What: Ralph Lauren strengthens its presence in Spain by opening new corners in El Corte Inglés stores and renovating existing ones.

Why it is important: These expansions highlight Ralph Lauren's commitment to the Spanish market and its strategy to grow its retail footprint in key European cities and tourist locations.

Ralph Lauren is bolstering its retail presence in Spain with new openings and renovations in El Corte Inglés stores, including a new corner at the Serrano location in Madrid. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the brand's visibility and accessibility in Spain's major cities and tourist hotspots. The company's ongoing commitment to the Spanish market is reflected in its recent renovations at El Corte Inglés locations in Castellana, Pozuelo, Preciados, and Bilbao. These efforts align with Ralph Lauren's global growth strategy, which saw the company close the 2024 fiscal year with a 3% revenue increase, reaching USD 6.6 billion, and a 23% rise in profits.

El Corte Inglés welcomes new Ralph Lauren openings in Spain

What: Magasin du Nord introduces "Small Store", a new store format, with the first location opening this autumn in SlotsArkaderne, Hillerød.

Why it is important: This concept serves as both a point of contact for e-commerce customers and an animation space that can be highly focused thanks to its small size, enhancing customer engagement and operational flexibility.

Magasin du Nord is launching a new retail format called 'Small Store' as part of its omnichannel strategy, with the inaugural location opening this autumn in SlotsArkaderne, Hillerød. This initiative, supported by over DKK 20 million in IT investments, aims to fuse Magasin's physical presence more tightly with its online platform. The concept focuses on offering a curated mix of fashion, accessories, beauty, and home products, targeting both local consumers and tourists, providing goods that are not widely available elsewhere.

Peter Fabricius, Managing Director of Magasin, emphasised that the 'Small Store' concept is designed to adapt to different local markets beyond Denmark, with additional sites already being considered. This model supports a more personalized shopping experience, integrating advanced IT solutions to enhance service offerings such as online order pickup and returns at any store.The strategy behind the 'Small Store' format is to utilize smaller, more specialized retail spaces to quickly adapt to market changes and consumer trends, potentially expanding this approach quickly based on its initial success in Hillerød.

Magasin du Nord introduces a new, smaller store format

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: Boyner has launched InClub, a new influencer platform designed to enhance the content creation experience for influencers.

Why it is important: This initiative aligns with evolving shopping habits and the growing influence of personalized offers and artificial intelligence in e-commerce. It represents a strategic move to integrate influencers more deeply into Boyner's business model, creating a sustainable and engaging partnership.

Boyner has unveiled its new influencer platform, InClub, aimed at revolutionizing the content creation process for influencers. InClub allows content creators to design special collections on Boyner's website, recommend them to their followers, produce content through exclusive campaigns, and monitor their performance in real time. This platform not only enhances the collaboration between Boyner and influencers but also professionalizes influencer marketing by streamlining business processes. Boyner's innovative approach invites content producers who meet the platform's criteria to join InClub and leverage this new marketing tool to create unique shopping experiences for their followers.

Boyner InClub Press Release

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 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: 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: 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: 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