What: Launched in 1982, the Manor Cultural Prize is one of the most important prizes for the promotion of contemporary art in Switzerland.

Why it is important: The prize was launched with the aim of offering a platform to young Swiss artists.

For 39 years, the Manor Cultural Prize has been encouraging young Swiss artists in the field of visual arts: painting, sculpture, photography, video art and installations. This year, the winners will once again be able to present their work at exhibitions in Basel, Graubünden, St. Gallen, Schaffhausen, Zurich, and Geneva.

Le Prix culturel Manor 2021 récompense six artistes suisses

What: The department store studies its entry into the cryptocurrency business, having applied for Bitcor and Bitcor El Corte Inglés trademarks.

Why is it important: It is another step in the company's diversification strategy.

The company has made a double trademark application with the European Union Intellectual Property Office: Bitcor and Bitcor El Corte Inglés. Both under the classification of 'financial services; financial transactions related to currency exchange, and foreign exchange trading.' If the process progresses as planned, on June 28, both marks will be formally registered.

However, sources close to the company explain that there is no imminent plan to launch a cryptocurrency or services linked to that activity. It is a preventive register, with the aim of pre-reserved this name.

El Corte Inglés estudia entrar en las criptomonedas

The Beijing-based department store group has signed a contract with Wuhan's government to build a new property in the city's Wuchang district, set to open in two years.

Retail sales of consumer goods in Wuhan rose 67.4% in the first quarter of this year, making it one of the top ten performing cities in China.

In 2020, Beijing SKP's sales reached RMB 17.7 billion (USD 2.77 billion), making it China's top luxury department store for the 10th consecutive year.

China's Top Luxury Department Store SKP Expands to Wuhan

What: The Chilean conglomerate reported a profit of USD 137.3 million in the first quarter of 2021, with the online business as the main growth driver.

Why is it important: Experts believe the trend will continue over the coming months, but warn that the company will have to face increasing competition.

The Chilean department store company reported a first quarter with a 10.7% increase in revenue compared to the same period last year, reaching USD 2,479.2 million. Its earnings soared 713.8% (from USD 23.2 million in the first quarter of 2020 to USD 137.3 million in this period). The high profits were mainly driven by its e-commerce platform. The GMV (Gross Merchandise Volume) reached USD 805 million during the first quarter, an increase of 142% annually.

Chile is the market where Falabella had the best results in this quarter. The retail business experienced a strong growth in the country of 28%, mainly thanks to the home improvement segment. Peru and Colombia, although their consolidated revenues reported a drop of 3.5% and 7.3%, respectively, also showed to be growing markets for Falabella. In Brazil and Argentina, revenue decreased 1.1% and 25.5% during the first quarter compared to the same period in 2020.

The supermarket online business experienced GMV's highest year-on-year growth at 244%. Its department store and marketplace businesses also grew 149% and 122%, respectively.

The pandemic has accelerated the penetration of online consumption across all segments.

The other segment of the Chilean group that contributed to the growth of its profit was the results of Banco Falabella. In the first period of the year, Banco Falabella Chile reported an increase in its profits of 111.3% annually.

Local experts highlight the company's effort to unite its different brands - the marketplace, retail business, home improvement, supermarkets and Linio - in a single platform, Falabella.com. They also consider that the company could experience a slight slowdown towards the end of the year, especially in the online channel. The analysts also believe that the company is facing new competitors that previously did not have a large presence in the market. For example, it mentions Falabella's own retail business suppliers, such as food, personal care, beauty, pharmaceutical, electronics. The main competition of Falabella will no longer be Ripley or Cencosud, but Mercado Libre and very soon Amazon and surely Rappi, Cornershop and Uber.

The keys to Falabella's successful first quarter

Falabella presentation

Since 2015, El Corte Inglés has collaborated with the Grow Playing Foundation by participating in the Share and Recycle initiative. In the last campaign, 145,308 kg of toys were collected and recycled by El Corte Inglés. Seventy-eight percent were donated to Spanish charities.

The company has also launched a new service through which customers can buy second-hand mobile phones and electronics, and have their devices repaired. All items have a 2 year warranty and have been tested.

In 2020, El Corte Inglés also collected 240,000 kg of used clothing thanks to 49 collection points put in place in collaboration with Caritas. Company's own brands are emphasizing sustainable materials whether it relates to its bath line, stuffed animals, single-use tableware or toilet paper.

