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3mo ago

Depot shutters 158 German stores as GDC Deutschland rolls out new strategy

The rebranded company is banking on rapid China-sourced online releases to offset store closures

Die Filialschließungen bei Depot liefen mit der Schließung von fast jeder zweiten Filiale schlimmer aus erwartet.
Schleswig, die Filiale der insolventen Deko-Handelskette DEPOT der Gries Deco Company GmbH in Schleswig. Im Bild: Das Logo als Firmenschild an der Fassade ueber den Schaufenstern, in denen zahlreiche Plakate haengen die ueber die Schliessung informieren und auf denen reduzierte Ware angeboten wird. +++ Nur fuer redaktionelle Nutzung +++ Only for editorial use +++

Overview

  • Since filing for insolvency protection in July 2024, Depot has closed nearly half of its 328 German outlets and transferred 170 leases into newly formed GDC Deutschland.
  • Christian Gries stays on as CEO under GDC Deutschland while former Tupperware head Marco De Benedetti joins to strengthen the leadership team.
  • A joint venture with a Chinese supplier and AI-driven trend analysis aims to cut product development cycles from up to 12 months to a matter of weeks.
  • Depot has rolled out a low-margin basic line and operates about 150 shop-in-shop areas inside Edeka, Rewe and Toom locations to reach new customer segments.
  • Retail experts including Gerrit Heinemann warn that Depot’s overhauled model may struggle to generate sustainable profits.