What: SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments) received the highest honors for their performance on sustainability initiatives from multimedia company the Asset Publishing and Research Ltd. based in Hong Kong.

Why it is important: The award recognizes companies in Asia for their performance in metrics including financial management, corporate governance; and social and environmental responsibility.

SM Investments won the coveted Platinum Award during the recent The Asset ESG Corporate Awards 2021 for the 13th consecutive year. SM Investments was also recognized as the Best Investor Relations Team, the 4th time the company received the award from The Asset.

SM takes home sustainability awards

What: Falabella reported profits of USD 772 million in the accumulated fiscal year of 2021 with online sales representing 23%.

Why it is important: Falabella has concluded this increase in sales is due to a better performance of the retail and real estate formats.

On the other hand, in 2021, the company registered an EBITDA of US$ 1,876 million, an increase of 91.2% versus 2020. They also saw a 35% increase in sales for physical stores in 2021 and a 25% increase in online sales.

Falabella reports historical profit record in 2021

Falabella Corporate Presentation Fourth Quarter 2021

What: Men's War Paint products are available exclusively in the Manor department store in Geneva and online at manor.ch. The goal: invisible make-up and care adapted to each skin type.

Why is it important: More and more men around the world are turning to makeup and beauty products. The international trend is now revolutionising the world of beauty in Switzerland, specifically at Manor.

Men can get advice on products in-store to achieve great skin with products adapted to their specific skin types and invisible make-up. Unlike most beauty trends, men's makeup and mask rituals are unseen. The products of War Paint hide skin irregularities and is not visible to others. To enhance the radiance, the fabric masks of Wolf Project are used in addition for the best results.

Wolf Project products are developed in Switzerland and manufactured in South Korea. The Wolf Project sheet mask hydrates ten times more than traditional face creams. Natural bamboo charcoal promotes better absorption of serum by the skin. Aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and tea tree extract help restore skin's radiance and elasticity in just 15 minutes.

 Manor presents men's cosmetics

What: Falabella will open eight Sodimac stores in Brazil between 2022 and 2023.

Why is it important: Falabella announced that it will expand its operations in Brazil with the inauguration of eight new Sodimac stores, its home improvement chain.

These will add to the 53 already existing stores in Brazil. In 2013, Falabella bought 50.1% of the Brazilian chain Dicico and in 2018 acquired the rest of the property. Since then, they have adjusted their value proposition and been integrating their Sodimac brand in the country.

Falabella plans eight Sodimac stores in Brazil

What: Customers can drop off their clothes at any branch of The SM Store. They will be offered a discount voucher for every donation to be redeemed at their next purchase in-store or via Call to Deliver.

Why it is important: Donations are targeted to reach Odette-hit communities The SM Store partnered with SM Foundation and local organizations for the distribution.

The SM Store supports Odette-hit communities

What: Prada continues their, exclusive to Galeries Lafayette, pop-ups with "Prada Tropico."

Why is it important: With Galeries Lafayette hosting "Prada on Ice" in early January, Prada follows the experience with the new "Prada Tropico" pop-up scheduled from January 24th to February 20th.

Presaging the warmer season, the space features combinations of colorful stripes and light effects that create a compelling experience in the pop-up store and window displays.

It will present the new Prada collection in the same patterns and colors on different hat models as well as bags in raffia, canvas and nylon. You will also find flowing silk blouses, mini-skirts, mid-length or long skirts, relaxed masculine shirts and shorts and straw hats.

Galeries Lafayette presents "Prada Tropico"

What: After double-digit growth in Falabella's 2021 turnover, they confirmed a new store in Colombia coming soon.

Why is it important: With Colombia being a market with high levels of demand for clothing and fashion, Falabella is listening to their local clientele and acts according to their needs. This has been key to their huge successes.

Falabella celebrates 15 years of presence in Colombia and with full market integration, significant growth and a sustainability strategy that leads companies in the region.

