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"

What: The Mall Group is rebranding The Mall to the The Mall Life Store and making its Bangkapi and Bang Khae stores a flagship landmark.

Why it is important: The Bangkapi and Bangkhae stores will support the strategic plans to develop the areas into commercial and residential areas of Bangkok.

The transformation of the stores are part of a development plan in Bangkok to raise the quality of life of urban people and meet the needs of every generation.

The new look and rebranding of the stores will be completed in December.

The Mall Group transforms The Mall Life Store Bangkapi and Bang Khae

What: The Mall Group is resuming the expansion of its Gourmet Market branches after being put on hold for three years due to the impact of the pandemic.

Why it is important: The group is ready to move forward with opening more locations as consumer spending recovers.

The sales of all Gourmet Market branches have recovered by 80 to 90% in the first four months of the year and have also shown double-digit growth in comparison to the same period last year.

The company invested THB 100 million to open a stand-alone branch at Design Village Bangna, which will cover more than 2,500 square meters and offer more than 30,000 premium products and fresh food.

The new location looks to target families and foreigners living in Bang Na district, which is one of the most lucrative areas, as well as tourists due to the store's proximity to the airport.

The Mall Group has plans to open one to two more locations this year as well as the renovations of two existing branches.  Additionally, the company has 10 locations set aside for future openings.

Gourmet Market expansion back on track

What: The company has come up with multiple initiatives that will be developed throughout the year to celebrate the 40th year of Club del Gourmet.

Why it is important: The initiatives will reflect the unique and innovative concept of Club del Gourmet with exclusive and special edition products.

Club del Gourmet was created in 1982, making the company a pioneer and benchmark in haute cuisine as it launched an innovative concept that brought together a delicatessen, groceries, confectionery, winery, and a small bar.

Throughout the years, the company has partnered with nearly 1,000 prestigious national and international suppliers to offer more than 4,000 products.

Club del Gourmet has undergone different image changes, adapting to current trends but always focusing on excellence and variety and with a strict and careful selection of haute cuisine products.

Among the initiative proposed to celebrate the 40 year anniversary are agreements with suppliers and special editions of the most iconic products of its offering.

 El Corte Inglés celebrates the 40th anniversary of Club del Gourmet with new products and initiatives

What: The Société des Grand Magasins (SGM) has obtained a loan from a French banking network to ensure most of the acquisition of the Parisian department store and its branch in Parly 2.

Why it is important: The finalization of the takeover is becoming clearer as the group also received approval from the Competition Authority.

SGM obtained a loan on May 26, allowing it to provide most of the financing for the acquisition.

The group also obtained approval from the Competition Authority for this operation and received the favourable opinion of the representatives of the BHV staff.

SGM group obtains its financing and the authorization to acquire BHV

What: A press article about the fact that, while Galeries Lafayette are moving forward in China, their French partner is in deep trouble.

Why it is important: Strategic choices have been made by the French leader to focus on external markets, however, the damage control will be hard to make in case Hermione falls down, and might affect the group's reputation.

While Galeries Lafayette forms a partnership with a new Chinese partner, Hopson Group, the safeguarding procedure for 26 major stores in France raises questions about the company's attractiveness at the national level.

In China, the joint venture aims to open 10 major stores by 2025, with three more planned in Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Macao by December.

In France, an update occurred on April 19 at the Bordeaux Commercial Court after 25 major provincial stores were placed under a safeguard procedure in late February. These stores have been managed by HPB, the retail branch of Michel Ohayon's group, since 2018. The safeguard procedure allowed the cancellation of debts, including €40 million in merchandise, but requires continued payments to suppliers. Michel Ohayon's plan foresees repaying €700,000 per month starting in March 2024, which seems high to some employees. They worry about generating more profit in 2024 than in 2019, before the Covid pandemic.

With four months left to find buyers, the potential takeover of these stores raises concerns due to the size of the assets, required maintenance, and the low attractiveness of some locations. The situation becomes a national issue as it affects the attractiveness of 26 city centers across the country.

Galeries Lafayette in two opposite dynamics in China and France 

What: The group supports the Environment Office Bangkok by cleaning the area and improving the landscape at Benjasiri Park.

