Arcandor was a German multinational corporation that operated in the retail and tourism industries. It was founded in 1999 through the merger of two companies, Karstadt and Quelle. The conglomerate's primary business activities were focused on department stores, mail-order sales, and travel agencies.
Arcandor's department store division operated under the brand name Karstadt, which had a long history in Germany. These stores offered a wide range of products, including clothing, home goods, electronics, and beauty products. The company also operated a strong online presence through its e-commerce platform.
In addition to department stores, Arcandor owned Quelle, a well-known mail-order retailer that specialized in selling products through catalogues. Quelle offered a diverse selection of goods, including furniture, appliances, fashion, and electronics.
Furthermore, the company had a travel division called Thomas Cook. It operated a comprehensive range of travel services, including travel agencies, tour operators, and airlines.
However, Arcandor encountered financial difficulties and filed for insolvency in 2009. Eventually, it had to declare bankruptcy and sell off its assets in order to pay its debts. The collapse of Arcandor marked the end of one of Germany's largest retail corporations.
