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: Breuninger has enlisted Macquarie to explore options for its property portfolio, including property sales and sale-and-leaseback deals, to generate cash.

Why it is important: With rising interest rates impacting the real estate market, Breuninger's move to reassess its property assets could provide financial flexibility and strengthen its overall business strategy.

German department store Breuninger has engaged Macquarie to advise on its property portfolio, considering various options such as property sales and sale-and-leaseback arrangements to generate cash. This strategic move follows Breuninger's interest in acquiring the luxury department store KaDeWe, which was ultimately bought by Central Group. Breuninger operates 13 stores and 25 restaurants, generating EUR 1.4 billion in revenue in 2022. The company is also involved in property developments but has not disclosed financial details for its real estate holdings. CEO Holger Blecker emphasized that the company continually monitors all projects, especially in light of rising interest rates.

Breuninger seeks Macquarie's advice on property strategy

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: 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: Falabella has improved its e-commerce and logistics systems, enabling one-day delivery in Lima and Callao, and two-day delivery in urban areas of other provinces in Peru.

Why it is important: This enhancement significantly boosts Falabella's customer service by reducing waiting times for online orders, thus improving customer satisfaction and competitiveness in the e-commerce market.

Falabella Peru has optimized its e-commerce and logistics systems to offer one-day delivery for online orders in Lima and Callao, and up to two-day delivery in urban areas of other provinces. During the Cyber WOW campaign in April 2024, Falabella demonstrated this capability by delivering 166,000 units the day after purchase, with 86% of nationwide purchases delivered within 48 hours. This improvement is supported by a USD 27 million investment in automating its distribution center. The company now ensures swift deliveries to numerous locations, including Cusco, Arequipa, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Ancash, Junin, Cajamarca, and Piura, while maintaining varied timelines for products from external sellers and remote areas like Loreto, Ucayali, Madre de Dios, Amazonas, and San Martín. CEO Alex Zimmermann emphasizes that these improvements aim to continually enhance delivery speeds and customer satisfaction.

Falabella reduces order delivery times to one day in Peru: What is its coverage?

What: Danish fashion brand Ganni has expanded its international presence by partnering with Mexican luxury department store chain El Palacio de Hierro.

Why it is important: This collaboration marks a significant step in Ganni's global expansion strategy, enhancing its visibility and market reach in Mexico, a key market for luxury fashion.

Ganni, the renowned Danish fashion brand known for its Scandinavian style, has officially launched in Mexico through a partnership with El Palacio de Hierro. The brand is now available in four of El Palacio de Hierro's eleven stores, with a focus on the capital city's prominent locations: Polanco, Perisur, and Santa Fe, as well as the Querétaro store. Ganni's collection can also be purchased online via the Mi Palacio app and El Palacio de Hierro's e-commerce platform. This move strengthens Ganni's presence in the Latin American market and aligns with its global expansion efforts, which include over 40 stores worldwide and e-commerce in 35 countries.

Ganni joins El Palacio de Hierro's fashion lineup

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: 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

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: El Palacio de Hierro, a luxury department store chain, is set to open a new store in León

Why it is important: This expansion signifies the brand's commitment to growth and enhancing its presence in key markets, catering to the high-end consumer demand in the region

El Palacio de Hierro is on track to inaugurate its new store in León, located inside the Plaza Mayor shopping centre, on September 26, 2024. The luxury department store chain has been developing this project for two years, and the new store will feature over 18,000 square meters across three levels. Currently, a "click&collect" point is operational at the location, allowing customers to access the digital catalog and pick up purchases. With this opening, El Palacio de Hierro will have 14 department stores across Mexico, including in major cities like Mexico City, Puebla, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. The company has reported a net profit of 515 million pesos for the first quarter of 2024, a 39.5% increase from the same period in 2023, underscoring its strong financial performance and strategic expansion efforts.

El Palacio de Hierro successfully heads its official opening in León

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: 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: Fitch Ratings affirmed Grupo Palacio de Hierro's long-term national rating at 'AAA(mex)' with a Stable Outlook.

Why it is important: This affirmation highlights Grupo Palacio de Hierro's strong market position, financial flexibility, and solid brand recognition in Mexico, reflecting its resilience in a competitive environment.

Fitch Ratings has affirmed the 'AAA(mex)' rating for Grupo Palacio de Hierro (GPH), with a Stable Outlook. This decision underscores GPH's robust market position, diversified business operations, and conservative financial profile. Despite projected negative free cash flow due to significant capital expenditures from 2024 to 2026, the company's strong brand, diversified revenue streams, and low delinquency rates in its credit portfolio support its high rating. GPH's focus on enhancing its digital channels and maintaining a manageable leverage ratio further strengthens its financial stability. The company's strategic investments and solid shareholder support from Grupo Bal also contribute to its affirmed rating.