In addition, various initiatives are already in place, contributing to the objective of achieving Zero Waste certification in all stores in 2022. The Group already uses 100% of renewable electricity.

El Corte Inglés Commits To Promote Circular Economy

What: The event is part of a series of innovative digital events.

Why is it important: The first digital fashion show held on March 2021 is followed by this new online format.

The virtual shopping tour is organised at the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart and will be moderated by fashion experts Rabea Schif and Lisa Banholzer, who will show the latest trends, must-haves of the season and reveal personal styling tips.

All styles of the virtual shopping tour can be purchased directly afterwards and of course already under breuninger.com. In addition, viewers can exchange views with Breuninger's fashion experts via a chat function.

Shop the Look

What: The department store reorganises its women's fashion brands.

Why is it important: The retailer bets on third party brands under concession model.

Two brands (Amitié and Síntesis) are going to disappear. The objective is to reduce own brands and incorporate new third-party brands such as Violeta by Mango, which can already be found in store since last summer.

El Corte Inglés closes some of its most mythical brands

What: Chile's retailer has closed the first three months of the year with a figure of USD 2,479 million and a profit of USD 137 million.

Why is it important: The group recorded USD 2,238.7 million for 2020 Q1, compared to USD 2,479.2 million this year.

The retailer's revenue increased by 10.7% in the first quarter, increasing its profit by 713.8%. The net result was USD 137.3 million, while gross merchandise value (GMV) was USD 581.3 million, up 142% from the first quarter of 2020,

In this context, Chile was the main market achieving significant growth thanks to a partial physical stores recovery as well as the sustained growth of e-commerce. Department stores results achieved a 41.8% growth, to USD 425.5 million. Supermarkets, on the other hand, increased by 19.8%, to USD 222.2 million.

In Peru, the business of department stores and supermarkets decreased by 0.4% and by 0.6%, respectively, to USD 121.3 million and USD 252.2 million.

In Colombia, the retailer's turnover increased the household turnover by 20%, to USD 251.7 million.

Finally, in Brazil, where the group only operates with the home improvement category, sales fell by 1.1%, up to USD 48.6 million.

Falabella increases sales by 11% in first quarter

Starting 27 May, the Mall Group is part of "Bangkok Safe" project. Covid-19 vaccination units are open at The Mall Bangkae, The Mall Bangkapi, The Emporium, Siam Paragon for eligible people from 18 to 59 year-old.

The Mall Group is a part of the Thai United Project "Safe Bangkok".

The München department store Konen will soon have new owners. Breuninger's CEO Holger Blecker said in an interview: " München has long been a dream locations for Breuninger. The family-owned company Konen, with its "strong brand, deep local roots and close customer relationships, is a perfect addition to our store portfolio".

The acquisition is still subject to approval by the Bundeskartellamt, expected by the end of June.


Press release - Fashion stores KONEN and BRAM become part of Breuninger (English)

Press release - Fashion stores KONEN and BRAM become part of Breuninger (German))

Breuninger boss Holger Blecker on the Konen takeover (English)

Breuninger boss Holger Blecker on the Konen takeover (German)

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann's famous dome will be returned to its full splendour this spring, after over two years of extensive renovations. The restoration of this Art Nouveau treasure – one of the largest refurbishments ever undertaken by the Boulevard Haussmann flagship store – was overseen by Citynove, the group's real-estate asset management business.

To this day, the dome, or "Coupole", continues to be admired by the department store's 37 million annual visitors, and is one of the French capital's key attractions.

Commenting on the renovation, Galeries Lafayette group Image and Communications Director Guillaume Houzé, said: "The 'Coupole' encapsulates Galeries Lafayette's historic values and desire to offer visitors a unique blend of creation and commerce. It is a symbol of innovation, expertise, and rich cultural heritage."

Galeries Lafayette Group completes the restoration 

Restoration of Haussmann flagships

The new outlet in Arapiles (Madrid) will offer a wide variety of fashion brands, accessories and shoemaking with up to 70% discount, as well as a The Coffee Gallery, in which art will be treated in a different and innovative way. In addition to the El Corte Inglés Supermarket, the center has a catering space, an Optica2000 (which will reopen in June) and a Travel Agency El Corte Inglés.

