What: Peter Fabricius, formerly CFO of Magasin du Nord, is appointed CEO.

Why it is important: The new owners of Magasin du Nord did not come with the idea to challenge what had been built so far by the existing team, and the appointment of Mr Fabricius show the trust placed in the existing strategy.

Following the purchase of IADS member Magasin du Nord by Peek & Cloppenburg, "changes in the continuity" are taking place at the top management. Peter King leaves the CEO seat to Peter Fabricius, who joined Magasin du Nord in 2005 and was appointed CFO in 2009. Mr King remains in an advisory position to Magasin du Nord.

Peter Fabricius appointed CEO of Magasin du Nord

What: The retailer creates an experiential showroom where professionals will be shown El Corte Inglés' toys as well as the latest trends. The immersive showroom will then be replicated this Christmas in some stores.

Why it is important: El Corte Inglés has completed the reorganization of its own brand of toys, which went from several labels to a single brand, "El Corte Inglés". In addition, the packaging and design of these toys has been renewed following current trends.

All products can be found in store and some additional ones are only available on the web and app. This year new categories are added such as children's scientific toys, crochet stuffed animals, rag dolls... Toy references are reviewed every year and production is based on trends and new developments that exist in the market. A review process in which the areas of quality, creativity, marketing and purchasing work together.

With an eye on sustainability, the company pays special attention to the production of toys. El Corte Inglés has an extensive development in sustainable toys of its own brand, which has become a key pillar in this year's strategy.

El Corte Inglés toys' private brand

What: Reinaldo Solari, the former president of the retailer, has died at the age of 96. Undoubtedly, an outstanding professional who helped Falabella to take off internationally.

Why it is important: The executive assumed the direction of the group with his nephew, Juan Cúneo Solari in 1980. Both launched CMR, Falabella's credit card, and boosted international expansion in Peru, Argentina, Brazil and Colombia.

Reinaldo Solari from Falabella dies

What: Falabella seeks to boost female leadership and cut the pay gap between men and women as part of its inclusive culture. The retailer will increase women's participation in executive and managerial positions by 40% by 2022.

Why it is important: Falabella is working on various initiatives to promote women leadership and an inclusive culture. In addition, they are also reinforcing benefits to give them a work-life balance. To fully achieve inclusion in the work environment, Falabella is tasked with constantly updating its policies and procedures, as well as enhancing measures to attract talent.

Falabella indicated that the idea is to give women the same opportunities that men have and reduce wage gaps. He also stated that of the company's almost 3,000 executives, only 36% are women, so they want to increase gender participation in jobs to 40% by 2022.

Falabella seeks to boost female leadership 

What: SM Markets, the supermarket business of SM, is ''Here to Serve' the needs of the local economy as it increases support for food businesses carried in its stores.

Why it is important: Restaurants remained closed due to the long and strict lockdowns. SM supports the community by carrying its partner restaurants' products in its stores (ready-to-cook or ready-to-eat meals).

SM Markets supported its micro, small and medium (MSME) suppliers' operations. It worked closely with its supply chain partners as well to keep its shelves stocked and enhanced its product range to provide essential items for its customers.

SM Markets' "Here to Serve"

What: The Retail Design Institute has named 25 winners in its 50th annual design competition.

Why it is important: Retail projects opened in 2020 (January 1 through December 31) were competing and represent design achievement in categories ranging from pop-up stores to fine dining. This year's competition attracted submissions from 62 retail teams around the globe.

The winning projects make up the Institute's "Class of 2020" — projects represent the "best of the best" stores opened in 2020. The Institute's annual "class" represents the best of the best regardless of store format or retail merchandise/service classification.

El Palacio de Hierro renovated Perisur store

Institute's 50th International Design Competition Winners Announced

What: SM Prime Holdings, one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, opens SM City Daet on 15 October, its newest and first mall in Daet (Province of Camarines) Norte. This is also the Company's third mall in the Bicol Region, which will add 47,000 square meters (sqm.) of gross floor area (GFA) in its mall portfolio.

Why it is important: SM City Daet will have three levels of shopping, dining and entertainment destinations and opens with more than 70% of space leased.

