Globus: The retail conglomerate and its effect on organisational structure

Globus, the Swiss retail organisation, is a classic example of a retail conglomerate. It includes seven department stores, 35 chain stores, 11 menswear shops, two department stores in France and a small publishing operation. Since 1974 a new system of management has been in operation which has had its effect on organisational structure. Hans Mahler, Globus President, outlined this system to a distinguished audience gathered together in London ‐ it formed the occasion for the Fifth Fraser Lecture on Retailing.