Why it is important: The Mall Group's participation in the event demonstrates their commitment to their community and the environment.

The event was presided over by the Governor of Bangkok, along with the Vice Chairman of The Mall Group, Khun Krisana Ampuch with management and staff also participating in the event.

The event included the renovation of bathrooms, door and fence repairs, CCTV inspections, and many other improvements to make the park a safe and convenient place for people to enjoy and relax.

The Mall Group participates in the Big Cleaning event at Benjasiri Park in Bangkok

What: Dior has opened a 200 square meter shop-in-shop inside El Palacio de Hierro's Monterrey location.

Why it is important: The store is the house's first location in the northern region of the country and pays homage to the ties between the brand and the country.

The boutique is located behind a façade featuring Dior's signature cannage with natural tones contrasted by wood and raffia furniture. The minimalist décor is reflective of excellence and uniqueness of Mexican craftsmanship, featuring walls that are made of traditional local material.

The space only features womenswear, but offers an exclusive selection of ready-to-wear clothing, footwear, accessories, jewelry, and handbags.

Dior opens at El Palacio de Hierro Monterrey

What: According to the annual ranking of Spanish 100 Brands, El Corte Inglés is the third most valuable brand in Spain and leads the distribution sector.

Why it is important: The department store company has a brand value of EUR 6,063 million, which represents a growth indicator of 16.05% compared to 2021.

El Corte Inglés follows Banco Santander who ranked first and Zara who ranked second.

Ten other fashion brands were included in the ranking, with fashion being the second most valuable sector of 2022, accounting for EUR 17,850 million of the country's total value.

El Corte Inglés among the most valuable companies in Spain 

What: A new manager is taking over Hermione People & Brands, the company who oversees 26 Galeries Lafayette department stores.

Why it is important: The turnaround specialist, Michel Maire, joins HPB as it was placed under a safeguard procedure in February.

Michel Maire has been appointed CEO, replacing Eric Damrion who retired after working for the company for five years.

The Galeries Lafayette stores operated under HPB are located across multiple French regions and employ 1,109 people.

The Galeries Lafayette shops managed by HPB are now managed by Michel Maire

What: The Mexican department store group has ended the first quarter with a sales growth of 18%, doubling its profit and reporting a turnover of 585 million dollars, representing a compound growth of 33% compared to 2022.

Why it is important: The positive first quarter results indicate that EL Palacio de Hierro has overcome the blow of the pandemic as the department store group's net profit jumped 106%, doubling that of the previous year.

Net profit jumped 106% to almost 19 million dollars and operating flow increased 36% to 71 million dollars.

The group's digital sales also reported a growth of 35% compared to the first quarter of 2022.

El Palacio de Hierro increases sales by 18% and doubles its profit in the first quarter

What: Karine Viel becomes director of sustainable development and will report to Frédérique Chemaly, director of human resources and CSR for the group.

Why it is important: Galeries Lafayette will pursue its sustainable efforts with its Go for Good label which is set to account for more than a quarter of the total Galeries Lafayette offer in 2024.

Karine Viel, a graduate of HEC, made her marketing debut in the coffee and chocolate industry with the giant Kraft Foods in France for about ten years, before joining Comité 21, a structure that disseminates expertise on issues of social and environmental responsibility in large companies and administrations. This CSR expertise brought her to Monoprix from 2012. She developed the responsible offer and worked on diversity issues and environmental footprint.

On its side, Damien Pellé becomes SMCP group's CSR and corporate communication director.

Galeries Lafayette has a new director of sustainable development

What: The company has launched a themed Star Wars space at its Sanchinarro location in Madrid where customers can enjoy activities and share their passion for the saga.

Why it is important: The event is a way to attract customers into the store with different activities and a special discount on Star Wars merchandise.

El Corte Inglés Sanchinarro will be hosting a Star Wars event from May 4th to May 7th to celebrate May the 4th, international Star Wars Day.

The space includes a recreation of a Star Wars ship, an artistic area for coloring, and a gaming area where fans can play video games. A parade will also take place with surprise characters and a special 20% discount will be applied to the entire line of Star Wars merchandise on May 4th.

