Department Stores Report Stagnant Global Sales Recovery

The International Association of Department Stores (IADS) reported that global department store sales rose just 0.63 percent in the 2024–2025 financial year, based on data compiled from 58 stores worldwide, describing the trend as a fragile post-pandemic “cautious normalization.” IADS said muted consumer confidence pushed retailers toward heavier promotions, cost controls, AI-driven inventory management and generative-engine optimization, boosting recommerce and experiential retail but keeping margins under pressure.