Behind the Numbers: an EMARKETER Podcast Department Store Reinvention: Old Rules vs. New Success | Reimagining Retail
Apr 8, 2026
Rachel Wolff, retail analyst who studies shopper behavior and omnichannel trends, and Paul Briggs, principal analyst focused on retail and Canadian market dynamics, debate what makes a modern department store. They discuss defining today’s formats, which legacy features to keep, new success metrics like social relevance and e-commerce share, and visions for smaller, experiential or hybrid store networks.
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Redefine Department Store Success Metrics
- Department stores must be judged by modern metrics like discovery, engagement, and omnichannel value rather than only sales per square foot.
- Suzy Davidkhanian argues success should include how stores drive cross-channel discovery and customer engagement beyond pure in-store sales.
Rachel's Recent Department Store Visit
- Rachel Wolff last visited a department store in January to see holiday lights and shop post–New Year sales.
- She specifically shopped at Bergdorf and bought a pair of shoes, illustrating ongoing in-store discovery behaviors.
Paul Found Shuttered Anchor Stores
- Paul Briggs last encountered a shuttered Canadian anchor department store during a 2025 mall visit after Hudson's Bay bankruptcy.
- His experience highlights the rapid decline of department store footprints in parts of Canada.