What: The retailer is catering to people affected by the Covid crisis.

Why is it important: After participating in the Covid vaccination efforts, The Mall commits in helping the ones in need.

Five thousand food bags were distributed to communities around The Mall Bangkae, Bangkapi, Tha Phra, The Mall Life Store Ngamwongwan and The Mall Korat.

The Mall Group 

What: The retailer announces the launch of its "LGBT+ y Aliad@s" community to commemorate LGBT+ Pride Month, and to be launched at Falabella Financiero Chile, Peru and Colombia. Sodimac Chile and Peru, and Falabella Retail Peru and Chile.

Why is it important: Falabella's diversity and inclusion policies includes providing equal benefits for all employees, giving educational talks on unconscious bias, implementing a gender transition protocol and appointing a sponsor for gender issues, sexual diversity and people with disabilities.

A workshop that aims to train 3,000 employees will be held end of June, and a training program for 180 leaders is being promoted within 45 Falabella Retail, Sodimac, Banco Falabella and Tottus stores, in order to transform the company's culture to become more inclusive and embrace diversity.

The company's inclusion and diversity policy also includes a complementary insurance policy that covers gender transition, including psychological support, hormone treatment and surgery; an integrity channel to submit appropriate complaints; a gender transition protocol; and promises the same marriage benefits to its employees with a civil union partner.

Falabella has been a member of Pride Connection Chile since 2019 (a network promoting inclusive working and linking 80 Chilean companies to attract LGBT+ talents). The company scored B+ in 2020.

Falabella makes progress with its diversity and inclusion policy

What: Fnac Darty and Manor sign a partnership agreement for the deployment of Fnac shop-in-shops in 27 Manor stores in Switzerland.

Why it is important: After success of the initial 4 shop-in-shop concepts announced back in September 2020, the entities will expand the partnership.

The new Fnac shop-in-shops within Manor, operating as concessions with a surface area of up to 1,000 m², will provide access to a customer experience and an unrivaled range of products. These new spaces will offer a wide selection of products and services, with associated customer advice, in the fields of books, music, cinema, multimedia, video games, telephony, photography, small household appliances. and accessories.

In addition to the 4 already existing shop-in-shops, the opening of Fnac spaces in 10 other Manor department stores in French-speaking Switzerland by the end of 2021, and in 13 other Manor department stores in German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino in 2022, will significantly strengthen the presence of the Fnac brand in Switzerland. In addition, during 2022, Fnac will be represented in the manor.ch online store, with several thousand items for sale on the newly created Marketplace.

Manor FNAC press release

What: Stuttgart flagship store will be the first to offer the digital receipt, and it will be available in all locations by the end of June.

Why is it important: Breuninger actively contributes to a more sustainable future through this paper-free initiative.

The receipt is available directly in the Breuninger App. If all customers switch to the digital version, this could save paper in a total length equivalent to the route from Stuttgart to Madrid every year.

Breuninger introduces digital receipts

The company managed to mitigate the effects of the pandemic thanks to digitalisation and new business development. The company ended financial year 2020 with positive EBITDA of EUR 142 million.

The company's ability to adapt to unfathomable change fuelled growth in the online business, which registered year-on-year growth of 2019. Online sales are now 17.3% of total retail revenue and marked a year-on-year growth of 132%.

The Group reported a EUR 10.43 billion revenue and a net loss before provisions of EUR 445 million in 2020, due to closure of much of its business during the initial lockdown and successive restrictions at the regional level, compounded by the total absence of domestic and international tourism.

The company reports that retail sales are trending in line with expectations, at close to 2019 levels, despite the lingering effects of the pandemic.

El Corte inglés press release 2020 annual results

What: The Chilean retailer continues to optimize its sustainable strategy and confirms that it will supply 151 facilities in Chile and 93 in Peru with 100% renewable energy.

Why is it important: These contracts will begin during the first half of 2022 and will supply most of the demand at premises operated by Falabella Retail, Sodimac, Tottus, Ikea, Open Plaza and Mall Plaza.

