What: El Corte Inglés unveils 'New Motel' at the Mad Cool festival, featuring interactive brand experiences from Converse, Nike, L'Oréal, and Green Coast.

Why it is important: This initiative is part of El Corte Inglés' strategy to rebrand and attract Gen Z customers, aiming to transform its image and engagement with younger demographics. For more information, please check the takeaways from the IADS Operations meeting dedicated to Marketing Directors.

El Corte Inglés has set up a 'New Motel' at the Mad Cool festival from July 10-13, featuring four themed rooms sponsored by Converse, Nike, L'Oréal, and Green Coast. This initiative, aimed at attracting Gen Z, includes unique experiences such as a Converse-themed reception, a Nike pre-party space, a L'Oréal beauty room, and a Green Coast Glam Cam. Visitors can enjoy photo booths, Instax instant cameras, and various gifts from the brands. This activation is part of El Corte Inglés' broader 'New' campaign, which focuses on rebranding efforts and engaging younger audiences through modern communication strategies and events.

El Corte Inglés launches 'New Motel' experience at Mad Cool Festival

What: Turkey's Boyner Group has appointed top executives from rival retailer Beymen to lead a new luxury and contemporary fashion retail concept.

Why it is important: This strategic move signals Boyner Group's ambition to expand and enhance its position in the luxury and contemporary fashion market, leveraging the expertise of experienced industry leaders.

Boyner Group is developing a new retail concept focused on luxury and contemporary fashion, with Polat Uyal, former merchandising group president at Beymen, appointed as CEO. Uyal, along with Sebla Refig Devidas as chief merchandising officer and Demir Aslanoglu as buying and merchandising director, will spearhead the launch of this new venture. The exact name and opening date of the new store have not been finalized, but the project is progressing rapidly in terms of concept design, brand mix, and talent recruitment. Boyner Group, a prominent textile and retail company with over 250 stores, aims to leverage the extensive experience of these executives to enhance its market presence and appeal to a broader range of luxury and contemporary fashion consumers.

Boyner Group taps Beymen executives for new retail concept

What: El Corte Inglés is hosting Kurt Geiger's "Floral Couture" capsule collection in three pop-up stores in Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona until August 25.

Why it is important: This collaboration highlights El Corte Inglés's strategy to attract premium brands and offer unique shopping experiences. The visually appealing, floral-themed installations are expected to draw significant attention, enhancing both Kurt Geiger's and El Corte Inglés's brand visibility and customer engagement.

El Corte Inglés is featuring Kurt Geiger's latest "Floral Couture" capsule collection in three temporary pop-up stores located in its Castellana (Madrid), Pintor Sorolla (Valencia), and Diagonal (Barcelona) locations. Available until August 25, the collection is presented through stunning floral installations inspired by the English countryside, created with botanical artist Tattie Isles. The range includes bags, footwear, jewelry, and unique accessories such as dog coats, picnic blankets, and teapots, all with vibrant floral prints. Kurt Geiger, founded in 1963 by the Austrian designer of the same name, is renowned for its inclusive and creative approach. The brand's Kindness Foundation, established in 2022, supports young talent in the creative industry.

El Corte Inglés hosts Kurt Geiger's "Floral Couture" collection in three new pop-up stores

What: El Corte Inglés increased its workforce by 0.3% in 2023, totaling 81,714 employees across the group.

Why it is important: This growth reflects El Corte Inglés' continued expansion and commitment to maintaining a strong and stable workforce, with a focus on permanent contracts and inclusivity.

El Corte Inglés has reported a workforce increase of 0.3% in 2023, bringing its total number of employees to 81,714. The average number of full-time employees reached 73,279, excluding the insurance group staff. The majority of its workforce (97.3%) holds permanent contracts. The company emphasized its commitment to society by employing 1,649 workers with disabilities. The workforce distribution includes professionals, base staff, managers, technicians, and coordinators, with a notable increase in base staff due to new hires. The company completed a process of incentivized redundancies for staff over 59 years old, with EUR 21 million pending payment out of an initial provision of EUR 30 million. El Corte Inglés operates numerous department stores, supermarkets, outlets, and travel agency branches across Spain and Portugal, and its fashion chain Sfera expanded internationally with 166 own stores and 287 franchises.

