What: John Lewis Partnership received approval for its Reading mixed-use development, advancing its strategy to diversify assets and modernize its retail footprint.

Why it is important: The Reading approval underscores the sector-wide trend of integrating asset diversification and retail transformation to adapt to changing market demands.

John Lewis Partnership’s approval for the Reading mixed-use development signals a decisive evolution in the company’s approach to property strategy and retail transformation. By securing the green light for this project, John Lewis is not only diversifying its asset base but also responding to the growing need for urban regeneration and the integration of retail with residential and community spaces. The Reading scheme, alongside the recently approved West Ealing development, demonstrates the retailer’s commitment to maximising asset value while navigating the complexities of planning, affordability, and commercial viability. These initiatives are underpinned by a substantial £800 million investment in store renovations and experiential retail, reflecting a renewed focus on core retail excellence and customer experience. Under Peter Ruis’s leadership, John Lewis is blending its heritage with innovation, repositioning itself competitively and redefining the department store’s role in the modern urban landscape. This strategic shift highlights how leading retailers are adapting their property portfolios to remain relevant and resilient in a rapidly changing market.

IADS Notes: John Lewis Partnership’s approval for the Reading development in October 2025 (Retail Week) is part of a broader transformation, with the Reading scheme’s challenges and the West Ealing approval (Drapers, May 2025) illustrating the complexities and opportunities of mixed-use projects. The retailer’s £800 million investment in store renovations (WWD, October 2024) and Peter Ruis’s modernisation strategy (Drapers, February 2025) further underscore the company’s commitment to asset optimisation, urban regeneration, and competitive repositioning in the UK retail sector.

John Lewis Partnership receives green light for Reading development

What: To ensure quality service during the holiday season, El Corte Inglés is hiring 6,000 temporary staff across sales, logistics, and customer service, with a focus on youth employment and comprehensive training.

Why it is important: This initiative highlights the critical role of seasonal hiring, youth employment, and training in maintaining operational excellence and customer experience during peak retail periods.

El Corte Inglés has begun its annual Christmas recruitment campaign, aiming to hire 6,000 seasonal workers to support increased activity in sales, logistics, and omnichannel operations. The company’s hiring strategy allocates 40% of positions to young people entering the workforce for the first time, while the remaining 60% are filled by experienced professionals. All new hires will participate in a comprehensive training program to prepare them for roles in sales, customer service, and logistics, ensuring they can deliver the high standards of service associated with the brand. The initiative is designed to enhance the customer experience and operational efficiency during the busiest shopping season of the year. This approach aligns with broader industry trends, as leading retailers like John Lewis and M&S are also expanding their seasonal workforces to support both in-store and online operations. El Corte Inglés’s commitment to training and youth employment not only supports its operational needs but also provides valuable career opportunities for young people in Spain.

IADS Notes: El Corte Inglés’s annual Christmas hiring campaign, aiming to recruit 6,000 seasonal workers, reflects a broader industry trend of flexible staffing and operational excellence during peak periods. As reported by Fashion Network in November 2024, the company’s strategy allocates 40% of positions to young people entering the workforce for the first time, while the remaining 60% are filled by experienced professionals, all supported by a comprehensive training program . The focus on omnichannel roles, logistics, and order management aligns with the growing complexity of holiday retail operations, as highlighted by America Retail in February 2025 and Fashion Network in November 2024 . Contact Center Hub in November 2024 described El Corte Inglés’s commitment to customer experience, with training and onboarding designed to ensure high service standards throughout the season . Modaes in July 2025 and Press Release in June 2025 noted the group’s strong financial performance and ongoing investment in digital transformation and operational efficiency, reinforcing its leadership in the Spanish retail sector . Retail Week in September 2025 and Modaes in January 2025 discussed similar seasonal hiring trends at John Lewis and other major retailers, emphasizing the importance of flexible staffing and omnichannel support during the crucial holiday trading period . Collectively, these developments show that El Corte Inglés is leveraging seasonal hiring, training, and digital innovation to maintain its reputation for quality service and operational excellence during the busiest time of year.

El Corte Inglés launches a massive recruitment campaign for Christmas sales

What: El Corte Inglés renews its partnership with the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation to support Spanish tennis and promote the Davis Cup playoff in 2025.

Why it is important: This renewal reflects El Corte Inglés’s ongoing strategy to build brand value and customer loyalty through high-profile sports partnerships, as seen in recent cultural and sporting sponsorships.

El Corte Inglés has extended its partnership with the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation for another year, reinforcing its commitment to Spanish tennis during a pivotal season that includes the Spain-Denmark Davis Cup playoff in Marbella. By leveraging its prominent shopping centres in Madrid and Andalusia to promote the event, the retailer strengthens its role as a key supporter of national sports. This collaboration is not only a testament to El Corte Inglés’s loyalty to the sport but also a strategic move to deepen its connection with Spanish society, fostering experiences that unite fans and the national team. The partnership is emblematic of the company’s broader approach to community engagement and experiential marketing, using major sporting events to enhance customer loyalty and brand perception. Such initiatives underscore El Corte Inglés’s ambition to remain at the forefront of retail by integrating cultural and sporting values into its business model, ensuring c ontinued relevance and resonance with its customer base.

IADS Notes: El Corte Inglés’s renewed sponsorship of the RFET aligns with its broader strategy of cultural and sports engagement, as seen in its support for the Fallas festival (28 February 2025, Press Release), the San Silvestre Vallecana race (11 October 2024, Press Release, and its strong brand reputation highlighted in the EY Retail Performance Ranking (28 January 2025, Modaes: link). These initiatives are further reinforced by its focus on exclusive experiences and innovative event-driven marketing.

El Corte Inglés renews its commitment to Spanish tennis