What: SM focuses on a strategic expansion plan of adding seven SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket and Savemore stores to bring better food shopping to developing Filipino regions and communities.

Why it is important: SM is also expanding its imported offerings including adding El Corte Inglés' brand to its assortment.

SM Markets are expecting the holidays and the ongoing return to in-person work and classes post-pandemic to bring a boost to consumer spending which has already been visible in increased sales of fresh food products, snacks, beverages and school-related commodities.

SM Markets open stores in developing communities

What: Numerous specials for visitors are available during the two-week anniversary period of Sanisbar by Breuninger's five years in the city of Stuttgart.

Why it is important: The anniversary event kicked off with an exclusive evening for invited guests and customers, offering a twelve-course menu to highlight signature dishes and the gastronomic expertise of the lifestyle location.

Breuninger celebrates 5 years of Sansibar in Stuttgart

What: Juan Carlos Escribano, CEO of El Palacio de Hierro, shares his experiences as Spanish director for the Mexican luxury department store and how this has influenced his views on the future success of this retail format.

Why it is important: As crisis looms over many countries, the effects will vary from location to location based on their respective interdependence, according to the CEO.

The interview demonstrated Escribano's perceived importance of specialisation and scale, along with the ability to execute projects and improvise when facing unexpected issues. He cites the recent EPH Coyoacán store as an example of execution and improvisation as there were two earthquakes that damaged the AC and elevators one week before the opening, yet the department store still managed to fix everything before the deadline.

International experience and age have also taught him that a strong team is more important than being individualistic. According to Escribano, fashion retail is both a mathematical and scientific execution through study, Excel and programming applications combined with an uncanny eye for operations, something that cannot be learned in school. Both factors contribute to what can be described as magical success for department stores.

For years, the El Palacio de Hierro CEO has been warning of the death of department stores. His reasoning highlights the elimination of home, technology, and F&B offerings; the disappearance of which has caused department stores to turn into fashion stores. On top of this, many department stores have over-expanded by opening too many locations which Escribano believes leads to dilution and a lack of consistent standards. This is a critical point to miss when clients are looking for a perfect service that encourages them to return and spend time in-store, or even online. As well, other luxury department stores now have more outlet locations than their full-priced stores which confuses the main mission of the company.

Department stores can be competitive by having anything from a gym to a barber shop to keep people in the store and having a great time. Of course, Escribano puts a caveat on this advice by noting that a department store can't be everything and that the company must choose in which area they will specialize to dominate that particular niche (i.e. cheapest, biggest, etc.).

His advice for all companies is that ownership and management do not mix.

El Palacio de Hierro CEO speaks on the future of department stores

What: Breuninger becomes the official outfitter for the Bundesliga club FC Bayern Basketball and thus equips coaching staff, team and club officials with both formal and casual looks with a signed contract set for two years.

Why it is important: The sponsoring package includes, among other things, the presence on advertising boards at all home games. In addition, there are advertisements and commercials in the club media, other promotional opportunities for the club and an extensive hospitality contingent.

Breuninger partners with FC Bayern Basketball

What: The head of the e-commerce research department at the Cologne trade research institute EHI reports the top 1000 Germain online retailers for 2021.

Why it is important: Amazon and Otto remain the top two, however, Breuninger has broken into the top 20 as one of the 541 out of the top 1000 online stores which also had physical locations.

The 1000 largest online shops increased their sales by 16.1% to 79.9 billion euros last year and the market share of the top ten remained at 40%.

Breuninger joins top 20 list for German online retail

What: The Galeries Lafayette Haussmann store will now feature the largest dedicated space within a department store in Europe to Rolex.

Why it is important: The luxuriously designed space features codes of the brand and furniture and interiors designed in Geneva to bring the embodiment of the brand into the Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann location.

The space is accessible from the first floor or the ground floor and features a watchmaker's workshop where various operations guaranteeing Rolex quality will take place.

The 250-square-meter is decorated with Alpi Verde marble and walnut lath ceilings. On the ground floor, customers are greeted by a fluted travertine and brushed bronzed brass entrance.