El Corte Inglés workforce grows by 0.3% in 2023, reaching nearly 82,000 employees

What: Galeries Lafayette in Berlin is closing its doors on July 31, leaving uncertainty about the future use of its iconic location on Friedrichstrasse.

Why it is important: The closure signifies a major shift in Berlin's retail landscape, highlighting the challenges faced by traditional department stores amidst changing consumer habits and economic pressures. It also raises questions about the future of retail spaces and their potential new uses in urban environments.

After nearly 29 years of operation, the Galeries Lafayette on Friedrichstrasse in Berlin will close on July 31, 2024. The decision to close follows years of financial struggles exacerbated by shifting consumer behaviours. The store, once a significant cultural and commercial hub, leaves behind a legacy as Berlin's beacon of French luxury and lifestyle. While the closure impacts the store's 150 remaining employees, a social plan has been set to support them. The future of the prime location remains uncertain, with discussions ongoing about potentially transforming the space into the Berlin Central and State Library, although funding and final decisions are pending. The closure mirrors broader challenges faced by department stores both in Germany and France, as the retail industry undergoes significant transformation.

Galeries Lafayette faces closure: What happens next?

What: Valentino has launched a pop-up store at El Palacio de Hierro in the Andares shopping centre, Jalisco, Mexico, for the summer season.

Why it is important: This move showcases Valentino's strategy to expand its presence and market reach in Mexico, leveraging strategic alliances and adapting to dynamic retail formats like pop-up stores to attract customers and boost sales.

Valentino, under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele, has opened a pop-up store at El Palacio de Hierro in Jalisco's Andares shopping centre. This ephemeral store, active for the summer season, offers a curated selection of handbags, shoes, wallets, caps, and jewellery for both women and men. This initiative is part of Valentino's broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Mexico, where it already has established stores in Perisur, Polanco, and Cancún. The pop-up store highlights the brand's adaptive approach to retail, aiming to attract new customers and provide a unique shopping experience. Valentino's expansion comes on the heels of Michele presenting his first Cruise collection for spring 2025 in June, following his appointment as creative director in April.

Valentino launches pop-up store at El Palacio de Hierro in Jalisaco

What: El Corte Inglés has appointed Gastón Bottazzini as the new CEO, reinstating the position that has been vacant since 2022.

Why it is important: The appointment of a new CEO signifies a strategic move to enhance leadership and drive transformation within the company. Bottazzini's experience with Falabella is expected to bring valuable insights and strategies to El Corte Inglés, aiming to strengthen its market position and operational efficiency.

El Corte Inglés has reinstated the CEO position with the appointment of Gastón Bottazzini, former CEO of Falabella. Bottazzini joined El Corte Inglés earlier this year as an advisor and will now oversee the work of the two general directors, José María Folache and Santiago Bau. The executive committee, including Marta Álvarez Guil, will monitor his performance. This leadership change comes as the company reported a 5.4% increase in turnover to EUR 16,333 million and a significant rise in recurring net profit by 73.7% to EUR 359 million for the 2023-2024 financial year.

El Corte Inglés appoints Gastón Bottazzini as CEO

What:

El Palacio de Hierro is collaborating with AWWG to promote Façonnable in Mexico, featuring shop-in-shop formats and online sales.

Why it is important:

This partnership is pivotal in boosting Façonnable's presence in the Latin American market, aligning with AWWG's strategic vision to enhance the brand's footprint in key international regions.

All We Wear Group (AWWG) is working with El Palacio de Hierro to expand the Façonnable brand in Mexico. Since this year, Façonnable has established three shop-in-shop formats in El Palacio de Hierro stores, with plans to launch on the department store's online channel from August. This initiative is part of AWWG's broader strategy to increase Façonnable's retail presence, which also includes collaborations with El Corte Inglés in Spain, Galeries Lafayette in France, and Printemps in Belgium, aiming for substantial growth in the coming years.