El Corte Inglés transforms its Arapiles store into an outlet 

What:  Alejandro Baillères has been appointed president of El Palacio de Hierro and Profuturo boards

Why it is important:  Alberto Baillères Gonzalez, president of Grupo Bal which owns El Palacio de Hierro and whom his son replaces, has been appointed honorary president of both boards.

Alejandro Baillères Gual replaces his father, Alberto Baillères Gonzalez, at the presidency of the boards of El Palacio de Hierro (IADS member) and Profuturo, an insurance and pension plans company.

Alberto Baillères Gonzalez has been appointed Honorary President of both boards, and is the president of Grupo Bal, which owns El Palacio de Hierro.

A new president at the El Palacio de Hierro board

What: The conglomerate has joined the international businesses group focusing on responding to climate change.

Why is it important: SM Investments is the only Filipino company to join the campaign among countries like the USA, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Kenya, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

The 50 Sustainability & Climate Leaders platform (including Microsoft, Hilton hospitality or Société Générale French bank) serves as a response from international businesses to demonstrate their desire, leadership and commitment to take effective action in the fight against climate change.

The 50 Climate Leaders is a multi-media campaign that will showcase effective leadership in energy transition, climate finance, carbon pricing, industry transition, nature-based solutions, cities and local action.

Across its businesses, SM Investments focuses its environmental efforts on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. It ensures environmental responsibility in its business processes by adopting climate-friendly solutions and instruments to help monitor and mitigate its carbon footprint.

SM Investments joins 50 Sustainability & Climate Leaders

What: Breuninger's presented its first digital fashion show, now available to watch on YouTube.

Why is it important: The show was part of the retailer 140th anniversary.

Balmain, Gucci, Valentino, Balenciaga, Acne Studios and Zimmermann as well as Tiffany and Bvlgari are some of the brands that Breuninger showed at the Stuttgart Staatsgalerie on 25 March 2021. The presentation included Spring-Summer 2021 women's and some men's styles as well as the latest trend accessories and shoes.

All styles can be shopped and each viewer was able to interact with Breuninger's fashion experts through a chat.

Breuninger is also celebrating its 140th anniversary this year. In addition to the show, exclusive capsule collections from brands such as Balmain, Dsquared and Etro are available.

Breuninger Digital Fashion Show - YouTube

What: 150 French retailers call for reopening no later than 10 May.

Why is it important: Galeries Lafayette is part of the op-ed asking the government to act now.

Several trade organisations and 150 retailers, franchisees and affiliates sign an op-ed published by French paper Le Parisien. They call on the government to "act now" regardless of store sizes and locations.

"We take our part in the collective effort to fight Covid, but this situation can no longer last. It seriously jeopardizes our businesses and worries our 800 000 employees," says the op-ed.

"After losing more than 20% of sales on average in 2020, we have lost more than 30% of activity since the beginning of the year and each week of closure weakens our business."

This translates into significant cash flow problems, an increasing level of unsold stock, cancellation of investments and it increases the risk of job losses and cuts.

Nicolas Houzé signs an op-ed calling for French stores to reopen

What: The Spanish retailer dedicates a hotline for customers with disabilities and joins WWF's initiative to protect the environment.

Why is it important: These initiatives are raising awareness among employees, customers and society at large.

Hotline for customers with disabilities

The hotline opens from Monday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. It will be staffed by 68 professionals experienced in customer service and trained specifically to provide the best service to customers with disabilities.

WWF's initiative

The retailer joins WWF's initiative to protect the environment, and for the twelfth consecutive year has turned off the lights of its most emblematic facades, between 20:30 and 21:30 on 27 March. This action is part of the agreement that El Corte Inglés signed in 2018 with WWF to launch a sustainable actions program.

This type of actions is part of El Corte Inglés commitment to participate in social, cultural, educational and sports activities.

Hotline for customers with disabilities

WWFs initiative

What: PayMaya expands its widest network of cashless touchpoints nationwide with The SM Store

Why is it important: These new Add Money channels are the latest addition to PayMaya's network of over 200 000 touchpoints nationwide – the widest in the country to date – where customers can add, transact, and send money for their day-to-day needs.

