Bricks-and-mortar retail in Germany is currently experiencing significant transformation. This includes the development of city centres, the adaptation of existing branch networks, as well as the emergence of new market participants and the disappearance of established sales channels. The “Handelsmonitor H1 2026” (Retail Monitor H1 2026), published for the first time by EHI and imtargis, documents these dynamics and provides an overview of the latest market entries, insolvencies, and changes in branch structures during the first half of the year.
Market Entries and Expansions
In the first half of 2026, various market entries were registered in German retail, primarily by international concepts. The newly added locations span different product ranges, from everyday concepts to the luxury segment. This underscores the continued attractiveness of the German market for international retailers. New developments are particularly concentrated in high-frequency locations in major cities and metropolitan areas, both in city centres and in shopping centres.
New players include Møbelkompagniet and Tikamoon in the furniture sector. Flabelus is assigned to the shoe and leather goods segment, while Mey & Edlich and Selected are expanding the clothing segment. In health and personal care, Maria Galland is new to the market. Furthermore, Baobab Collection established itself in decoration and Yeti in the sports and camping segment. The Dutch gastronomy concept Zusje has also built a presence in Germany. In addition, Bath & Body Works is pushing ahead with the expansion of its branch network with further planned locations. It is observed that online retailers are also increasingly opening physical stores to strengthen their brand presence. Internationally operating gastronomy concepts are also continuing to expand into Germany.
Insolvencies and Restructuring
Alongside structural change, the first half of the year also saw corporate insolvencies affecting sales channels across various industries and sizes. The restructuring of home decor retailer Depot is well advanced; following another insolvency, 66 further branches were closed, reducing the number of remaining locations to approximately 80. The company had already undergone self-administration proceedings in 2024, during which its branch network was reduced from 400 to around 150 locations. The insolvency of the Hellweg Group, including BayWa-Bau- und Gartenmärkte and Gartencenter Augsburg, illustrates the economic pressure in the DIY segment. Furthermore, at the beginning of 2026, the regionally significant food retailer Feneberg entered protective shield proceedings to respond to ongoing economic burdens and to consider adjusting its branch network.
In addition to ongoing proceedings, several insolvencies were successfully concluded in the first half of 2026, including those of Pepco and Parfümerie Pieper. Pepco, in particular, reduced its branch network by almost half to approximately 30 locations. The proceedings of Wormland and Hammer, however, ended with a complete market exit. The insolvency of men's fashion manufacturer Eterna was also concluded; the company was dissolved, but the brand was preserved through its acquisition by Olymp. Eterna's approximately 40 German branches were closed.
