The multichannel retail segment consists of companies in Germany and abroad that sell their goods through catalogues, e-commerce and in over-the-counter retail.

The Otto Group is not only active in a variety of European countries, it is also represented in Asia and the USA. Its range primarily covers fashion and accessories, home furnishings, technology, sports, recreational items and toys.

Once again, e-commerce had a particularly good year in 2007/08. In developing its online offerings, the Otto Group continued to target dialogue capabilities, interactivity and user participation. In this ‘social commerce’, Otto Group activities include smatch.com, which has been available since October 2007.

The Group has also pushed ahead with the development of its over-the-counter retail activities. In doing so, the Otto Group is developing existing concepts as well as founding new companies, setting up joint ventures and exploring acquisitions.

In mail-order retail, Otto Group customers not only receive the main established catalogues, they are also frequently presented with new collection-based offers and specialogues.