What: More than 12,500 square meters of retail space are being redesigned in the new Breuninger flagship store in Munich.

Why it is important: The department store has been remodeled to provide customers with a new shopping experience that is full of inspiring product worlds, hip brands, and innovative concepts.

The extensive renovation work, which is worth tens of millions of dollars, is entering its final phase and the final completion of all floors is set to take place in the fall.

The company offers one of the largest women's shoe departments in the upscale and high fashion segment in southern Germany with around 1,000 square meters of space.

Breuninger has collaborated with various institutions in Munich as it takes root in the Bavarian capital and with the new building, the company is creating around 100 new jobs.

New Breuninger flagship store opens in Munich

What: El Palace de Hierro along with Mattel created an interactive Barbie Selfie Experience in the department store.

Why it is important: The experience will allow visitors of the department store to transport themselves into BarbieLand as the Barbie film promotions are underway. El Palacio de Hierro already had a very successful first Selfie Experience last year.

El Palacio de Hierro, in collaboration with the Mattel brand, is debuting a tour experience in Palanco where fans can be transported into BarbieLand. The Barbie Selfie Experience will run from July 13 to August 15. This 20-minute tour will feature characters from the Barbie film as well as 10 different thematic spots where fans can take pictures such as the Barbie box, the presidential room, and the Malibu pink Barbie car. Fans will be able to purchase dolls and accessories from different Mattel collections at the end of the tour.

Mattel, en alianza con Palacio de Hierro inaugura Barbie Selfie Experience

What: The luxury department store chain is opening a new store in Léon.

Why it is important: The new store will be El Palacio de Hierro's first in the Bajío region.

The store is being built in the Plaza Mayor shopping center and is set to open in October 2024, with 20% of its development currently completed.

Until the opening date arrives, El Palacio de Hierro has launched its June collection and set up a purchase point within the shopping center where customers can consult the department store's digital catalog and pick up their purchases.

El Palacio de Hierro advances in its arrival to the Mexican Bajío region

What: The Mall Group has donated 100,000 trees to support Bangkok's "Planting a Million Trees" project.

Why it is important: The donation is part of The Mall Group's move towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions as the project will help reduce greenhouse gases and increase the green area of Bangkok.

The Mall Group continues its commitment towards net zero emissions

What: Citynove, Galeries Lafayette group's property company, has revived the name "Nouvelles Galeries" for its new retail complex in Annecy.

Why it is important: The project demonstrates the strength of Galeries Lafayette's brand and positioning within its communities and France.

Citynove has revived Galeries Lafayette's former name, Nouvelles Galeries, for its retail complex as Annecy residents continued to refer to the department store as the latter despite the name change.

Construction on the new retail complex was completed in May 2022 and included the renovation of Galeries Lafayette as well as the addition of 30 new stores with a focus on local merchants.

The department store underwent a complete renovation, adding 9,000 square meters to the modernised space, which features a slide and arcade terminals.

Since opening in June 2022, the store has seen an increase in younger clientele. In 2023, sales could exceed 2019 levels with 15% being generated by foreign customers among the two million annual visitors.

How Annecy's "Nouvelles Galeries" emerged around Galeries Lafayette

What: After a successful inauguration at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, Wethenew has arrived at Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées.

Why it is important: Wethenew makes the most sought-after sneakers accessible to customers and gives Galeries Lafayette the opportunity to showcase products it typically doesn't have access to.

Located on the first floor, customers will be able to shop for the rarest and most desirable sneakers on the market with confidence as each pair is authenticated by experts. The selection is renewed every week to provide visitors with a trendy sneaker experience.

Wethenew arrives at Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées 

What: Magasin du Nord has laid out a new strategy with a multi-million dollar investment in remodelling its stores.

Why it is important: The department store's goal is to modernise and strengthen its stores to meet the needs of future generations.

