in the fashion branch, which has led the space reduction ranking for years but is now expanding against the trend. This is currently true especially for the Bestseller Group, which is on a growth course in Austria with its brand portfolio (among others ONLY, Jack&Jones, Vero Moda, Name It) and has already opened 16 shops this year, including two flagship stores in the Seiersberg Shopping City and Plus City, and completed nine combined relocations and extensions. “Our focus in on the individual locations’ ratings because this helps us to optimally utilise the available opportunities“, exp- lained Montana Seidler. “On the one hand, that means continuous optimisation and, frequently, the expansion of the branches. On the other hand, we are also prepared to close less profitable locations.“ Seidler expects a further increase in the on- line share for the fashion branch and does not see this as a threat but as an opportuni-
ty. “We are convinced that the future lies in the clever combination of brick and mortar retail and online. A company that counts on omni-channel-strategies and effectively links all channels will be successful over the long term. For Bestseller, this symbiosis is the driving force behind our growth.“ In the branch business, Besteller relies on an all-inclusive shopping experience and, consequently, is looking for locations with other attractive retailers, gastronomy and recreational offerings: “A lively environment with an attractive atmosphere draws more customers, who then spend more time in the area. But customers must also find our branches attractive“, added Seidler. “This means our offering must be large and attractively presented and that, in turn, frequently requires more space, where possible on a single level.“
Roundtable talks
Andrea Heumann
Managing director Thalia
Klaus Magele
Managing director Morawa
Montana Seidler
Expansion Manager Bestseller
Austria | 2024/25
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