Galeries Lafayette dedicates largest exclusive space to Rolex

What: Two credit agencies, Fitch Rating and HR Rating, have awarded El Palacio de Hierro a AAA rating following the close of a 102 million euros bond issue with a three-year maturity.

Why it is important: As part of a larger refinancing plan, the department store group will use the capital to improve the profile of its debt and investment plan.

The credit agencies have deemed the bond issue stable due to El Palacio de Hierro's diversification of business and the stability in its operating cash flows. As well, the agencies highlighted the department store group's success with commercial strategies for maintaining its market positioning.

The resources obtained will be used to refinance another bond of 51 million euros due in 2023. In addition, investment in digital technologies has been mentioned following a registered 31% increase in digital sales in the first half of 2022.

El Palacio de Hierro receives AAA credit rating 

What: After launching its online shop in Poland a year ago, Breuningerr has expanded its online business to Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Spain, Italy, and now the Czech Republic.

Why it is important: Breuninger continues to open new markets through store openings and expanding its online business with the addition of six countries just this year.

The online shop is structured in the same format as its existing online shops in the Czech language with a usual Breuninger standard product range. Delivery to the Czech Republic is expected to be between three and five days.

Breuninger opens online shop for the Czech Republic

What: Breuninger won over the Porsche company gaining the automotive company's tenancy in the Dorotheen Quartier and opening the first Porsche brand store.

Why it is important: Porsche's first brand store settles in beside other quality retailers, reinforcing the history of the area and bringing its values of innovation and visionary concepts to the inspiring real estate district; thanks to Breuninger.

Breuninger continues to deliver quality retail experiences for the Stuttgart residents and tourists by influencing the development of Dorotheen Quartier's offerings.

Breuninger brings first Porsche store to DOQU

What: SM is committed to supporting women in its effort to be a more inclusive company that welcomes diversity.

Why it is important: SM Investments appointed Ms Elizabeth Anne "Lizanne" C. Uychaco as the company's first Group Diversity Officer following its official support of female empowerment after signing the UN Global Compact Women Empowerment Principles in March 2021.

Ms Uychaco is currently the Senior Vice President for Corporate Services at SM and sits as a director in various SM companies such as Belle Corporation, NEO, Goldilocks Bakeshop, Inc., Brownies Unlimited, Inc., ACE Hardware Philippines, Inc., Philippines Urban Living Solutions and more.

SM strives to empower women, which can be seen through its workforce comprising 63% of women. As well, 58% of its female workers hold senior leadership positions. SM believes that having a mix of individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets will always improve business and better support the communities it serves.

Ms Uychaco also leads the Felicidad Sy Sunshine Place which offers comprehensive and enriching programs for seniors.

SM's diversity and inclusion milestones

What: As part of El Corte Inglés' divestment process, the group has sold its property in Portal de l'Àngel to Redevco Iberian Ventures.

Why it is important: El Corte Inglés is focusing on the most profitable complexes as part of its strategic plan to divest part of its portfolio, including the Titania tower in Madrid as well as several non-commercial assets.

The joint real estate venture by Redevco Iberian Ventures aims to transform the Portal de l'Àngel complex into a mixed-use building by investing around 200 million euros to create commercial floors and offices.

El Corte Inglés sells Portal de l'Àngel centre 

What: El Corte Inglés sealed two long-term solar energy purchase contracts that will reduce the cost of its electricity bill by up to 30%.

Why it is important: Despite already using 100% renewable energy, their purchase of solar will both reduce the cost of electricity as well as prevent the emission of an estimated 215,000 tons of CO2 for El Corte Inglés.

This will also cover 40% of the group's annual electricity consumption. El Corte Inglés aims to generate zero waste in all its subsidiaries by 2025.

El Corte Inglés seals deal to reduce electricity bill

What: Magasin du Nord has repurchased 4 of its most strategic stores.

Why it is important: Controlling the real estate is the best way to be prepared for future potential crisis, as Magasin du Nord is not rent-dependent anymore.