El Corte Inglés creates a Star Wars space in Madrid to celebrate international Star Wars Day

What: The department store has partnered with Hideout, a company that specializes in exclusive sneakers, to host a basketball challenge in front of its Lausanne supermarket.

Why it is important: The event is a creative way for the department store to attract customers and build community.

Manor and Hideout will be giving away a pair of exclusive sneakers to every participant who makes a basket from a distance of 18 meters.

A DJ will host the afternoon and drinks will be provided by Manor Food and Manora Restaurant.

The event is organized in partnership with the Swiss Basketball Federation, Swiss Baksetball, who has provided the approved basket.

Manor partners with Hideout to host a challenge in Lausanne

What: Burberry debuted its new global store format in Mexico with the renovation of its store at El Palacio de Hierro Polanco.

Why it is important: The opening of the store marked the debut of the new concept in Latin America, making El Palacio de Hierro the first in the region to have the updated format.

The new concept features checkerboard mosaics, glossy white finishes, as well as glass and mirrors that reflect the natural light from outside, creating a bright atmosphere that imitates a gallery.

The opening included the arrival of the summer 2023 collection, which features women's ready-to-wear garments as well bags, footwear, and other accessories designed by Ricardo Tisci.

Daniel Lee's first installment, set to take place in the autumn-winter season will arrive in Mexico at the second half of the year according to Burberry's country manager in Mexico.

Burberry premieres its new global store concept in Mexico at El Palacio de Hierro

What: Merlin Properties has closed the purchase of the commercial space of El Corte Inglés in Marineda City.

Why it is important: El Corte Inglés will close the center which spans a total commercial area of 45,000 square meters and Merlin will become the sole owner of the shopping center.

El Corte Inglés sells its center in Marineda City 

What: El Corte Ingles' home department has launched a new catalog with four new collections centered around the theme "Our favorite place, your home."

Why it is important: The new catalog is committed to quality, variety, sustainability, as well as manufacturing in Spain and Portugal.

The four new collections featured in the Decora catalog include differing decoration styles. Flowers Conquer Your House is romantic and fresh, including floral and geometric prints with pops of color. Contrast Game is more modern, inspired by the 80s with intense and primary colors combined with black and white. The Inner Garden collection is tropical-inspired with bright colors and prints in green tones while the Life in Calm collection features warm, neutral tones with simple lines and vintage pieces.

Products range from a variety of furniture and decorative objects to air fresheners and textiles as well as tableware, kitchenware, and lighting.

El Corte Inglés Home presents its 'Decora' catalog with four new collections for this season

What: Galeries Lafayette is scaling up its ambitions for the Chinese market, forming a joint venture with Hopson Group, a major listed property firm in south-eastern China.

Why it is important: The alliance will accelerate the roll-out of the Galeries Lafayette brand in China, with plans to open 10 new stores by 2025 and strengthen the group's digital presence as part of an omnichannel approach.

As China gradually reopens, Galeries Lafayette is initiating a new phase in its Chinese growth through this strategic partnership. The partnership will come into effect over the next few weeks, with both parties holding equal shares and voting rights in the joint venture.

Collaboratively, the two partners will explore a new model for the development of China's high-end retail industry, creating a major retailer that is capable of responding to generational trends and has the strong potential for growth in domestic consumption between now and 2030.

Galeries Lafayette will leverage Hopson Group's property portfolio, expertise in high-end urban complexities and shopping centres, and its knowledge of the Chinese market while the Hopson Group can benefit from Galeries Lafayette's strong identity and fashion and luxury expertise.

The group is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its Beijing store, with plans to open three more locations in Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Macau this year.

Galeries Lafayette forms a joint venture with Hopson Group to initiate a new deployment phase in China

What: SM received Platinum Awards for excellence in corporate sustainability from The Asset, a Hong-Kong based multimedia company.

Why it is important: This is the company's 14th consecutive year receiving the award which recognizes its commitment to environmental, social and governance excellence.

SM receives highest honors from Hong Kong magazine