The company highlights that this is one of the most important negotiations of electricity supply contracts within the year 2021 and involves the reduction of around 261,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year.

It includes an electro-mobility agreement with Enel X in Chile, which involves setting up and operating charging centres for electric vehicles at stores, malls and distribution centres throughout the country. Customers and logistics operators will then be able to charge their vehicles at Falabella group premises.

Falabella premises in Chile and Peru will be supplied with renewable energy 

Falabella raises its sustainable commitment

What: The store celebrates the 25th anniversary of the brand.

Why is it important: Pokémon appeals to several generations, from X Generation to Gen Z customers and is the most lucrative creative licence before Star Wars and Marvel spin-off products.

From June 8 to July 6, 2021, Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysées welcomes a Pokémon pop-up store to attract fans of the brand. From the façade to the light tunnel and the atrium, the entire space is a visual immersion into the graphic yellow, black and red universe inspired by the Pokémon brand.

To celebrate Pokémon's 25th anniversary, the store unveils an exclusive clothing and accessory line, "Galeries Lafayette X Pokémon", available for adults and children at Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysées. Other official items from the Pokémon franchise are available: toys, as well as special collections designed in partnership with Longchamp and Maison Pierre Marcolini.

Pokémon products are becoming collectables, and their fans can be very wealthy: 15 old Pokémon cards recently sold for EUR 300,000.

Pokémon: when collectible cards are snapped up at a high price

What : The retailer continues to support healthcare workers by providing ventilators and medical equipment to 5 hospitals.

Why is it important : After participating in the Covid vaccination efforts and helping the ones in need, The Mall continues helping the ones affected by Covid.

The Mall Group 

What: Alejandro Romero Elías joins Falabella Retail's team.

Why is it important: he will have to develop and implement technological solutions focused on the creation of a memorable customer experience in the 102 stores in Chile, Peru and Colombia.

Before joining Amazon, Alejandro Romero Elías previously served as Ripley's Systems Manager and e-commerce Development Manager at Sodimac.

Falabella Retail CEO, Francisco Irarrázaval, said that "we are committed to deepen our omnichannel strategy, based on offering a differentiating shopping experience, focused on service and product."

Falabella opens new management and recruits a former Amazon

What: On the 70th anniversary of its confectionery business, Breuninger donated EUR 3,000 to the Stuttgart Community Foundation.

Why it is important: Breuninger gives back to its community in a creative way to help ease some of the impacts of the pandemic.

To celebrate 70 years of its confectionery business, Breuninger donated EUR 3,000 to the Stuttgart Community Foundation. Instead of writing the donation on a giant cardboard check, they delivered it in the form of a cake.

Breuninger donates to Stuttgart Community Foundation

Manor has announced Nick Baumann as the new Director of Food at Manor and a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Nick comes with 14 years of experience gained at Migros and Unilever Group.

Nick Baumann announced as new Director of Food at Manor 

The Financial Times considers the future of department stores and in particular the future of department store buildings. There has been a plethora of obituaries of the format in recent years, which has reached a peak as the COVID-19 pandemic was sometimes seen as the last nail in the coffin. However, many are thriving and beginning to pick up after remarkable adaptations to restrictions on their activities. In some cases, the buildings themselves are being revisited and transformed, such as the 70,000 sqm Samaritaine in Paris, due to reopen this month after 15 years, as a retail, hotel and residential complex. The design and architecture is key if the purpose of the store is no longer uniquely the merchandise it offers which is now almost ubiquitous online, but includes also the presentation, and the experience of the store visit, as it was in the original department stores. The article mentions Selfridges, of course, but also some of the more adventurous projects including SKP-S in Beijing, offering sci-fi fantasy among other things. Stores like this are no longer imitating Western models but are truly leading future thinking in retail. Another trend has been the smaller size local stores which capitalise on engagement from local communities.

