They were the first company in Central Europe to install fixed prices and ran mail orders, and built the first department store in Austria-Hungary.

On 1 January 1873, Karl Kastner and Herman Öhler founded a shop for mercery in Troppau (today: Opava).

In 1894, the company expanded and built the first department store in Austria-Hungary in Graz, with galleries on three floors, which could be reached by elevators, and a central courtyard with a glass roof.

Before World War I, 330 employees sold hats, perfumes, leather goods, paper and men's clothes.

[7] The house in Graz was modernised in 1991, designed by Szyszkowitz + Kowalski, connecting the historic buildings with modern elements.

Since 2004, the company has focused on two brands, Kastner & Öhler for fashion, household goods, toys and perfumes, and Gigasport [de] for sports.