German retail expert says Galeria department store chain could survive with fewer locations

Galeria, Germany's last major department store chain, has filed for insolvency for the fourth time in six years. The company, based in Düsseldorf, operates 83 stores and employs about 12,000 people. Retail expert Carsten Kortum told dpa that a complete shutdown is possible but not inevitable, and that the chain could continue with fewer locations. However, he stressed that this would not save the entire network. Another expert, Thomas Roeb, is skeptical, citing the lack of competitiveness in fashion as a main problem. The future of Galeria remains uncertain.