Karstadt, based in Essen, Germany, operates department stores, sporting goods stores, gastronomy and food retail activities throughout Germany.

One of the most recognized retail brands in Germany, Karstadt runs 83 department stores, 3 premium stores, 26 sports stores, 7 bargain centers, and an online retail site.  Providing a complete offering of men’s, women’s and children’s fashion, beauty & accessories, jewelry & fragrances, home, leisure, toys and sporting goods,  Karstadt averages more than 1 million visitors per day, and boasts a store portfolio with prime locations nationwide.  The retail business maintains leading market positions in Sports, Living, Personality and Fashion.

Karstadt first opened its doors in 1881 under the original founder, Rudolph Karstadt.  Today its portfolio includes the KaDeWe in Berlin, the second largest department store in Europe with 55,000 sq. meters (590,000 sq. ft.) of sales space.