El Palacio de Hierro expands Façonnable's reach in Mexico

What: Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann is partnering with the international campaign to showcase France's audacity and innovative spirit.

Why it is important: This collaboration highlights Galeries Lafayette's role in promoting France's economic dynamism, cultural vitality, and tourist attractions to millions of international visitors, especially during the 2024 summer's major sporting events in Paris.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, an iconic Parisian department store, has partnered with the Government Information Service to participate in an international campaign aimed at promoting France's innovative and bold spirit. The campaign focuses on France's economic dynamism, cultural and artistic vitality, and tourist attractions. As part of this initiative, Galeries Lafayette is offering an XXL photocall experience, "Make it iconic. Choose France," from July 3 to August 28, 2024, in front of its historic dome. This event coincides with the third edition of the Galeries Lafayette summer event, French Touch 2024, which is expected to attract 10 million tourists during the Paris Olympic summer. The partnership aims to enhance France's international appeal and share its rich heritage and contemporary lifestyle with global visitors

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann joins France's global promotion campaign

What: Galeries Lafayette is using a Low Code approach with Microsoft's Power Platform to develop small applications for its diverse business needs efficiently

Why it is important: This strategy accelerates the creation of applications, improving efficiency and productivity while maintaining control over the application landscape and avoiding Shadow IT issues.

Galeries Lafayette has implemented a Low Code approach using Microsoft's Power Platform to industrialise and accelerate application development across its various business functions. This method is structured around three teams responsible for identifying use cases, technological modelling, and creating user-friendly application prototypes. The approach has already digitised the clothing alteration process, significantly reducing administrative tasks for alteration workers and improving operational efficiency. The platform currently supports numerous alterations monthly and provides customers with visibility on their orders. The centralised data from these applications allows Galeries Lafayette to identify and develop new applications, enhancing interactions between sales and back office, optimizing product relabeling, and improving HR management. This initiative aims to boost productivity across the company's 290 stores and e-commerce sites, involving 8,500 employees and generating €4.5 billion in annual retail sales.

Galeries Lafayette adopts Low Code to multiply business applications

What: Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann offers guided tours of its historic department store every weekend in French or English.

Why it is Important: These tours provide a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and heritage of Galeries Lafayette, showcasing its iconic architecture and backstage areas, thus enhancing visitors' appreciation for the cultural and artistic significance of such establishments. Department stores increasingly want to show the richness of their history and heritage.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann organizes guided tours every weekend, allowing visitors to discover the historic and emblematic aspects of the store, including backstage areas and the famous Art Nouveau dome from 1912. These tours, offered in French on Saturdays and in English on Sundays, provide an intimate and exclusive look at the department store outside of regular opening hours. New slots are available from July 3 to September 1, with tours now also offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 9 am, and on Sundays at 10 am. The tours cost €20 for adults and €8 for children, with a maximum of 15 participants per session. Similar to Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marché also organizes visits showcasing their heritage and the design and art pieces scattered throughout the store.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann offers guided heritage tours

What: Ms. Voralak Tulaphorn, Chief Marketing Officer of The Mall Group Co., Ltd., will speak at Marketing Oops! Summit 2024, focusing on sustainable retail practices through ESG principles.

Why it is important: The Mall Group's participation underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into business strategies, emphasising innovation, responsibility, and profitability.

Ms. Voralak Tulaphorn, CMO of The Mall Group, will be an Exclusive Speaker at the Marketing Oops! Summit 2024. The event, themed "Vision Meet Reality: From Vision to Action," will explore sustainable business practices via ESG principles. Tulaphorn will discuss The Mall Group's commitment to sustainable retail, highlighting four key pillars: ongoing sustainability journeys, collaborative impacts, customer-centric development, and technological advancements. The Mall Group will also present environmental innovations and the M HEART Sai Lohit Sai Jai project, aligning with sustainable development goals related to health and well-being.