PayMaya is making it even more convenient for Filipinos to make the cashless shift as it expands its Add Money partnership with The SM Store, allowing PayMaya customers to easily transact and add funds to their accounts at close to 600 additional top-up locations nationwide.

PayMaya users can now add money to their PayMaya account at the Mall Information Booth, Servicio, and bills payment counters located in SM Supermarket, SM Savemore, SM Hypermarket, and Waltermart touchpoints across the country.

TipsPayMaya expands its widest network of cashless touchpoints nationwide with The SM Store (...)

What: The Chilean fashion retail group Falabella has confirmed that it will close the doors of all its physical establishments in Argentina.

Why is it important: Industry experts approve the move, key in Falabella's omni-channel strategy.

In September 2020, Falabella revealed their intention to sell all operations in Argentina and reported they were searching for a strategic partner.

Last February, Falabella decided to close its stores in Mendoza, Cordoba and San Juan. E-commerce operations will continue.

The market nods to Falabella's departure from Argentina

las causas que derivaron en la salida de Falabella del pais 

Since March 2021, the Philippines has been recording high numbers of new infections, causing the country to be once again under a stricter community quarantine.

In response to this, SM Supermalls begins its multi-mall COVID-19 vaccination program by offering its spaces as vaccination centres to partner LGUs nationwide.

The program prioritizes the inoculation of health workers, front-liners, senior citizens, and indigents.

SM Group provides vaccination centres for Local Government Units nationwide

What: As part of its Ordinary Shareholders' Meeting, the Chilean company confirmed the opening of 21 stores in 2021.

Why is it important: Stores will open in Chile, Peru, Mexico and Uruguay.

Among others, the company plans to open five Tottus supermarkets in Chile and nine in Peru. The company's plans also include opening a DIY store in Chile, three in Mexico and one in Uruguay. Falabella's plans also include the opening of a Falabella flagship store at Parque Arauco shopping centre in Chile in the third quarter of this year. Falabella will also renovate facilities to prepare for the arrival of Ikea in Chile in March and August next year.

Carlos Solari has pointed out that the company is immersed in a strategic plan that focuses on digitisation and technological development. The goal is "to have a unique marketplace that integrates the product offering of Falabella, Sodimac, Tottus, Linio and external vendors." It will also continue to optimise its dispatch system in less than 48 hours.

Falabella pisa el acelerador y anuncia la apertura de 21 nuevas tiendas

Breuninger expands the marketplace offering of its online shop with the high-profile luxury brand Chopard.

The expansion of the online brand portfolio in the luxury segment is the result of the positive development of the marketplace model in the Breuninger online shop.

Breuninger expands its marketplace offer with Chopard

What: The marketing campaign is celebrating fashion renewal.

Why is it important: The campaign features a TV commercial, outdoor ads and a marketing event.

El Palacio de Hierro launched a new image campaign to help shore up sales as the pandemic triggered a 26% decline last year.

Under the slogan "Renewal is in me," the Mexican luxury retailer launched a 60-second TV spot with help from local ad agency Teran TBWA.

El Palacio's newly appointed chief customer officer Werner Hirschi and fashion director Sofia Felix said the new campaign had its genesis from a need to connect with customers eager to find new ways to interact with fashion in a changed world.

Apart from the TV commercial, the campaign will feature outdoor ads and encourage customers to contribute their own versions of what renewal means — with the result set to be displayed in the retailer's flagship store in Mexico City's upscale Polanco quarter in a marketing event on Thursday 22 April.

El Palacio de Hierro launches ad campaign 

What: After successful tests in Lausanne, Basel and Lugano, Manor is now working with "Too Good To Go" in 21 supermarkets across Switzerland.

Why is it important: Too Good To Go connects food stores, restaurants and supermarkets with customers to offer them food to be bought at a discounted price.

In collaboration with the Danish company Too Good To Go, Manor wants to actively tackle the food waste problem. The pilot tests carried out in Basel, Lausanne and Lugano have shown that the application is well received by our customers.

"This responds to a strong need of customers who want to take action against food waste by adapting their own behaviour. The success in three different Manor Food supermarkets convinced us to use the Too Good To Go app in 18 other stores," says Jérôme Gilg, CEO of Manor.

The app now has around 4,000 partner companies and has already saved more than 2.6 million meals since its launch in Switzerland.

Manor expands "Too Good To Go" in 18 more supermarkets