Founded in 1928, the International Association of Department Stores (IADS) is the only expert body specialising in the department store retail format in the world. The Association brings together leading department stores from around the globe to share insights, foster innovation, and shape the future of retail.
Consisting of key players in their respective markets, IADS acts as an international network facilitating exchange and collaboration among members. It conducts research and provides actionable insights to address current challenges facing department stores, supporting strategic thinking and operational implementation.
The Association represents over €40.5 billion in annual turnover through more than 549 stores and 251,000 associates across 28 countries. It offers exclusive content, organises meetings and events, and runs the IADS Academy programme to train retail leaders.
Through partnerships with organisations like NellyRodi, Retail Hub, and RH-ISAC, IADS delivers solution-driven support tailored to members’ evolving needs, reinforcing its role as a strategic resource in global retail.