Falabella to open new megastore in Colombia

What: El Corte Inglés has sealed an agreement with Octagon Esedos to sponsor four bike races and the Ibercaja Quebrantahuesos Cycle Tour by TotalEnergies.

Why is it important: El Corte Inglés will have a brand presence in the four bike races: Andalucía Bike Race by Garmi; La Rioja Bike Race presented by Pirelli; MMR Asturias Bike Race and Catalunya Bike Race by Oakley.

As part of the agreement with Octagon Esedos, El Corte Inglés will be present at the provisioning stations for all events and carry out promotional activities and other customer experience activities.

El Corte Inglés will also support the most important cycling competition in Spain, the Ibercaja Quebrantahuesos Cycling Tour by TotalEnergies and Treparriscos, which will bring together more than 10,000 participants in its XXXI edition. Where they will provide the participants with Boomerang brand sports bags.

El Corte Inglés sponsors four bike races and Quebrantahuesos competition

What: Stéphane Zantain has been appointed CIO (also in charge of the Supply Chain) for Galeries Lafayette and BHV Marais.

Why it is important: Stéphane Zantain will contribute to the omnichannel transformation of both department stores. He reports to Nicolas Houzé, General Manager, and becomes a member of the Executive Committee.

Zantain is a graduate from Ecole des Mines in Nancy, has nearly 25 years of experience in supply chain and IT services. He began his career in 1996 as a consultant, before joining ArjoWiggins, one of the world's leading paper companies in 2003. In 2009, he joined Capgemini's Executive Committee and led the division in charge of digital customer experience. Since 2018, he has held the position of PMU's CIO, contributing to the redesign of the company's digital ecosystem.

Galeries Lafayette has a new CIO

What: Breuninger's Head of Style Martina Haberbosch speaks about upcoming fashion ranges.

Why is it important: With the new order round for FW22/23, buyers are faced with the challenge of planning ahead for a season whose terms and conditions are more difficult to estimate than usual.

Haberboch explains, there are different themes. At the top is the modern prêt-à-porter, so a bit dressier, but the comfort that we have come to love so much will remain. She expects that casual blazer styles and loose-fitting trousers in comfortable, high-quality materials, and ready-to-wear sets will continue to have a strong presence.

Interview with Breuninger's head of style

What: Mr Alberto Bailleres, former president of El Palacio de Hierro among other companies composing his business conglomerate Grupo Bal (including silver producer Industrias Penoles SAB, miner Fresnillo PLC, insurance company Grupo Nacional Provincial, pension fund manager Profuturo) passed away on 2 February in Mexico City at the age of 90.

Why it is important: He had handed over the presidency to his son Alejandro Baillères in April last year, and had been appointed honorary president of the El Palacio de Hierro board.

Mr Bailleres was known for avoiding any kind of publicity and also for his true attachment to Mexican rural life. This translated during his exemplary career into visionary goals with the community kept in mind, an approach which allowed him to receive the Belisario Dominguez medal in 2015, the highest honor awarded by the Mexican senate, for his entrepreneurship.

Alberto Baillères, former president of El Palacio de Hierro, has passed away 

What: Galeries Lafayette are eyeing to a same-day delivery service for their Gourmet offer.

Why it is important: So far, none of the large Paris department store is offering such a service, which also paved the way for a strong competition from smaller operators and newcomers. This move will probably trigger a general move to a same-day-delivery service as a stapple also from the other department stores in the city.

Irish tech unicorn Flipdish made an agreement with Galeries Lafayette to develop a bespoke product-ordering solution for Lafayette Gourmet. This new solution will allow the group to manage stock and deal with complex business issues such as order capacity and minimum preparation times. This will also allow Galeries Lafayette to offer a same day delivery service in Paris and its region.

Galeries Lafayette partnering with Irish restaurant and takeaway ordering system Flipdish

What: Previously hosted at SKP last September, Galeries Lafayette Champs Elysées now hosts the Prada on ice pop up store.

