What: The Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof may soon be put up for sale following the insolvency of its parent company, Signa Holding.

Why it is important: The German Trade Association (HDE) is concerned about the potential impact of Signa's insolvency on Galeria, noting the importance of department stores in city centers for attracting customers and benefiting neighboring businesses.

The managing director of the KaDeWe Group, which includes the Berlin KaDeWe and is partially owned by Signa Holding, expressed confidence in their independent financial stability. The German Association of Cities has called for cities to be involved in discussions regarding the future of Galeria locations and for changes in insolvency law to allow cities access to central properties in such cases.

Retail experts are skeptical about Galeria's future, doubting the likelihood of finding an investor interested in taking over the group. The Thai trading company Central Group, a major shareholder in KaDeWe, might consider acquiring individual Galeria locations in major cities.

Galeria could soon be put up for sale