A Vote of Confidence for Downtown Gießen

In a move that underscores the enduring appeal of brick-and-mortar retail, Douglas, the prominent beauty retailer, has reaffirmed its commitment to Gießen’s city center with a newly renovated store on Seltersweg. the reopening follows a two-month transformation, signaling a meaningful investment in the local economy and a belief in the future of downtown shopping.

Revamped Store, Renewed Commitment

the revamped Douglas store now boasts an expansive product range within its 235 square meters. The renovation includes a modern shop concept characterized by a clear and inviting interior design. Furthermore, the upgrade extended to building technology, with a complete switch to energy-efficient LED lighting, reflecting a commitment to sustainability alongside enhanced customer experience.

We stand for inpatient trade in the city centers. The Gießener grew up with a Douglas shop in the Seltersweg. And that’s why it is important that the shop stays here too.
Vaia Pyritidou, Press Spokeswoman for Douglas

Omnichannel Strategy: blending Online and In-Store Experiences

Veit Weiland, CEO of Douglas for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, emphasized the strategic importance of physical stores in the company’s omnichannel approach. Douglas views its branches as vital meeting points for customers, complementing its online presence to create a seamless and unique shopping experience. This strategy acknowledges the continued relevance of in-person interaction and expert advice in the beauty retail sector.

Our branches remain a central meeting point for our customers… The shops, together with our committed beauty experts, play a key role in our Omnichannel strategy, which aims to create a unique shopping experience both online and on site.
veit Weiland, CEO of Douglas in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Positive Sign for Gießen’s Retail landscape

Heinz-Jörg Ebert, Chairman of the Business Enhancement District (BID) seltersweg, hailed the reopening as a positive sign for Gießen’s retail environment, especially after what he described as “five real moving years.” ebert believes that Douglas’s investment sends a strong message of confidence in the location and the future of the shopping mile.

If such a company closes the store for two months, invested a lot and convert extensively, this is a great sign of a location – and thus for our shopping mile.
Heinz-Jörg Ebert, Chairman of the Business Improvement District (BID) Seltersweg

Seltersweg: A Hub of New Developments

The Douglas reopening coincides with other significant developments in the Seltersweg area. The upcoming opening of the Justus Liebig University’s large branch libary at Seltor, along with numerous shop redesigns, indicates a revitalization of the shopping district. Furthermore, the former locations of “Benetton” and “Orsay” have been leased to new tenants, although thier identities remain confidential for now. The highly anticipated opening of a Starbucks location on the corner of Goethestrasse is also on the horizon, adding to the area’s appeal.

Douglas’s European Footprint

The Douglas Group operates approximately 1,870 stores across Europe, employing around 18,000 people. In the 2022/23 financial year,the company reported sales of 4.1 billion euros, demonstrating its significant presence and influence in the European beauty market. This investment in gießen reflects a broader strategy of maintaining and enhancing its physical retail network alongside its online operations.