Fitch affirms Grupo Palacio de Hierro's 'AAA(mex)' ratings

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: Voralak Tulaphorn, Chief Marketing Officer of The Mall Group, has been named one of the "TOP 10 CMOs IN THAILAND 2024" by CEO Insights Asia for her vision in sustainable business development.

Why it is important: This award highlights Voralak Tulaphorn's exceptional marketing skills and her contributions to The Mall Group's success in the competitive retail market of Thailand, recognizing her ability to drive sustainable growth and innovative customer engagement strategies.

Voralak Tulaphorn, the Chief Marketing Officer of The Mall Group, has been recognized as one of the "TOP 10 CMOs IN THAILAND 2024" by CEO Insights Asia, joining distinguished marketing leaders from global brands like Electrolux, McDonald's, and PepsiCo. This accolade, now in its third year, honors marketing executives who have demonstrated exceptional skills and contributed to the dynamic growth of their organizations. Voralak's career spans various industries, including advertising, food services, real estate, and finance, before joining The Mall Group 11 years ago. Her innovative approach to marketing management, focusing on digital platforms, customer engagement, and sustainability, has significantly enhanced The Mall Group's market position. By leveraging customer data for personalized marketing campaigns and forging strategic collaborations, Voralak has expanded The Mall Group's customer base, attracted new market segments, and reinforced the company's image as a forward-thinking and socially responsible organization. Her leadership continues to drive The Mall Group's success and sustain its leadership in Thailand's retail sector.

Voralak Tulaphorn honoured as top 10 CMO in Thailand

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 Palacio de Hierro has introduced the Italian fashion brand Pucci to its product catalogue, both in physical and online stores.

Why it is important: This marks Pucci's first entry into the Latin American market, reflecting El Palacio de Hierro's strategy to expand its luxury offerings and attract a younger clientele.

El Palacio de Hierro, a luxury department store chain in Mexico, has announced the addition of the Italian brand Pucci to its portfolio as of July. Pucci's products are available both in El Palacio de Hierro's physical store located in Polanco, Mexico City, and through its online platforms, including its e-commerce site and mobile app. This move marks Pucci's first steps in the Latin American market, expanding beyond its single flagship store in Brazil. Owned by LVMH, Pucci aims to break away from traditional luxury formats and seasons, targeting a younger audience.

El Palacio de Hierro adds Italian Pucci fashion to its catalogue

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: 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: Voralak Tukaphorn, CMO at The Mall Group, reviews the recent advances made by the group in marketing and customer satisfaction.

Why it is important: Thailand is way ahead when it comes to service customisation

The Mall Group, a prominent Thai retail conglomerate, is driving a significant shift in retail through enhanced digital integration and customer-centric strategies, as shared by their Chief Marketing Officer, Voralak Tulaphorn, in an interview with Retail Asia. The company has revamped its online platforms to offer more personalised shopping experiences, with a focus on understanding individual customer preferences for faster and more tailored service.

Key innovations introduced by The Mall Group include "chat and shop" and "call to order" services, which facilitate personalized interactions and streamlined shopping processes. Tulaphorn highlighted the trend towards omni-channel shopping, noting the group's initiatives like live stream shopping events and augmented reality features that aim to create immersive, engaging consumer experiences.

Additionally, the group is navigating challenges in the e-commerce sector, such as high delivery costs, by promoting "click and collect" services that also offer upselling opportunities during store visits. Despite the labor-intensive nature of implementing AI for personalization, The Mall Group remains committed to enhancing its digital capabilities, including the future integration of more AR and VR technologies to improve in-store navigation and engagement.

Inside The Mall Group's approach to customer satisfaction

What: Juvia, in collaboration with Glam-O-Meter, is showcasing a new loungewear collection at a pop-up space in Breuninger Munich.

Why it is important: This collaboration highlights the merging of luxury loungewear with fashion media influence, providing a fresh and trendy collection that appeals to modern consumers seeking stylish comfort.

Juvia has partnered with Glam-O-Meter, the fashion brand of journalist Annette Weber, to present a new loungewear collection at Breuninger in Munich. The collection features a variety of vibrant hoodies, shorts, pants, and sweaters in colors like pink, orange, ecru, yellow, light blue, white, lilac, and dark blue. The launch was celebrated with an event at Eduard's Bar, attended by notable guests including actress Uschi Glas and influencer Füsun Lindner. A highlight of the evening was a fashion talk led by Juvia founder Judith Dommermuth, Annette Weber, and moderator Jennifer Knäble. The pop-up space will be available until July 29th.

Juvia unveils Glam-O-Meter collection at Breuninger Munich