What: Chalhoub signed a new strategic partnership to enhance customer centricity.

Why it is important: The group recently signed a strategic partnership with STC, the largest telecom in Saudi.

This partnership allows Qitaf Loyalty Programme members to redeem their points at selected Chalhoub Group brands, enhancing their shopping experiences. The partnership enables Chalhoub to provides its customers with a new and convenient method of payment, aligning with our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences, as customer centricity remains at the core of its mission.

Read more here!

What: Breuninger invests in its distribution centre in Sachsenheim and expands its logistics on a large scale.

Why it is important: Breuninger's DC opened in 2019 spanning 76,000 square meters. Now they are adding around 40,000 square meters to the existing property.

Around 200 jobs will be created in the course of the expansion in warehousing, shipping, outgoing goods and product returns. This will increase the number of employees at the DC to around 1,700 in the future.

The DC was prepared for expansion options in order to be able to react to the growing online business. In recent years, Breuninger has successively opened up new markets and expanded its online business to other European countries – e.g., to Spain, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland and most recently the Czech Republic – and new department stores opened in Munich and Luxembourg.

The construction of the extension of the DC will be carried out sustainably according to BEG-Standard 40. The extension will also be DGNB Gold-certified and the roof will be fully equipped with photovoltaic systems.

The DC includes goods processing, supplying stationary trade and online shipping, content production with a photo studio as well as the Breuninger confectionery and administration.

Breuninger is growing its logistics capacities

What: El Palacio de Hierro has been featured in an article that celebrates its Coyoacan store opening.

Why it is important: El Palacio de Hierro has chosen Coyoacán for its newest store location. The 410,000-square-foot space, designed in partnership with TPG Architecture (New York), is the second largest in the retailer's portfolio.

The Palacio ethos is to create stores that are spiritually and emotionally owned by the community. Each store is a tool of communication, speaking directly to the people it serves. there are 38 individual departments, all share a common Palacio sensibility.

The article states, "Palacio Coyoacán is more than a store. It's a destination for families and friends, designed to be an integral part of the community, and a reflection of its rich culture and storied history."

El Palacio de Hierro's newest store in Coyoacan

What: Galeries Lafayette opens its third store in China.

Why it is important: The department store inaugurated its new flagship in Shenzhen with its partner, Hopson Development Holdings Limited.

The store opening is its third store in China, with Galeries Lafayatte opening stores in Beijing and Shanghai. This Shenzhen location is in the heart of one of the main cities in southern China and represents a new incarnation of the group's ambitions in China.

The Shenzhen store takes a concept department store approach and allows Galeries Lafayette to express its creativity and know-how in fashion and lifestyle.

Explore the photos here!

What: El Palacio de Hierro announces that Amina Muaddi footwear will be sold at their department stores.

Why it is important: El Palacio de Hierro will be the entryway for the footwear brand to enter the Latin American market offline.

Amina Muaddi shoes will be available in two of the El Palacio de Hierro stores- the Polanco branch and the Monterrey branch.

The brand, launched in 2018, became a viral sensation from its striking details and silhouette. It is currently distributed by Bergdorf Goodman, Net-a-porter, Ssense, Nieman Marcus, Mytheresa, and now El Palacio de Hierro.

El Palacio de Hierro welcomes Amina Muaddi to its portfolio

What: El Corte Inglés increases its workforce to have a total of 81,434 workers distributed among all the companies in the group.

Why it is important: The company is expanding and relays its staff figures.

The increase of about 3,000 employees came in part from the company's acquisition of Logitravel.

The chairwoman, Marta Alavrez, shared that the average number of group employees stood at 71,426 people in 2022 not including the insurance group staff and that most of El Cortes Inglés' employees have permanent contracts (96.7%).

The workforce was made up of 50,674 women and 30,760 men, while its employees with disabilities greater than or equal to 33% amounted to 1,600 workers.

El Cortes Ingles has allocated EUR 30 million, in agreement with unions, for a plan to reorganise their staff in the central and regional administrative services that will affect 2,100 people, including 630 over 59 years old.

El Cortes Inglés increase its workforce by 3.7% in 2022, to more than 81,000 people 

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