Magasin du Nord has repurchased four stores to ATP and PensionDanmark pension funds, including the Kongens Nytorv flagship store in Copenhagen, but also the Lyngy, Aarhus and Odense stores, which are the most performing ones.

They have been rented by the retailer for the last 10 years and are now fully controlled by Magasin du Nord, which sees this transaction as a way to regain control of their own future.

Magasin du Nord buys back its stores 

What: Galeries Lafayette hosts a René Magritte-themed pop-up for Tory Burch on display in-store and across three windows.

Why it is important: Galeries Lafayette showcases the T Monogram collection, including exclusive pieces for the department store. Along with the installation of the collection's blue sky-covered podiums, the Tory Burch T Monogram is also featured on the billboard above Galeries Lafayette and on its website and social media.

Galeries Lafayette welcomes Tory Burch pop-up

What: Inuikii, a Swiss shoe brand, will be hosted for the first time in Germany for a pop-up in Breuninger's Düsseldorf flagship.

Why it is important: Breuninger will be the launch pad for Inuikii to unveil its new ready-to-wear collection during the pop-up event which will include a DJ and art installation.

From now until 7 November, Breuninger's basement will house a variety of new and classic Inuikii styles.

Breuninger opens first Inuikii pop-up

What: Galeries Lafayette has become the official partner of the Galeries Émergentes sector at the first edition of Paris+ par Art Basel to support and boost the visibility of 16 galleries.

Why it is important: Galeries Lafayette shows their 120-year commitment to enabling creatives by promoting contemporary design at the French capital's important upcoming cultural event for the first edition of Art Basel's Paris+.

As well, the department store group's corporate foundation, Lafayette Anticipations, will present a new exhibition visible at both the Foundation and Palais de Tokyo. Lafayette Anticipations will also select an artist to support the realisation of a new piece of work that will then be presented at the Foundation during Paris+ by Art Basel next year. The artist will be chosen by qualified professionals from the art world.

In addition to its event-related activities, Galeries Lafayette will involve stores including hosting a large piece by Yngve Holen in the atrium of the Champs-Elysées location.

The event will take place from 20 to 23 October 2022 at the Grand Palais Ephémère.

Galeries Lafayette to support 16 galleries at Paris+ by Art Basel

What: The department store ended the period with an EBITDA of 3,919 million Mexican pesos (196.2 million euros), 1.9% times more than in the same period last year. Online sales grew 37% compared to the same period last year. The company has ended the first nine months of the year with an increase in sales of 28%, to 29,587 million Mexican pesos (1,481.3 million euros).

Why it is important: Compared to the first nine months of 2019, company revenues have increased by 26%. El Palacio de Hierro has explained that the increase in sales is due to its omnichannel strategy  and "greater dynamism on the part of the consumer". Department stores turnover growth was 14.7% in comparable stores and 17% in total stores.

El Palacio de Hierro increases its sales by 28% in the first nine months of 2022

What: SM Foundation Inc. and the Fast Retailing Foundation formally launched their 'Grow Trees Community' project in Nasugbu, Batangas in September as the first of three provinces that the two foundations intend to reforest.

Why it is important: The initiative will plant and grow trees across the Philippines while creating livelihood opportunities for those in the communities with which the project interacts.

The project will address social and economic needs while also caring for the environment in a way that can enhance prospects for eco-tourism alongside community job creation.

SM and Fast Retailing Foundation's reforestation initiative

What: The Mall group has advanced its sustainability initiative to support SET and continue its projects centred around protecting wildlife and planting trees.

Why it is important: The Mall organized an activity to plant trees for a forest that totalled 6,100 trees in the Ban Na Wai Community Forest.

The project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 54,900 kg of carbon dioxide. Other plans based on the Mall's sustainability projects will focus on restoring watershed ecosystems to create fertile land to increase food production and generate income for communities.

The Mall Go Green project advances

What: Galeries Lafayette has launched a retail media platform designed for its partner brands: Tailored Insights.