Why is it important: Prada on ice is a winter sports inspired immersive popup store presenting an exclusive collection that gives pride of place to mountain sports.

The collection includes technical fabric ski pants and Bermuda shorts, oversized polyester jackets and extra-fine cashmere sweaters all accompanied by sports equipment, mountain accessories and backpacks. Prada's pieces are linked by geometric and floral patterns in the brand's colors: red, blue and white.

Galeries Lafayette presents "Prada On Ice"

What: Seven countries are involved including Thailand, Singapore, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Why it is important: The survey was conducted by Influential Brands, a global organization in Singapore that specializes in researching and exploring Asian consumer insights.

The Mall wins 2021 Asia's top influential brand

What: The shareholders of El Corte Inglés agreed to welcome Grupo Mutua and its chairman and CEO will join El Corte Inglés' Board of Directors. Grupo Mutua will acquire 8% of El Corte Inglés' equity and also take 50.01% ownership interests in the retail group's two insurance companies SECI and CESS.

Why it is important: In that context, the company's shareholders also agreed to re-appoint Víctor del Pozo as director and CEO of El Corte Inglés for the next five years, until 2027.

The shareholders also approved a 6% capital reduction via the cancellation of own shares, reinforcing El Corte Inglés' legacy shareholders and lifting their ownership stakes.

Víctor del Pozo reelected as CEO of El Corte Inglés 

What: He will be replacing Benoit de Grave.

Why it is important: The executive will focus on improving the customer experience and expanding the offer of services for sellers, as well as continue the expansion of the platform in Peru and Colombia.

Ramírez has a degree in Economics from Universidad de Los Andes in Colombia, and an MBA from Columbia University. He served as Senior Director of Mercado Libre in the Andean Region (Colombia, Peru, Venezuela and Ecuador), where he is responsible for the operation of the Marketplace, MercadoPago, MercadoEnvíos and MercadoShops business units. Previously, he worked at McKinsey & Company, and BBVA in Colombia.

Falabella appoints Jaime Ramírez as CEO of falabella.com 

What: The Spanish retailer partners with Mondial Tissus, a French retailer selling fabrics and sewing material, with a 70 sqm corner in Pintor Sorolla store in Valencia.

Why it is important: El Corte Inglés is seeking to diversify its offer by surfing on the homemade trend, accelerated by the health crisis. Mondial Tissus – which has doubled the number of sewing machines sold in 2020 – will organise 'Do it yourself' workshops.

El Corte Inglés bets on the DIY trend

What: To strengthen its physical and digital ecosystem, the retailer will invest USD 711 million in technology, logistics and stores.

Why it is important: Falabella will invest 60% of this sum on technology and logistics to strengthen the capabilities and value proposition of falabella.com and expand in Peru and Colombia. The remaining 40% will be mainly invested in expanding the store network, with a particular focus on Ikea in Chile and Colombia, Sodimac in Mexico and Brazil, and Tottus in Peru.

Investments in technology and logistics aim at strengthening the omni-channel experience for customers and sellers through the following initiatives:

•    Improve the e-commerce platform, add new product categories.

•    Expand App functionality to optimize the in-store shopping experience, by focusing on the complete customer journey from an omni- channel perspective.

•    Strengthen digital banking and Fpay, by expanding its functionalities such as a digital wallet.

•    Strengthen home delivery logistics and focus on reducing delivery times and increasing last mile visibility and traceability.

•    Increase the order processing and packing capacity.

•    Expand third-party product processing capabilities, covering warehousing, packaging and delivery services.

•    Improve on-demand delivery and expand assortment, in order to expand the capabilities and products available to Marketplace sellers.

Investments in physical stores:

•    Develop Ikea in Chile and Colombia, Home Improvement in Mexico and Brazil, expanding Tottus in Peru, and improving the regional store network.

•    USD 135 million of the plan will be invested in the multi-year store opening plan, which expects to open 19 stores in the region during 2022.

