ORGANISERS

LOTTE Department Store

Founded in 1979 on the principle of 'Customer First,' LOTTE Department Store has grown into the top department store in Korea, powered by the love and support of its customers. By diversifying into outlets and shopping malls, it has cemented its position as the leading department store in Korea while pioneering a smart shopping environment and digital services suitable for the era, leading the creation of future distribution cultures. 

Following the opening of its first flagship in 1979, LOTTE Department Store now operates 31 branches domestically and has pioneered international expansion with stores in Vietnam and Indonesia. In 2005 it launched 'AVENUEL' - the first premium luxury hall in Korea - offering differentiated services alongside world-renowned luxury brands. LOTTE Department Store generated in 2023 a revenue of KRW 3.3tn (US$ 2.4bn) and diligently practices corporate social responsibility through the RE:EARTH project, continually striving for the happiness of its customers. www.global.lotteshopping.com

Intercontinental Group of Department Stores (IGDS)

IGDS is the largest association for department stores worldwide. It was founded in 1946 with the purpose of supporting and informing department stores around the world. Today, IGDS comprises one of the most unique and vibrant retail networks in the industry, with 44 members from 38 countries. Together, IGDS members generated total sales of over US$430bn in 2023. IGDS is the organiser of the IGDS World Department Store Summit (IGDS WDSS) which since 2023 has merged the two banners Global Department Store Summit (GDSS) and World Department Store Forum (WDSF), successfully held in London (2008), Moscow (2009), New York (2010), Shanghai (2011), Paris (2012), Istanbul (2013), Singapore (2014), Rome (2015), Zurich (2016), Toronto (2017), London (2018), Tokyo (2019), Seattle (2022), Dubai (2023) and Berlin (2024). www.igds.org