SM City Daet will also have SM Foodcourt, Cyberzone, wellness, specialty, sports and hobbies shops to offer further selections to its diners and shoppers. This new mall will also provide parking space for various types of vehicles for enhanced mall experience. Meanwhile, the SM Cinema and other amusement centres will be open to the public once allowed to operate.

SM Prime to open new mall

What: The 34 stores in Chile, Colombia and Peru received the international certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a distinction granted by the U.S. Green Building Council (Usgbc), an organization that aims to promote sustainable construction and development.

Why it is important: The company also works so that the waste from its activities, services and products does not reach landfill, with a focus on recycling and reuse to reduce greenhouse gases. Falabella is also promoting a culture of reduction, use and recycling of waste among all employees.

The retailer displays specific information so that customers know Falabella's commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

In addition and as previously announced, 240 of its stores and facilities in Chile and Peru will be supplied with renewable energy by the first half of 2022.

Falabella accounts for 34 certified sustainable stores 

What: Galeries Lafayette will install a free roller dance track with cult music from Disney+.

Why it is important: Galeries Lafayette extends their Christmas celebration inviting customers to enjoy a wacky toy adventure in the heart of a cosmic Christmas village.

The roller-skating track will be installed on the 4th floor of the Paris Haussmann location. The area will be a life-sized playground inviting visitors of all ages to dance and roller skate to music from Disney+ films and series.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann to install a free roller-skate dance track

What: Marcin Winkler, until recently head of digital at Avon, has taken the position of general manager for the retailer's new Polish branch.

Why it is important: Breuninger just launched its online store in Poland. Marcin Winkler will be responsible for the company's expansion in Central and Eastern Europe.

Until September this year, Marcin Winkler was the head of digital department and a member of the management board at Avon Cosmetics Polska. He worked here for three years. During this period, he managed Avon's digital transformation. He was responsible for the development and implementation of the company's digital strategy, managed e-commerce activities in B2B and B2C channels and performance marketing. He joined Avon from Azagroup, where he spent nearly two years as vice president.

Beruninger's general manager

What: SM Markets (the mother brand of SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, and Savemore Market) will serve more communities around the country as it expands its presence online.

Why it is important: SM Markets online (https://smmarkets.ph/) is currently available in 70 branches in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao and key cities in Luzon and Visayas. It is targeting to be available in 100 locations covering most of the key areas in the country by the end of 2021.

SM Markets Online showcases all basic necessities as well as select premium or specialty items. Pick-up or delivery and cash or card payment options are available to customers. SM Markets is also available through the ShopSM Super App recently launched in September through Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. SM Markets Online also provides multiple payment options including GrabPay.

SM Markets also bolstered its omni-channel presence with its recent partnership with GrabMart allowing customers to have their orders delivered in just an hour. It is also looking at tapping other digital platforms to provide a more personalized shopping experience as well as expanding its collection points across its store portfolio.

SM Markets increases digital presence

What: As of 1 December 2021, Prof. Michael Cesarz will be appointed as the new Chief Real Estate Officer of the Breuninger Management Board. He replaces Ulrich Wölfer, who is leaving the company at his own request.

Why it is important: The new executive will be in charge of the operation and further development of all Breuninger locations including the Breuninger Shopping malls, the Breuninger sales outlets and the Dorotheen Quartier. In addition, there is the planning and implementation of new major projects, such as the Goldbach Quartier in Sindelfingen, the Mobility Hub in Stuttgart or the expansion of the Breuninger logistics center in Sachsenheim.

With Prof. Michael Cesarz, who completed his architectural studies at RWTH Aachen University, Breuninger was able to win over a proven real estate expert. Prof. Cesarz has many years of experience in the field of real estate and has held leading positions at Metro Group and Majid Al Futtaim in Dubai, among others. Most recently, he was CEO of thyssenkrupp -MULTI®-, a company of Thyssenkrupp Elevator AG.

As of December 1, 2021, the Breuninger Executive Board will thus consist of Holger Blecker (Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Board), Marcus Weller (Chief Financial Officer), Sandra Hartmann (Chief Merchandising Officer), Benjamin Fuest (Chief Sales Officer), Dr. Frank Postel (Chief Technology Officer), Dr. Felix Kreyer (Chief Customer Officer) and now Prof. Michael Cesarz (Chief Real Estate Officer).