The Mall Group to highlight sustainable retail at Marketing Oops! Summit 2024

What: Spanish startup Skinvity has partnered with El Corte Inglés to sell its smart cosmetics products in 21 locations across Spain.

Why it is important: This strategic alliance marks Skinvity's significant move from e-commerce to physical retail, expanding its reach and enhancing its market presence in the beauty sector through a renowned retail partner.

Skinvity, a smart cosmetics e-commerce company, has signed a strategic partnership with El Corte Inglés, bringing its innovative beauty products to 21 locations in Spain. Starting this July, Skinvity's PressTech pressotherapy pants and Silicone Led Mask phototherapy facial mask will be available in El Corte Inglés stores in major cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville. Mariana Romero García from El Corte Inglés highlighted the collaboration's aim to enhance the shopping experience and support innovative brands. Skinvity's CEO, Blanca Miñano, emphasized the partnership as a significant milestone, boosting their position in the cosmetic technology market and promoting the techno-beauty category in Spain. Founded in 2020, Skinvity is focused on developing its own technology and expanding its B2B and international presence.

Skinvity makes the leap to physical retail with El Corte Inglés

What: Ami Paris is launching a summer pop-up at Galeries Lafayette, featuring ground floor windows, a capsule collection, and a beach-themed rooftop terrace.

Why it is important: Timed with the Paris Olympics, this collaboration aims to boost brand visibility and create a memorable experience for tourists, showcasing Ami Paris' creativity and partnership with Galeries Lafayette.

Ami Paris has partnered with Galeries Lafayette to create a summer pop-up experience called "La Plage AMI." Running until September 2, the activation includes three street-level windows and a rooftop terrace inspired by Deauville's beach huts. The capsule collection features beach-ready wear and accessories in French flag colors. The rooftop offers crepes by chef Julien Sebbag, an ice cream stand, and selfie spots, providing a fun and engaging atmosphere for visitors. This initiative aligns with the influx of tourists for the Olympics, aiming to raise brand awareness and create a unique shopping experience.

Ami Paris opens Summer pop-up at Galeries Lafayette, with rooftop terrace and capsule collection

What: Galeries Lafayette Haussmann has opened (Re)-Store Kids, a new second-hand goods area in its children's section, offering pre-loved clothing and toys across three specialized spaces.

Why it is important: The initiative underscores the growing trend and demand for sustainable and circular economy practices in retail. By expanding its second-hand offerings, Galeries Lafayette is catering to environmentally-conscious consumers and promoting sustainability in children's fashion and toys.

Three years after launching (Re)-Store, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann has introduced (Re)-Store Kids, a second-hand retail space on the fifth floor of its Parisian department store. Spanning 85 square meters, the new area focuses on children's ready-to-wear and toys. It features three main operators in the circular economy: Family Affaire, offering brands like Bonpoint and Petit Bateau; Club Trésor, showcasing vintage and upcycled pieces from the 50s to the 2000s; and Kidibam, presenting a selection of vintage and second-hand toys. This expansion highlights the department store's commitment to sustainability and catering to the growing market for pre-loved goods.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann expands second-hand offerings with (Re)-Store Kids

What: The Mall Group declares its intention to achieve Thailand's Net Zero goal by reducing and eliminating plastic usage by 100% by 2027, through its campaign "THE MALL GROUP GO TO ZERO."

Why it is important: This initiative aligns with global sustainability efforts and positions The Mall Group as a leader in environmental responsibility within the retail sector in Thailand, promoting significant behavioural change in waste management among the public.

The Mall Group has announced its commitment to achieving Thailand's Net Zero goal by completely eliminating plastic use by 2027. This announcement was made with the presence of Mr. Komen Teethananon, Advisor to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, who chaired the opening ceremony. As Thailand's first green retailer, The Mall Group continues to lead by example through its "THE MALL GROUP GO TO ZERO" campaign. This project includes setting up Recycle Stations to encourage waste separation and promote recycling, in line with the circular economy concept. The initiative aims to convert waste materials into new products or energy, significantly reducing environmental impact and fostering sustainable practices in public areas.

