IGDS Information

Founded in Switzerland in 1946, the Intercontinental Group of Department Stores (IGDS) is the leading international association and business network for the department store industry. IGDS connects department store CEOs, senior executives and retail leaders from around the world, creating a trusted platform for knowledge exchange, international networking and collaboration across the global retail sector. Through executive conferences, study tours, industry meetings, research, benchmarking and peer-to-peer exchange, IGDS enables its members to share retail best practices, explore new business opportunities and stay ahead of the trends transforming the department store and retail industry. Our international community exchanges insights across key areas including retail strategy, department store management, customer experience, retail innovation, omnichannel retail, e-commerce, digital transformation, AI, luxury retail, fashion, beauty, home & lifestyle, store design, merchandising, sustainability and retail technology. As a non-profit association, IGDS is built on voluntary partnership, mutual interests and trust. We provide a confidential environment where retail decision-makers can openly exchange experiences, challenges and solutions with peers from different markets. Since 1946, IGDS has championed the unique role of department stores as destinations for brands, experiences, services and discovery. Today, we bring together department store leaders worldwide to strengthen their businesses, learn from one another and help shape the future of retail. IGDS - Where Department Store Leaders Connect.