Change in the Breuninger management

What: Falabella continues to bet on the development of the business in Latin America, as the Chilean company declared that it will finance the expansion of Pismo, the Brazilian payment processing startup, "through participation in a round of capital raising."

Why it is important: This new investment is part of the fund that Falabella set to invest in different ventures in 2021. The Chilean company plans to continue deepening and creating alliances with technological start-ups to improve its value proposition.

Pismo is a company that has a presence in Brazil, the United Kingdom and the United States and with the collection of USD 108 million from Falabella the company estimates to expand its operations in the other parts of Latin America.

Falabella buys Brazilian payment start-up 

What: Second-hand luxury retailer, Monogram, has moved into Galeries Lafayette Haussmann.

Why it is important: Galeries Lafayette is combining luxury and circular fashion to enhance its commitment to responsible fashion while also appealing to its customers.

Second-hand fashion is becoming more popular among consumers. With the Monogram installation at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, shoppers can find a range of second-hand luxury goods ranging from EUR 500 to EUR 4,000, ready-to-wear, shoes and a selection of accessories ranging between EUR 150 and EUR 450 euros.

Monogram Paris moves to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

What: A robot developed by Intel will be the electronics department's new advisor at El Palacio de Hierro's Polanco store located in Mexico City.

Why it is important: Combining artificial intelligence with the internet of things and cloud services, the robot is equipped with a camera allowing him to observe his surroundings and capture data in real time. It will be able to create a profile of each customer and know how many people are walking through his sales floor.

The robot has the ability to answer common questions through its voice interaction, as well as profile what each user will need and move to the correct counter to show the customer the product.

A robot to help customers at El Palacio de Hierro

What: The concept launches ahead of Beijing Winter Olympics (4 to 20 February 2022). It will also be put on display as a part of the SKP exhibition at the China International Fair for Trade in Services in Beijing.

Why it important: Sport competitions are a great opportunity to drive additional traffic and turnover in stores thanks to animations and related merchandise. Related to this topic, your association will ask members what they will do for the FIFA Soccer world championship happening end of 2022.

Following a series of outdoor-themed pop-ups with dedicated collections on offer across the world, the brand unveiled its latest "Prada on Ice" pop-up in Beijing's SKP's atrium. It will then be rolled out to other locations across the world.

Mannequins were reconfigured into athletic poses to showcase the special collection, which includes sports accessories like skis, snowboards, sledges and snowshoes; accessories such as ski goggles, ski boot bags and sleeping bags, and performance garments including oversize patterned polyester jackets, double-printed jersey outfits and mountain-inspired cashmere sweaters.

'Prada on Ice' Lands on SKP Ahead of Beijing Winter Olympics

What: Breuninger kicked off its virtual season with the second edition of the online format "Shop the Look"

Why it is important: Breuninger is betting on digital events to connect with their customers as well as extend the omnichannel offer seamlessly.

On 9 September, Breuninger kicked off the autumn and winter 2021 season virtually in a digital fashion show. The location of the show was at the Mercedes-Benz Museum Stuttgart and was moderated by Rabea Schif and Lisa Banholzer.

All styles could be bought in the online shop at breuninger.com while they were broadcasted on the fashion show. In addition, every viewer can interact live with the Breuninger fashion experts via a chat function.

The virtual fashion show follows another fashion event held by Breuninger on the weekend of September 3rd and 4th where Breuninger offered a weekend long event hosting seven fashion shows on a floating open-air runway on the water at the Düsseldorf flagship.

Breuninger presents the autumn / winter highlights 2021

What: Galeries Lafayette unveils their (RE)STORE, a floor of more than 500m2 entirely dedicated to second hand and circular fashion, at the heart of women's fashion.

Why is it important: During the pandemic, the department store took advantage of the situation to reinvent itself for the greater good.

IADS attended the event, read the details below.

Panel discussion on responsible fashion at GL

Galeries+Lafayette inaugurates le (RE)STORE

What: SM's vaccination program is a joint effort of all the SM companies, including SM Investments Corporation, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., SM Retail, Inc., BDO Unibank, Inc., China Banking Corporation, 2GO Group, Inc., Atlas Mining & Development Corporation and Goldilocks Bakeshop.