Magasin du Nord is accelerating a DKK 70 million investment plan, which focuses on strengthening its stores and its positioning in the battle for customers.

The modernisation of the stores will focus on a more agile and customer-friendly interior design.

Statistics Denmark reported retail sales increasing by 1.6% from March to April, however, clothing sales fell by 0.6%. At Magasin, the message is that there is a new and slightly greater optimism among customers.

The first investments in the project are aimed at two stores in Aarhus and Lyngby, which will be remodelled in the coming months.

Magasin states that it is seeing more younger consumers in the store. At Aarhus, more than 50% of customers are between 15-29 years old, with the same group making up 27% of customers in Lyngby.

The department store's Aarhus location had the second most visitors last year with 2.9 million.

Magasin will rebuild for millions despite pressure on clothing sales

What: Monocle reviews the renovation of the Annecy Nouvelle Galeries mall made by Citynove, the real estate arm of Galeries Lafayette

Why it is important: Stores need to be more than stores to attract attention and inspire customers

Nouvelles Galeries, a 1960s spaceship-like building in Annecy, France, has been revamped to better serve the increasingly pedestrian-friendly city.

French architect Manuelle Gautrand, commissioned by Citynove, undertook a 10-year renovation, adding a curving indoor promenade lined with 40 new shops beneath the existing parking area without altering the building's original structure. Six circular "satellites" were also added to blend with the existing structure and extend the building's reach to the footpath and city beyond.

To make the building more attractive, Danish architect David Thulstrup revamped the interiors with bespoke lighting and color-coded wayfinding. The renovation also aimed to attract diverse tenants, transforming Nouvelles Galeries from just a retail destination to a mixed-use space.

Looking at the new Annecy store 

What: The department store group is reinforcing its sustainable offer and various circular economy projects based on its Sustainability Policy which is approved by its Board of Directors.

Why it is important: The company has already reduced its emissions by more than 60% since 2017 and almost all the energy it consumes is guaranteed CERO emissions.

El Corte Inglés has strengthened its climate neutrality efforts and circular economy projects, reducing its emissions by over 60% since 2017 with almost all the energy it consumes guaranteed zero emissions.

Its sustainability policy framework drives responsible social and environmental action by its Board of Directors, management, employees, suppliers, customers, and other interest groups with a purpose of promoting sustainability in all aspects of its corporate culture.

El Corte Inglés works on three fundamental environmental axes: climate neutrality, sustainable offer, and circularity.

The company currently offers over 122,000 sustainable products including fashion, home, technology, leisure, and food, with almost half being products from its own brands.

All 140 of its large centers and platforms have AENOR zero-waste certification, with most of its small-format stores set to be certified by 2025.

The management system implemented demonstrates that at least 90% of its waste generated is managed and recovered, avoiding deposits in landfills.

The company is committed to increasing its sustainable assortment by 5% every year.

El Corte Inglés advances in its climate neutrality by reinforcing its sustainable offer and circular economy projects 

What: Longchamp has remodeled its space in El Corte Inglés' Paseo de la Castellana location.

Why it is important: El Corte Inglés has around 20 Longchamp spaces in its stores and the the Paseo de la Castellana location is one of the first stores to feature Lonchamp's new global concept.

The space has a surface area of 50 square meters and is reflective of a classic Parisian flat, paying homage to the brand's heritage.

Visitors can find the brand's collections of leather goods and accessories as well as books and decorative objects that are connected to the theme and will change seasonally.

Longchamp presents its new commercial concept at El Corte Inglés Paseo de la Castellana

What: El Palacio de Hierro they have confirmed that Jacquemus is available on their e-commerce platform, and also in 4 physical locations.

Why it is important: Simon Porte Jacquemus incorporates the fashion proposal of his Parisian brand into the portfolio of El Palacio de Hierro, the most important luxury department store chain in the country.

Customers can shop the brand online and in their Interlomas store, in the State of Mexico; the Monterrey branch; and finally, a double in Mexico City, betting on its stores in Polanco and Santa Fe.

