Top department stores redefining shopping in 2025

Department stores have, for long, been cornerstones of the retail landscape, offering more than just a shopping experience – they serve as cultural icons that blend heritage with modern day consumer expectations. While convenience-driven retail models dominate the market, department stores continue to thrive by curating immersive experiences that celebrate the art of shopping.

To arrive at which department stores lead in today’s competitive market landscape, CouponPi conducted an in-depth analysis, evaluating over 46,000 customer reviews across 50 of the world’s most renowned department stores. The study assessed key performance indicators, including customer satisfaction, product diversity and the overall shopping experience, to identify the industry’s top performers.

London reaffirms its status as a global retail powerhouse, with three of the world’s top five department stores located in the city. This underscores the capital’s ability to merge tradition with retail innovation, solidifying its position as a benchmark for excellence in the industry and one can take a page or two out of this success story.

TOP PERFORMER: FORTNUM & MASON

London-based iconic Fortnum & Mason, has been recognised as the world’s top department store, reaffirming its legacy as a premier luxury shopping destination. Established in 1707 as a modest grocery store, Fortnum & Mason has since evolved into a globally renowned retail institution, celebrated for its fine food, artisanal offerings and distinctive shopping experience.

According to the study, Fortnum & Mason achieved a perfect score of 10 out of 10, supported by an average rating of 4.6 and an impressive 62.1 per cent positive sentiment among reviewers. Customers describe their visits as an epicurean adventure, praising the store’s curated selection of gourmet delicacies, iconic blue-green branding and signature luxury food hampers.

This success further cements Fortnum & Mason’s position as a leader in experiential retail, demonstrating how heritage brands can successfully adapt to modern consumer preferences while maintaining their timeless appeal.

LONDON’S GROUNDBREAKING PERFORMANCE

Following closely behind Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges revolutionised the shopping experience with open aisles and captivating visual displays when it opened in 1909. Founded by American entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge, this department store has become synonymous with luxury and innovation as it continues to attract shoppers with its diverse range of products and immersive shopping environment.

Known for its distinctive Tudor-style building and eclectic product offerings, Liberty London ranks among the top department stores globally. It specialises in luxury goods, homeware and fashion items, appealing to those seeking unique and high-quality products.

While London shines brightly in the department store rankings, Mexico City’s El Palacio de Hierro also made a significant impact, securing second place overall. Founded in 1891, it was inspired by Paris’s Le Bon Marché and has since become a staple of Mexican retail culture. The flagship store in Polanco scored 9.6 out of 10, with reviewers praising its cleanliness, spaciousness and extensive selection of brands. The bottom floor features a food selection and a champagne bar that enhances the shopping experience.

LIBERTY LONDON

 Liberty London also features as a standout department store, renowned for its distinctive black and white mock Tudor façade, constructed from the timber of two battleships. Founded in 1875 by Arthur Lasenby Liberty, the store was labelled as a “London emporium laden with luxuries and fabrics from distant lands.”

Today, Liberty has become synonymous with beautifully patterned textiles, avant-garde fashion and unique accessories. It scored 9 out of 10, boasting an average review rating of 4.5 and a 55.3 per cent positive sentiment score from customers. The store’s current building was completed in 1924, designed to reflect Tudor style, which makes it a notable landmark in London. Inside, the store features intricate wooden detailing, handmade tiles and stained glass, creating an inviting atmosphere that draws shoppers in.

Arthur Liberty’s vision was to challenge the rigid Victorian fashion norms by introducing exotic products from around the globe. Initially focused on importing textiles and ornaments from the East, Liberty quickly became a hub for high-quality fabrics and unique designs that aligned with the Arts and Crafts Movement. The store’s floral and paisley prints have become iconic, reflecting its long-standing commitment to artistry and craftsmanship.

ARNOTTS

 Arnotts, the oldest and largest department store in Ireland, has a storied history that reflects the evolution of retail in Dublin. Founded in 1843 by George Cannock and Andrew White, the store has become a beloved landmark on Henry Street, covering 300,000 square feet of retail space. After facing financial challenges in recent years, Arnotts was acquired by Selfridges in 2015, allowing it to continue its legacy as a premier shopping destination.

Through its long history, Arnotts has adapted to the changing retail landscape, catering to various consumer needs from luxury items to everyday essentials.

With a score of 8.9 out of 10 and an average review rating of 4.4, Arnotts continues to impress customers with its extensive selection of merchandise, which include fashion, homeware, footwear and kitchenware. In addition to its retail offerings, Arnotts houses Clodagh’s Kitchen Restaurant, a cozy eatery by renowned chef Clodagh McKenna, along with a bakery and food court for casual dining options.

SELFRIDGES

Securing the fifth position, London-based Selfridges is a retail icon that has redefined the retail experience since its inception. Founded in 1909 by American entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge, this landmark store spans an impressive 50,000 square metres, making it the second-largest retail location in the UK, following Harrods.

Harry Gordon Selfridge was dissatisfied with the limited shopping options available in the UK and sought to transform shopping into a pleasurable experience similar to sightseeing.

Selfridge’s vision included creating an inviting atmosphere where customers could browse freely. The store featured open aisles, well-displayed merchandise and elegant restaurants, encouraging customers to linger and enjoy their shopping excursions.

The retail giant scored 8.8 out of 10 in the CouponPi analysis, with an average rating of 4.5 and a 52.5 per cent positive sentiment score among reviewers. Consumers highlight the department store’s world-famous window displays, which are creatively themed throughout the year, drawing crowds eager to experience the artistry and innovation on display. The store offers a diverse range of products, from luxury fashion to beauty items and home goods.

WHAT MAKES THESE NOTABLE STORES STAND OUT

Printemps, located in the heart of Paris, is celebrated for its breathtaking architecture and extensive range of luxury offerings, making it an essential destination for fashion aficionados. This iconic department store spans three interconnected buildings on Boulevard Haussmann and features a stunning Art Nouveau design, including a magnificent glass dome that enhances the shopping experience. With over 3,500 prestigious brands, Printemps showcases everything from high-end fashion to beauty products, ensuring a diverse and luxurious shopping environment.

In contrast, Takashimaya in Singapore distinguishes itself with a seamless blend of traditional and contemporary retail formats. This esteemed department store offers an extensive selection of high-end international brands while also showcasing locally crafted artisanal products.

Catering to a discerning clientele, Takashimaya balances luxury with cultural authenticity, appealing to consumers who value both exclusivity and heritage. Its ability to curate a diverse yet sophisticated shopping experience reinforces its status as a premier retail destination in Asia.

Across the Atlantic, Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue remain pillars of New York City’s retail landscape, attracting shoppers with their exclusive collections and distinct brand identities.

Bloomingdale’s is celebrated for its trend-driven merchandise and dynamic shopping environment, appealing to fashion-forward consumers seeking the latest styles, while in contrast, Saks Fifth Avenue epitomises luxury retail, offering a meticulously curated selection of high-end fashion, accessories and lifestyle products.