created for the convenient cross analysis of market activity, this title is designed to guide and inform the marketing and business plans of retailers, brand owners, investment analysts, media agencies and manufacturers.

Note: Should you wish to purchase more than one country of the Department and Variety Store Retailing in Europe series, please contact our Information Consultant team on +44 (0) 207 606 6000 to discuss a multiple purchase discount.