Customers will find Jacquemus' iconic bags, to shoes and prêt-à-porter pieces.

Jacquemus' Parisian chic touch arrives at El Palacio de Hierro 

What: El Corte Inglés has incorporated the SVisual sign language video interpretation service in its shopping centers in Murcia.

Why it is important: The service makes shopping more accessible and provides a better experience for deaf and hard-of-hearing customers as they can communicate with sign language interpreters in real-time throughout the store.

SVisual allows communication between deaf and hearing people in real-time through a video interpreter. The service also allows written communication via chat between the two parties.

The service will be available in all departments during all hours for any customer who requests it.

The project has been launched thanks to the close collaboration and advice of the CNSE Foundation for the Elimination of Communication Barriers, which has provided technical advice and training to the sales staff and the collaboration of the Federation of Deaf People of the Region of Murica.

The implementation of SVisual follows other steps El Corte Inglés has taken to provide accessibility services such as customer service telephone lines for disabled customers.

El Corte Inglés in Murcia incorporates a video interpreting service for deaf customers 

What: The department store's exclusive brand, Chester & Peck, has collaborated with the Colombian firm Della Terra to launch a new sustainable fashion collection.

Why it is important: The collection has been made with sustainable materials and aims to be environmentally friendly by committing to the use of clean energy, responsible suppliers, and recycled packaging.

The collection includes versatile and comfortable pieces, made with organic and sustainable components including textiles such as linen, organic cotton, Tencel, and cupro; it also features a range of natural colors such as green, brown, beige, and white and has a price range of MXN 629 to MXN 2449.

Packaging for the collection includes labels made of 100% recycled PET, recycled cardboard, and bags made from biodegradable corn. Additionally, clean energy and responsible suppliers have been used to produce the collection.

El Palacio de Hierro joins forces with Della Terra to launch a sustainable fashion capsule

What: The department store is hosting a Jean Paul Gaultier exhibition at its Polanco store in celebration of Pride month.

Why it is important: The exhibition is a creative initiative to celebrate the community and features limited edition fragrances from the French luxury house with proceeds supporting the LGBTQIA communities.

Located on the first floor of El Palacio de Hierro Polanco, visitors can find five dresses from Jean Paul Gaultier's historical archive as well as limited edition fragrances for Pride.

El Palacio de Hierro installs an exhibition of Jean Paul Gaultier

What: The department store and Planet have opened two tax-free lounges in the El Corte Inglés stores in Barcelona and Mallorca.

Why it is important: The aim of the collaboration is to position Spain as a destination for "shopping lovers." Additionally, the service will help El Corte Inglés attract international clients.

Customers will have a VIP service which includes tax-free invoices from El Corte Inglés, advice from Planet professionals, a rest area with complimentary water and coffee, automatic refund kiosks to speed up transactions, and an area with greater privacy.

El Corte Inglés incentives recurring retail spending by rewarding 20% to those who choose a gift card and decide to reinvest the amount of VAT refund in their stores.

El Corte Inglés and Planet open two VIP VAT refund points in Barcelona and Mallorca

What: The Roxy label has opened a pop-up surfshop in Galeries Lafayette's Wellness Galerie.

Why it is important: Galeries Lafayette makes its wellness offer dynamic by featuring seasonal brands.

Roxy has a corner in the Wellness Galerie featuring swimwear, surf accessories and beachwear until June 27.

The space is inspired by the tropical nature and spirit of the Caribbean with bright colors and prints and tropical decorations.

Roxy opens a surfshop at Galeries Lafayette

What: The El Corte Inglés Group exceeds EUR 15,327 million in global volume of revenue, which is 22.5% more than the previous year.

Why it is important: In addition to its growth in revenue, the group's Ebitda has reached EUR 951.4 million, 18.3% more than the previous year, accompanied by a growth in profitability.

