IADS quoted about the sale of Selfridges

What: International retail press asks for IADS’ opinion on the current options seemingly at hand for Selfridges’ purchase.

Why it is important: Although a legend in the retail panorama, and for sure a landmark in the UK, Selfridges does not boast a particular advance when it comes to omnichannel and e-commerce, and no specific synergy would stem from the acquisition of the Harrods and Printemps department stores’ owner.

Rumors mention that the Qatar Investment Authority, which already owns shares in Printemps and Harrods, is currently looking at the opportunity to buy the Selfridges group (including Holt Renfrew, Brown Thomas, Arnotts and De Bijenkorf). Other reported contenders would be the Hudson Bay Company (also owner of Saks Fifth Avenue and with a real advance in terms of e-commerce strategy) or Lane Crawford.