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 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: Lafayette Gourmet onboards 7 new restaurant concepts from young and trendy chefs.

Why it is important: The new restaurant space is 1000 sqm and is located on Lafayette Gourmet's first floor, previously dedicated to home goods. This initiative shows how department stores are increasingly developing services and experiences.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann expands its restaurant offerings 

What: The Mall Group received a plaque for the Royal Forest Department's helper in the field of community forest promotion and development for the year 2022.

Why it is important: The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment recognizes the company's efforts to reduce its emissions to carbon neutral.

The group plans to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20%- 25% by 2030 based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), development guidelines.

The Mall Group receives sustainability plaque

What: SM subsidiary 2GO demonstrates its commitment to marine preservation through coastal cleanup events.

Why it is important: Hundreds of employees across 15 sites throughout the country came together for International Coastal Cleanup Day by staging their own activities.

SM Mall of Asia also held an activity for cleanup led by SM Cares, the corporate responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings.

SM participates in coastal cleanup

What: The luxury retailer SKP is stepping out of Beijing to open its first location in Southern China in another first-tier city.

Why it is important: SKP is known for running the world's most profitable mall, SKP Beijing, making its plans a likely motivator for luxury brands to move into the dormant commercial area.

The Guangzhou market has been dominated by Taikoo Hui in recent years, which brought in luxury players like Celine and Balenciaga just this year. SKP's newest venture is likely to bring even more luxury brands to the Southern Chinese region.

At the closing ceremony of the eighth Guangzhou Annual Investment Conference China and the first Global Unicorn CEO Forum, SKP's parent company Beijing Hualian Group signed the contract with the Guangzhou government to seal the deal for its plans. The government is hoping to revive the untapped retail zone. Luxury shopping malls, MixC and Taikoo Li, also unveiled plans to open malls in Guangzhou at the conference.

An opening date is yet to be revealed for SKP Guangzhou. However, SKP is set to open a southwest retail hub in Chengdu later this year as well as a location in Wuhan next year.

Chinese luxury retail giant SKP to open in Guangzhou

What: The agreement allows the Spanish company to take advantage of the global e-commerce network to boost its expansion in Russia and Central European countries;

Why it is important: El Corte Inglés and AliExpress have taken a new step in their alliance by reaching an agreement that will allow the Group's international expansion in Russia, Poland and Central Europe and will boost online sales in these markets.

In this way, El Corte Inglés strengthens its alliance with AliExpress by incorporating six new fashion brands that are sold through the Alibaba Group marketplace. Unit, one of the six brands, has become very popular among younger customers, positioning itself among the favorite brands of AliExpress users in Spain.

Alibaba will use the logistics infrastructure of El Corte Inglés.

Eduardo Sotillos , Director of Purchasing at El Corte Inglés, explains that "we have always worked to offer customers the best quality in products and services. The collaboration with AliExpress is a lever to boost online sales, and especially the expansion in the international market. For its part, AliExpress will be able to take advantage of our logistics infrastructure in Spain."

El Corte Inglés strengthens its alliance with AliExpress

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: El Corte Inglés' Malaga location welcomes the Swedish brand Foreo specializing in skincare technology.

Why it is important: Malaga is a priority city for El Corte Inglés due to its economic business, cultural and touristic dynamism strengthening retail and promoting growth for the company.

El Corte Inglés enriches the customer experience through the dedicated space for Foreo, a 13-square-meter corner which prioritizes testing treatments and products. The brand sells a variety of beauty products and gadgets from face cleansers and massagers to toothbrushes and light therapy devices.

Foreo skincare corner at El Corte Inglés

What: The new offerings will be available on manor.ch as well as in 5 shop-in-shops in Manor department stores.

Why it is important: The partnership will allow Manor to expand its brand offerings (including Nike, Vans, UGG, Dr. Martens, Hugo Boss, Timberland, Geox, Clarks) and benefit from Aeschbach's established reputation in Switzerland.

Manor customers will benefit from a considerable expansion of the online assortment on manor.ch (via the marketplace) with a vast choice of shoes for women, men and children and by 5 Aeschbach shop-in-shops in Basel, Geneva, Lausanne, Lugano and Vevey.

The Aeschbach company currently has 15 own points of sale and offers more than 3,000 new products a year in the categories of shoes, fashion accessories and clothing for women, men and children.

From the second quarter of 2023, 5 new shop-in-shops will open in Manor stores.

Manor partners with footwear retailer Aeschbach