The El Corte Inglés Group sees exceptional growth and high profits due its strong business evolution, optimisation of costs as well as management success.

The recurring net profit has reached EUR 207 million, the highest the group has experienced in recent years. The financial strength can also be attributed to the decrease in net financial debt, standing at EUR 2,295 million, the lowest level in the last 15 years.

El Corte Inglés Group grows 22.5% in global volume of revenue 

What: Through its To Breathe installation, Korean artist Kimsooja offers a new vision of the famous cupola. To enhance the experience, visitors can even visit the in-between dome.

Why it is important: After renovating its cupola, the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann store offers a new artistic experience

By covering the inside historic dome with a film that diffracts the sun's rays, Kimsooja creates unique and ephemeral luminous landscapes on the exterior surfaces and in the interior spaces of the dome.

A new art installation at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann store's cupola 

What: Loewe's capsule summer collection can be found at Galeries Lafayette until June 1.

Why it is important: The Spanish brand has taken over the department store's windows and Mogador entrance as well as the atrium of the men's store and a corner of the shoe department.

Galeries Lafayette hosts Loewe Paula's Ibiza pop-up

What: Breuninger has given its online shops a new design in all ten markets.

Why it is important: Breuninger is making online shopping more attractive with larger product images and more modern design language.

The redesign, including the storytelling and content was carried out in-house by Breuninger.

The company is focusing on its omnichannel strategy and its brand by creating a unique shopping experience not only in store but also online.

Breuninger relaunches online shop 

What: The Spanish department store has launched its summer campaign featuring the latest trends in swimwear and accessories.

Why it is important: The campaign reinforces El Corte Ingles' leadership in the category as it offers a wide variety of the best brands and styles.

The campaign includes a wide variety of prints from tie dye, bright colors, natural tones, and monochrome options with the product offering including swimsuits, kaftans, linen garments, sandals, and accessories.

The offer includes El Corte Inglés' own brands as well as brands such as Max Mara, Liu Jo, Brownie, Alohas, Ulla Johnson, and more.

El Corte Inglés launches its "Summertime" swimwear campaign

What: Woralak Tulaporn, Chief Marketing Officer at The Mall Group shared her views at the 12th Annual Shopping Malls Summit event in Bangkok.

Why it is important: Tulaporn discussed the future of retail which will go through experiences and sustainable success. Physical malls are considered alive and well. They are poised for a major revival.

The Mall Group shared its vision 

What: The company has implemented an innovative audit system with the objective of verifying that the analysis carried out by El Corte Inglés suppliers comply with most demanding quality parameters.

Why it is important: El Corte Inglés is the first distribution company to have AENOR audit the analytical control plan of its own-brand food suppliers.

AENOR is the leading certification entity in Spain and will verify that El Corte Inglés suppliers are in accordance with the legislation and quality criteria of the company.

The new control program will reach 256 of company's own-brand food suppliers in the first phase with plans for 274 audits in 12 months.

The objectives of the new plan include: reinforcing food safety, verifying controls that suppliers carry out on their food products, detecting weaknesses in controls and points for improvement, and greater control of batches produced and raw materials among others.

El Corte Inglés promotes an innovative audit system with AENOR for its own brand suppliers

What: The company has been recognized for the ninth consecutive year as a "Socially Responsible Company" (ESR).

Why it is important: The recognition demonstrates El Palacio de Hierro's social commitment to ensure its operations are economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable.

The ESR badge is granted by the Mexican Center for Philanthropy AC "Cemefi" and is awarded to companies that meet the highest standards of social responsibility and sustainability.

El Palacio de Hierro's business strategy promotes social responsibility by ensuring that its operations use resources responsibly, with a long-term vision and respect for the environment.

The department store also received the recognition of "Exceptional Companies" and "Practices with a Social Dimension" in 2022.

El Palacio de Hierro has once again been established as a "Socially Responsible Company"