Why it is important: When it comes to retail, Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are considered crucial to the local economy. SM malls decided to support such companies and teamed up with Go Negosyo to open shared vaccination sites for around 300 MSMEs with more than 170,000 employees.

At the moment, 94% of eligible SM employees vaccinated to date and growing. SM immediately provided free vaccination to thousands of its employees with the arrival of vaccines in the second quarter. Previously, SM ordered over 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines for its employees and for donation to the National Government.

In addition, over 3.3 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in 69 malls around the country that have been used as vaccination hubs by various local government units (LGUs).

SM intensifies vaccination efforts

What: After the acquisition of Konen and Bram, the retailer has named the leadership team for these expansions.

Why it is important: The new team is the next key step in the integration process for a successful expansion strategy.

The new team for the acquired houses, Konen Munich and Bram Luxembourg, has been announced. The Konen houses in Munich will be managed by the dual leadership of René Weise, formerly head of sales at Konen and Bram, and Alexander Entov, formerly house manager for Breuninger in Freiburg.

Kai Neu will step in as the new house manager for Bram house in Luxembourg and David Lehr will be taking over the management of the Freiburg house.

Breuninger appoints managing directors for the Munich and Luxembourg houses

What: El Corte Inglés has allocated EUR 6.8 million for the purchase of two buildings in Goya which it will use to develop a four-star complex with 113 rooms.

Why it is important: The retailer hopes that the complex will generate an additional EUR 2.5 million in income from the operation of the rooms.

The project has the support of the City Council as El Corte Inglés needed special approval to group two residential buildings which will be connected by stairs and corridors.

The new hotel complex will have 1,200 square meters with 113 rooms. The ground and first floors of both properties will retail their commercial use. The calculation of the investment to be profitable is within 20 years.

El Corte Inglés will create its first hotel

What: Fitch has changed the rating outlook to Stable from Negative. The change in outlook reflects the strong improvement in the company's operational results due to the reopening of Chile´s economy that has resulted in strong domestic demand.

Why it is important: The improved rating is also reflecting the favourable evolution of Falabella's omni-channel strategy and geographic footprint. The company's business profile is differentiated from its retail peers due to its presence in several consumer segments, namely food and non-food retail, department stores, shopping malls and financial services.

Falabella has successfully managed challenges presented by the pandemic. The company limited its inventory purchases and reduced its capex and dividend payments. The rating incorporates its leading business position in the region, which is reflected in a strong multiformat retail omnichannel model. Falabella's adjusted EBITDAR has rebounded sharply. Fitch's base case scenario estimates 2021 adjusted EBITDAR to be +53% and +26% when compared to 2020 and 2019, respectively. The latter is consistent with the positive Chilean consumer trends.

Falabella's rating remains constrained by lower profitability trend exhibited during the last five years due to tough competition in Chile and Peru and changing consumer behaviour, combined with higher technology and logistic expenses related to the development of its digital channel. Fitch positively incorporates the company's strategic vision of its business model, combining retail, financial and real estate operations with a digital and physical platform.

Fitch raises Falabella´s outlook 

What: Sandra Weber has been named as Director of Strategy and Development.

Why it is important: The role will be charged with identifying growth vectors and opportunities for development at a challenging time for French department stores.

Weber is replacing Olivier Bron, who left to become chief executive officer of Central Group' s Central and Robinson department stores in Thailand. She reports to executive chairman Philippe Houzé.

Weber is an expert in corporate finance and strategic management who began her career at Goldman Sachs. She has also held positions at Go Sport and Casino.

The appointment of the role comes at a critical time in French retail as the sector has struggled with sluggish demand and a sharp drop in foreign tourism.

Galeries Lafayette Group Names New Director of Strategy and Development

What: From 28 September, the shapewear and lingerie direct-to-consumer brand will be available in Haussmann store.

Why it is important: After Kylie Cosmetics in Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysées, the department store nailed a second Kardashian powerful DNVB. It is Skims' second physical location in Europe after Selfridges.

Skims launches pop-up in Paris