According to WDR News in Germany, KaDeWe is expected to file for bankruptcy protection today in Berlin.

The luxury department store in the heart of Berlin on Kurfuerstendamm (Ku Damm) may have become the next victim of the global online shopping trend.

When Berlin was an island of freedom in a divided Germany, KaDeWe was often seen as a symbol of freedom, and free marketing, and remains to be a landmark in the German capital.

It is too early to tell if there will be any immediate changes for consumers. It means ITB visitors to Berlin in March may still be able to shop at KaDeWe.

History of KaDeWe explained by its management:

Iax Freund’s fascination with department stores in 1912 is also a reflection of the good feeling we hope our customers experience when they come to KaDeWe in Berlin, one of the largest department stores in Europe, today. Because from the very start, it was the iconic power of KaDeWe that left visitors spellbound.

KaDeWe Berlin has been constantly reinventing itself since its founding in 1907 and has always been a melting pot of tradition and modernity. As a constantly evolving brand, Kaufhaus des Westens takes its direction from social change and international trends. Be it fashion, interiors, or food, KaDeWe is always one step ahead of the latest trends. From the start, the constantly changing window displays and the interior architecture of KaDeWe were a reflection of current trends. Then, just like now, they continuously document the sheer luxury of fashion and design with a very distinct attitude.

KaDeWe has been a destination for local and international customers for more than 100 years. In the future too, the futuristic architecture is set to preserve the history of KaDeWe while making it as easy as possible for its customers to find their way around. Discover exclusive catwalk collections by international designers, labels from Berlin, luxury beauty lines, the best in Home & Away products, and our Die Sechste, spread over 60,000 square meters.

The Sixth Floor is a magnet for curious and discerning connoisseurs. It has shaped and guided developments in culinary culture for many decades. Discover our Champagne Bar and dive into the exquisite selection on our Food and Restaurant Floor with over 35,000 products and wines. The best part? With our catering service, all of our delicacies are also available to go.

Catering and other sophisticated services such as the chauffeur and limousine service, the alteration service, or our beauty lounges are a unique selling point of our Berlin department store to this very day. The surprising presentation of products and extraordinary special events, such as readings and fashion parties, make your visit to KaDeWe a shopping experience that will create vivid memories.

After a number of other large national store chains in Germany went bankrupt, KaDeWe seems to become the next victim. This reflects how Germany is following a global trend on how consumers are changing their shopping behavior.

KaDeWe thought it was safe

Only in November KaDeWe boss Michael Peterseim said his group was stable. With KaDeWe in Berlin also Hamburg based Alsterhaus, and Opollinger in Munich are part of the group.

During the Corona crisis, the German States Berlin and Hamburg co-signed loans to KaDeWe for up to 90 Million Euros. In case the company won’t be able to pay the loan, taxpayers will be responsible.