SKP and others are the future 

What does the future hold for department stores 

What: El Corte Inglés shows once again its commitment to sustainability with four environmental and Circular Economy projects.

Why it is important: All these actions are part of El Corte Inglés's commitment to bond with society and the environment, as well as the spirit of closeness that it maintains with the concerns of citizens.

Zero Waste: The waste management system certified by AENOR will be implemented in all company's centres and logistics platforms (as of today, 51 in Spain and 4 in Portugal).

Towards Zero Emissions: The company has set out to offset the carbon emissions it produces, with the aim of reaching zero emissions by 2050. 100% of the energy consumed by the company has a certified renewable origin.

Electric Mobility of Customers: To reduce the carbon footprint of its customers, the company has implemented more than 300 electric vehicle charging points in its car parks, becoming the largest private parking in this category.

Sustainable Packaging: 100% of the plastic bags in the supermarkets of El Corte Inglés are made of recycled raw material and are also reusable. The company aims to reduce its plastic footprint by 30% by 2025.

In addition, El Corte Inglés has joined the New Plastic Economy initiative of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which aims to promote sustainable plastics.

El Corte Inglés reinforces its commitment to sustainability 

Thierry Guibert, CEO of Swiss group Maus Frères, has a new right-hand man. Alexandre Nodale, 43, was the CEO of French furniture retailer Conforama from 2015 to 2019 and, between 2012 and 2015, he acted as the deputy CEO of Thierry Guibert, then in overall charge of Conforama. Previously, Nodale had worked in the finance department of Kering, between 2000 and 2009.

In January 2020, Nodale joined Maus Frères, where he managed the business of the group's Swiss department store chains, Manor and Jumbo.

On May 21, he was appointed deputy CEO of Maus Frères. As part of the group's senior management reshuffle, he has also taken on the role of president of MF Brands Group International (at the head of Lacoste, Gant, Aigle, Tecnifibre and The Kooples), a position formerly occupied by Guibert.

Maus Frères appoints Alexandre Nodale as deputy CEO

What: El Palacio de Hierro will refurbish its key stores in Mexico City's Perisur and Santa Fe quarters as it looks to bolster sales amid the pandemic.

Why it is important: The remodelings will bring new experiences for customers as shoppers return to stores.

Remodelings have already in Santa Fe, and works are being paced to avoid closing the stores. They will include new experiences for customers, including gourmet coffee stations and re-set areas to showcase brands.

El Palacio's in-house design team will borrow neighbourhood elements such as those involving nature and mountain stone in Pedregal's geography surrounding Perisur and office skyscrapers in Santa Fe.

El Palacio de Hierro to Remodel Key Mexico City Stores

What: The next issue dedicates 34 pages to Mr Ji, the founder of SKP stores.

Why is it important: Demonstrating SPK's leading position in the luxury fashion business, it's the first time Mr Ji is giving an interview outside of China.

The chairman of SKP, Ji Xiao An gets 34 pages in the issue, including a long conversation with Prada honcho Patrizio Bertelli. The two men spar over a number of subjects, including where Mr. Ji should open his next branch of SKP. He has already expanded from Beijing to Xi'an, and Bertelli is pushing for him to open in Shanghai.

The Chinese retail pioneer told the magazine he expects the fashion industry in China to grow at least three-fold in the next decade.

Read the article here

System Magazine Puts Founder of SKP Stores on Its Cover 

What: "Ámbito Cultural" programme offers poetry, literature, history, music and even theatre content.

Why is it important: Available on Spotify, Apple, iVoox, Google and Amazon, the podcasts are an alternative to live cultural events.

New content for children and adults will upload every Friday.

El Corte Inglés launches podcasts

What: Manor launched a digital platform for selected Swiss and European partners.

Why it is important: the move is made as an integral step in Manor's digital transformation process.

Manor has opened its digital marketplace to external partners. This is the next step in their omnichannel business model.