•    USD 158 million will be invested in innovations and optimizing the existing stores, through renovations and remodeling to improve the integration of digital into the physical shopping experience.

Falabella's investment plan for 2022

What: Falabella used to own 88% of Tottus Chile and recently reported that it bought the total shares of the supermarket company.

Why it is important: Falabella entered the supermarket business in Chile in 2004. Currently, Tottus has 71 stores in Chile and 90 in Peru.

Falabella now owns 100% of Tottus supermarkets

What: Manor and Decathlon Suisse announced that they will expand the sport range on manor.ch by integrating a wide variety of products and will pilot a new Decathlon shop-in-shop concept.

Why it is important: As sports activities and leisure have increased in popularity in the past years, the partnership aims further strengthen Manor's offer in the category.

From April, a new Decathlon shop-in-shop concept will pilot in the three Manor department stores in Friborg, St. Gallen and Zurich Letzipark. This is a test for both companies - if it proves successful and is appreciated by customers, the partnership could be extended later.

The collaboration with Decathlon will be translated into stationary commerce as part of the pilot project, but also online, in accordance with Manor's omnichannel strategy. Customers can shop at manor.ch marketplace to access several new Decathlon items, with plans to extend the offer to more than 100 sports.

Manor expands its online sports offering and tests with Decathlon Switzerland

What: Falabella was recognized in the "Gender equality and women's empowerment" category for their "Mentoring."

Why is it important: Falabella's "Mentoring" program that has been in place since 2018, seeks to encouraged women to achieve their maximum professional potential. The program works on, enhancing their strengths and working on their gaps, in addition to building a network of female leaders by taking an active role in their professional growth.

The "Sustainable Initiatives" award is to highlight the projects that companies develop in terms of innovative proposals with significant contributions to the social context.

In 2021, the Sustainability Hub initiative received more than 200 applications from all sectors, in all regions of Chile.

Falabella given an award at "Sustainable Initiatives 2021" 

What: After renovation, the second largest Manora restaurant in Switzerland, located in Lugano, opens its doors with an innovative new concept: a restaurant in street food style, focusing on local products, and signature dishes from around the world that change regularly.

Why is it important: The new Manora Lugano is a more responsible restaurant. The two former laundries have been merged into one, saving 1,500 liters of water per day. A new generation of Manora restaurants is launched, with a lot of imagination and creativity.

Local products are a priority. Only the highest quality fresh ingredients and locally certified products, sourced from a maximum distance of 30 kilometers, are used for the preparation of the dishes.

At Manora Lugano you can find the "local Giardino" offering salads and other vegan products along with the "Il Pizzaiolo " universe and the " Pasta Bio " stand offering pizzas and homemade pasta dishes. The different spaces each have their own atmosphere, and give Manora a Food-Court style, combining five small restaurants within the same structure.

Manor's second largest restaurant opens

What: Galeries Lafayette is celebrating Smiley's 50th Birthday in order to spark joy in consumers' lives while the pandemic resurges.

Why it important: The optimistic face will be available on a plethora of media through collaborations in the worlds of fashion, beauty, decoration and food.

André Saraiva has reinterpreted the logo for this event and co-founder of concept store Colette, curated 50 brands offering their version of Smiley. The Galeries Lafayette brand has also dedicated a Smiley mini-collection for men, women and children.

These collections will be referenced throughout the department store and animations such as a giant structure in the colors of the yellow face and a gaming room within the atrium of the Homme store, boulevard Haussmann in Paris with also be on display.

Galeries Lafayette celebrates 50 years of Smiley

What: The María Porto & Leticia Hervás art gallery located in El Corte Inglés de Castellana, in Madrid displays a collection of works by great masters at very attractive prices.

Why is it important: There are a total of 222 works and prints by established artists, which customers can take advantage of to acquire and add to their collections.

The gallery also offers a series of additional services such as advice to private collectors and the design of comprehensive projects, in addition to inter-mediation in the sale of artworks, and their evaluation and appraisal.

El Corte Inglés ventures in selling art