Why it is important: The proprietary platform will use data to analyse and customize the customer experience for use by the company's partner brands.

Galeries Lafayette is one of the first French department stores to develop an initiative of this kind at such a scale, representing another way in which the company is pushing the development of its omnichannel presence. Partner brands are now able to understand their Galeries Lafayette customers and offer them a more personalized experience along the customer journey.

The platform is collaborative and provides strategic and operational insights to better anticipate trends to design effectively, select the best product range, develop measurable marketing plans and more.

AI algorithms have been integrated into the platform to optimize Fashion and Homeware categories, reducing data processing and its carbon footprint.

Galeries Lafayette launches retail media platform

What: This fall, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann will host Jaiio, a second-hand resale platform, as it expands its resale operations.

Why it is important: After the 'Kids O'clock 'children's second-hand clothing and accessories sales platform finishes its pop-up shop in Galeries Lafayette, Jaiio who will open its own on the third floor of the department store.

Used clothing and accessories from well-known premium brands will be available in the space for five weeks, along with entertainment over the duration of the ephemeral space.

Content creator Emyra (@Lacrazyrevolution) will offer her dressing room for sale, while Virginie Fauconnier, one of the stylists of the TV show "Incroyables Transformations", will play the personal shopper.

Jaiio second-hand pop-up in Galeries Lafayette

What: El Palacio has created a new centre in Mexico City spread across five levels featuring a variety of services.

Why it is important: Located in the Mítikah shopping complex in the Coyoacán demarcation, the newest El Palacio de Hierro department store boasts shopping, restaurants, bars, cafes, a barbershop, nail salon, shoe servicing centre, tattoo studio and a children's hair salon all under a huge glass dome.

Customers are quickly converted to frequent shoppers due to the practical nature of the services provided. The architecture design was completed by Mónica Elguea and constructed by the TPG Architecture office. The building and its décor nod to the famous residents of Coyoacán in a subtle way locals are expected to appreciate.

The centre is comprised of 40,000 sq. meters across five levels with 266 spaces for brands. The Coyoacán location employs 952 people so far.

El Palacio de Hierro invests 140 million in Coyoacán

What: The biggest Swiss department store company is celebrating its 120th anniversary this October by offering clients special collections and products, prizes and promotions, a metaverse experience and an NFT series.

Why it is important: Manor's 120th-anniversary celebration, taking place from the 7th of October to the 23rd, taps into its heritage as a contributor to Swiss culture and experience through offering prizes, promotions, limited edition products and NFTs created in collaboration with Swiss designers.

For its dive into the Metaverse, Manor has partnered with Swiss designer, Yael Anders, to launch an NFT series available online and in-store. Yael Anders is known for his physical sculptures which have been adapted to a digital format in collaboration with VARY AG to create a collection of art videos. The limited run of NFTs is also intended to show Manor's commitment to innovation and the support of Swiss creators.

With 59 department stores, 27 supermarkets and 24 restaurants, Manor brings Switzerland unique experiences and exclusive brands in everything from services and F&B to luxury apparel and electronics. Its partnerships with brands like Fnac, Decathlon, Sephora and LEGO have enriched the customer experience over the years.

Manor has also recently celebrated the 40Th anniversary of the Manor Cultural Prize which will showcase seven Swiss artists in different museums across the country.

Manor celebrates 120 years of business

What: The first half of 2022 saw strong retail performance demonstrating shopping behaviour and resilience of Filipino consumers despite economic headwinds.

Why it is important: SM malls' foot traffic increased by more than 100% over pre-pandemic levels demonstrating the strength and culture of mall shopping.

SM retail's net income grew by 91% in addition to an overall retail revenue rise of 18%. The Filipino consumer remains interested in value-shopping, which was magnified by the pandemic, yet shopping malls have gained further standing as go-to community spaces.

Delivery and technological service demands are also increasing post-pandemic, and SM works continually to adapt and meet customer needs.

SM performance demonstrates resilience of Filipino shoppers