The Mall Group aims for Thailand Net Zero goal

What: El Corte Inglés is promoting the Façonnable brand by introducing it in six of its centers in Spain and expanding to El Palacio de Hierro in Mexico.

Why it is important: This strategic partnership signifies a major step in expanding Façonnable's market reach, leveraging the extensive retail networks of El Corte Inglés in Spain and El Palacio de Hierro in Mexico, enhancing the brand's visibility and customer base.

All We Wear Group (AWWG), the parent company of Façonnable, is collaborating with El Corte Inglés to promote the brand in Spain and Mexico. Since spring/summer 2024, Façonnable has been available in six El Corte Inglés centers in Spain and online through the retailer's marketplace. Simultaneously, the brand is expanding in Mexico with three shop-in-shop formats in El Palacio de Hierro and plans to enter the department store's online channel from August. The partnership aims to further strengthen Façonnable's retail presence in 2025, including new openings and collaborations.

El Corte Inglés boosts Façonnable's presence in Spain and Mexico

What: Manor is opening a new multi-storey flagship store in Zurich's Jelmoli building, featuring diverse shopping worlds across fashion, beauty, home & living, and more.

Why it is important: This significant investment revitalizes Manor's presence in Zurich, offering a broad customer base an enhanced shopping experience with a mix of international brands and Manor's own products, while emphasizing sustainability and local sourcing.

Manor, Switzerland's largest department store group, is set to open a new flagship store in Zurich's city center in 2027. Spanning around 13,000 square meters across three floors, the store will be located in the iconic Jelmoli building. It will feature a wide range of products, including fashion, beauty, home & living, toys, stationery, sport, multimedia, and electronics, along with a diverse catering service offering freshly made dishes using locally sourced ingredients. The new store aims to provide an inspiring customer experience with a mix of renowned international brands and Manor's private label at attractive prices. This investment is part of Manor's broader strategy to modernize its offerings and reinforce its position as Switzerland's leading omnichannel retailer.

Manor returns to Zurich City Centre with multi-storey flagship store

What: Galeries Lafayette has redesigned its Jodhpur brand, targeting modern forty-somethings with distinctive, travel-inspired fashion pieces.

Why it is important: This revamp aims to rejuvenate the brand's market presence and align it with current fashion trends, enhancing its appeal to both loyal customers and a younger demographic.

Galeries Lafayette has relaunched its Jodhpur brand, updating its style and identity to better resonate with contemporary fashion trends. The new Jodhpur collection, limited to under 200 references, emphasizes distinctive, travel-inspired designs, including updated versions of classic pieces like trench coats and sailor shirts. The brand incorporates sustainable materials, earning the 'Go for good' label, and offers a range of accessories to complete the wardrobe. With a mid-high-end price point, the collection aims to attract new consumers and rejuvenate Galeries Lafayette's clientele. The revamped Jodhpur will be showcased in updated store layouts, starting at the Haussmann flagship, with plans to achieve 30-50% sales growth within three years.

Galeries Lafayette revamps Jodhpur brand for modern appeal

What: Bloomingdale's has appointed David Thielebeule as its new men's fashion director.

Why it is important: The appointment of David Thielebeule, a seasoned editor and stylist with extensive experience in the fashion industry, reflects Bloomingdale's commitment to maintaining a strong editorial presence and authority in the market. His role will focus on discovering new brands, building relationships with vendors, and amplifying the store's storytelling capabilities.

David Thielebeule, previously the founding editor-in-chief of Grazia USA, has joined Bloomingdale's as the men's fashion director. With over 15 years of experience, including roles at the Wall Street Journal Magazine and Harper's Bazaar, Thielebeule is expected to bring a strong editorial perspective to the department store. Reporting to Kevin Harter, group vice president of integrated marketing, Thielebeule will oversee men's fashion, attend shows, and enhance Bloomingdale's storytelling. He succeeds Justin Berkowitz, who left to join NN.07 as a strategic partner.

Bloomingdale's names new men's fashion director

What: El Corte Inglés has opened a new supermarket in El Escorial, featuring a 2,600 m² space with a Gourmet Club, various specialised sections, and a UNIT store on the first floor.