Over time, the retailer hopes to double its online assortment without building up additional inventory. The launch features 12 partners and 20,000 products. By the end of 2021, there will be 100 selected partners that will double the product range on manor.ch.

Manor Press Release 

What: They represent a portfolio of 1.2 million square meters distributed in fifty warehouses.

Why is it important: The operation is the first step in a strategy to reduce debt by obtaining EUR 2 billion from the sale of real estate assets.

BNP Paribas has valued the company's logistics assets to EUR 400 million. All of them won't be put for sale.

While some real estate assets have already been transformed into dark stores, Marbella's centre will be transformed into offices to be leased.

El Corte Inglés puts its logistics centers up for sale to reduce debt

What: The Danish department store chain Magasin du Nord will become part of the Düsseldorf-based Peek & Cloppenburg group of companies at the end of May.

Why is it important: After the acquisition, Magasin du Nord will remain an independent company under P&C umbrella.

The Peek & Cloppenburg Group currently operates around 140 P&C and Anson's sales outlets in 15 countries as well as various international online shops through its subsidiary Fashion ID.

Founded in 1868, Magasin du Nord has seven outlets in Copenhagen, Lyngby, Roedovre, Fields, Odense, Aarhus and Aalborg, as well as a Danish online shop. Since 2009, the retailer has been run as an independent company under the umbrella of British department store chain Debenhams.

"We are pleased to have found a trusted and long-term partner with the family-owned company Peek & Cloppenburg, who sees the potential of Magasin du Nord and appreciates the entrepreneurial roots. Our two companies have many similarities and together have around 275 years of experience as a multi-brand retailer," says Peter King, CEO of Magasin du Nord'.

P&C Düsseldorf takes over Magasin du Nord

SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) reported its consolidated net income grew 5% to PHP 9.5 billion (USD 198 million) in the January to March period from PHP9.0 billion (USD 188 million) in the same period last year. Consolidated revenues in the first quarter lower by 13% in the same period last year.

Retail accounted at 13% of SM's reported net earnings. The total assets of SMIC remained at PHP1.2 trillion. Gearing ratio stood at 38% net debt to 62% equity.

SM Retail reported first-quarter revenues of PHP 70 billion (USD 146 million), lower by 14% compared to the same period last year. Retail net income however grew 36% in the same quarter last year, boosted by cost reductions. In Food Retail, significant savings were realized in utilities with the shift to more energy-efficient lighting and refrigeration.

Specialty stores likewise benefitted from cost reductions as net earnings grew 58% for this segment.

SM Investments Q1 net income rises 5% to PHP9.5 billion

What: Falabella Play will air on Falabella.com with interviews and live music.

Why is it important: While increasing online traffic, the retailer aims to create a community and better understand its younger customers.

Falabella Play will broadcast on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on Falabella.com, as well as YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitch.

Falabella Play: New multiplatform channel designed for young people

What: Mimo is a digital cosmetics loyalty plan that will function as a "tailor-made experience".

Why it is important: It offers a level of customization with the aim of providing the client with custom proposals based on their tastes and needs.

Mimo is a digital cosmetics loyalty program that El Corte Inglés has launched in order to provide customers with customized product proposals based on their preferences.

The plan offers a 10% discount on the first purchase of beauty products made by the client and will continue with tailored proposals, experiences, gifts, promotions, events and content with relevant information based on the profile of the client.

The program will use the El Corte Inglés app to communicate with the clients by means of 'push' notifications and through the 'My offers / coupons' area that appears in the application.

El Corte Inglés launches Mimo

What: The retailer intends to compete with Amazon free shipments to Chile for purchases over USD 49.

Why is it important: Falabella.com and Linio counterattack with an even more ambitious promotion.

Not only do they offer free international shipping, but deliveries will be done in seven days. The international catalogue includes computing, cell phones, fashion, beauty, technological accessories, watches, pet items, collectibles, decoration.

Falabella offers free international shipments in 7 days