Why it is important: This new supermarket enhances the shopping experience with innovative features like a Gourmet Club, pre-cooked dishes, specialised departments, and convenient services such as Click&Car and online order collection. It signifies El Corte Inglés's commitment to expanding and modernising its retail offerings.

El Corte Inglés has inaugurated a new supermarket in El Escorial, replacing the previous Supercor location. The spacious 2,600 m² ground floor offers a variety of fresh products, including fruit, meat, and fish, along with special features like a Gourmet Club with a tasting bar, a section for pre-cooked dishes, a renovated wine cellar, and a dedicated Joselito ham area. Additional amenities include a Nutrition and Wellness department, a pharmacy, and a makeup section. The first floor houses a UNIT store with a wide range of products for the whole family and an El Corte Inglés Travel agency. The new supermarket, located on Carretera de Guadarrama Road, offers free shipping, two-hour delivery, and a convenient Click&Car service, catering to customers in the north and west of Madrid.

El Corte Inglés opens a large Supermarket at street level in El Escorial

What: El Corte Inglés is finalizing a new Strategic Plan for 2025-2030 following a successful financial year.

Why it is important: The new Strategic Plan aims to build on El Corte Inglés' recent financial successes and ensure sustained growth and market leadership in the coming years.

During its General Meeting of Shareholders, El Corte Inglés announced it is finalizing a Strategic Plan for 2025-2030. The meeting also approved the renewal of Manuel Pizarro as director and highlighted the company's strong financial performance for 2023, with revenues rising by 5.4% to EUR 16.333 billion and net profit reaching EUR 480 million. This follows the recent appointment of Gastón Bottazzini as CEO. The new plan is expected to drive further growth and solidify the company's market position.

El Corte Inglés unveils new strategic plan for 2025-2030

What: El Palacio de Hierro reported a 23% increase in net profit, reaching USD 71 million in the first half of the year, with a total turnover of USD 1.37 billion.

Why it is important: This growth highlights the robust performance and strategic success of El Palacio de Hierro, particularly in its online sales channel, which saw a significant 36% increase. This success is indicative of the company's ability to adapt and thrive in the evolving retail landscape, maintaining strong growth amidst broader market challenges.

El Palacio de Hierro, led by CEO Juan Carlos Escribano, closed the first half of the year with a 23% increase in net profit, totaling USD 71 million. The company's turnover reached USD 1.37 billion, marking a 9.2% year-on-year increase. This growth is largely attributed to the impressive 36% rise in online sales.

The company's EBITDA also saw a 17% rise, amounting to USD 198 million. El Palacio de Hierro outperformed the average market growth reported by the National Association of Self-Service and Department Stores (ANTAD), with same-store sales growth of 6.6%. The company has also expanded its commercial offerings, adding more Spanish brands and maintaining exclusive partnerships with major luxury brands.

El Palacio de Hierro reports 23% profit increase

What: Galeries Lafayette has launched a 3,200-square-foot shop-in-shop dedicated to pre-owned watches and jewelry at its Haussmann flagship store.

Why it is important: This new space enhances the store's luxury offering by addressing the growing demand for secondhand luxury items, particularly among younger shoppers. It includes Rolex's certified pre-owned program, ensuring authenticity and attracting new clientele.

Galeries Lafayette has unveiled "Hojo Vintage," a dedicated shop-in-shop for pre-owned watches and jewelry, on the ground floor of its Haussmann flagship store. This 3,200-square-foot space features Rolex's certified pre-owned timepieces, alongside selections from French secondhand specialists Kronos 360 and Castafiore. The initiative is part of a broader overhaul of the store's luxury offering and aims to cater to the increasing demand for authenticated secondhand luxury items. The store's offerings include iconic brands like Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Boucheron, with a selection of items ranging from 500 to 35,000 euros. Future plans may include a buyback program and a concierge service to enhance customer experience.

Galeries Lafayette opens secondhand watch and jewelry space, including Rolex certified pre-owned