What: the birthday of the first Galeries Lafayette store

Why it is important: Galeries Lafayette Haussmann flagship is a landmark that is very much part of the Parisian, and French, culture

French department store Galeries Lafayette celebrated its 127th anniversary on 15 January. On that day in 1894, founders Alphonse Kahn and Théophile Bader opened their first "Aux Galeries Lafayette" store. Their innovative vision continues to shine today across the group's large store network, and especially at the Haussmann flagship store. Congratulations!

Galeries lafayette birthday post - linkedin

What: Falabella will invest USD 2.9 billion to continue the development of its ecosystem, both physically and digitally, improving the multichannel experience for customers.

Why is it important: the investment plan will focus on e-commerce, logistics, and store network.

The key data from the plan are:

• 38% will be allocated to information technology and logistics, in order to increase the level of service and efficiency: implementation of more Click & Collect stations, supported by the opening of new distribution centres in Colombia and Peru. The company will also continue to migrate toward cloud-based architecture to enforce its cyber security, and to improve the digital shopping experience.
• 31% of the total sum will be invested in the store network: the opening of two shopping centres (Mallplaza Comas in Peru and Mallplaza Cali in Colombia) and 80 regional shops. They will also expand the Tottus and Hiperbodegas supermarket network, open a new Sodimac Mexico, and support the development of IKEA in Chile, Peru and Colombia.
• Another 31% will serve improvements in the existent store network, in order to successfully merge the physical and digital experience.

Plan de inversiones 2020-2023

What: Following announcements in December, Galeries Lafayette are considering reducing the headcounts within their travel agency and financial services businesses.

Why it is important: The relatively low magnitude of the plan (189 headcount) compared to the losses induced by the 100-days-long lockdown in 2020 (EUR 1,7 billion) shows the stability of the family-owned business.

Galeries Lafayette are considering making redundant 189 positions, mainly at their travel agency and financial services businesses, following an estimated EUR 1,7 billion loss on turnover in 2020. This is a stark contrast with Printemps which reported a 17% turnover loss over 5 years, leading to 428 departures and the closure of 7 stores, including 3 Citadium.

Un plan de 189 suppressions d'emplois se confirme aux Galeries Lafayette (Paywall)

What: the retailer conducted several projects to help the ones in need.

Why is it important: the pandemic took us by surprise last year and became a priority in today's society. Nevertheless, there are still natural disasters, children without the possibility to receive quality education, and many more problems that were eclipsed by the pandemic. Through its SM Foundation, SM Group made various actions to support the people in need.

Actions include:

• Donation of  food, shoes, clothes and face masks to the victims affected by the typhoons in Barangay Kasiglahan, Rodriguez, Isabela, Rizal, Rolly, Ulysses and other hard-hit areas in Philippines

The country is prone to tropical cyclones due to its geographical location, therefore SM Foundation distributed a total of 60,470 "Kalinga packs" to families displaced by the recent typhoons that hit the country, through its Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) program. This program serves as a place for employees to volunteer by providing time and effort in packing and distributing the aid kits.

Operation Tulong Express

• The construction of a school in Sorsogon City

SM Prime Holdings (SMPH), through SM Foundation (SMFI), turned over a fully furnished two-story, four-classroom school building, part of Basud Elementary School in Sorsogon City. It also has rooms for a clinic, a mini library, and a guidance office. This social initiative promotes quality public education by building classrooms nationwide and is part of its School Building Program (an active partner of DepEd's Adopt-a-School program). To date, it has turned over more than 100 school buildings to grassroots communities nationwide.

SGV & Co., through SMFI, provided the teachers with laptops which they can use to hold virtual classes. Through SM Retail, Stationery at The SM Store donated backpacks and various school supplies to all the students.

102-year-old school in Sorsogon gets new SM school building

• The observation of the 25th Philippine National Autism Consciousness Week

Through its Corporate Social Responsibility programme, SM Cares supports the Autism Society in the Philippines. This is one initiative among others to support persons with special needs and disabilities. They highlight the uniqueness of these persons and promote safer environments where they can feel valued. "These initiatives support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the SDG 10 programme dubbed "Reduced Inequalities," which aims at ensuring the equal and fair treatment of every individual, including those with disabilities".

SM Cares supports Autism Society Philippines

Check out SM Foundation website to learn more about their social initiatives.

What: German department store chain celebrates its 140th anniversary with special collaborations with luxury brands

Why it is important: founded in 1881, the department store remains a destination for fashion and lifestyle, and proves it once again through limited, exclusive collections with designers and brands created especially for the 140th anniversary

Under the motto "140 Jahre – die schönen Dinge des Lebens" ("140 years - the beautiful things in life"), the department store plans on celebrating its birthday all year long. It starts with the release of a six-part capsule collection, which was specially designed for Breuninger by Olivier Rousteing, Creative Director of Balmain. The entire collection will be available exclusively at Breuninger from 25 February 2021.

Breuninger has been setting high standards in fashion, beauty and lifestyle for years, and keeps innovating, especially in terms of sustainable commitments; it just joined the "Fur Free Retailer Program".

Breuninger feiert sein 140-jähriges Jubiläum mit exklusiven Designer-Kollektionen – den Anfang macht Balmain

What: the first south Latin American Ikea store will open in Santiago de Chile in March 2022

Why is it important: the entry of the Swedish furniture retailer under a franchise agreement with Chilean giant retailer Falabella. The launch is part of Falabella's investment plan, from which 44% will be allocated to the development of the store network

Falabella will open the first store of the European furniture and decoration company in Santiago de Chile in March 2022. Further openings are scheduled in Chile in August 2022 and in Colombia (Bogota) in the first half of 2023. Ikea will also launch its e-commerce platform in Chile in 2022, and in Colombia and Peru in 2023.

The Ikea project is part of Falabella's 2021 USD 796 million investment plan. 44% of this investment will be mainly used to develop Ikea in the mentioned countries as well as to remodel shopping center and to support the opening of 19 Falabella stores by the end of 2021 (including the expansion of Tottus in Peru and the opening of Sodimac in Mexico).

56% of 2021 investment plan will be allocated to technology and logistics. Falabella also recently shared its investment plan for 2020-2023.

Falabella will invest US$ 796 million in 2021 in technology, logistics and stores [...]

What: the first ever art exhibition by Martin Margiela

Why it is important: this major event will reinforce Galeries Lafayette's pre-eminence in fashion and art, by putting its Art foundation under the spotlights

Martin Margiela, founder of the eponymous brand and who retired in 2009, will show for the first time ever its artistic works. It makes all the more sense than Margiela has always been considered at the crossroads of art and fashion. By showing such an exhibition in their Art foundation, Galeries Lafayette are expecting to create buzz which will for sure reverberate on nearby Eataly and BHV and, of course, Haussman and Champs Elysées stores.

Martin Margiela to Stage Debut Art Show in Paris

What: another IADS member making the sustainable commitment to stop selling products made of real fur

Why it is important: last November, the German department store affirmed its sustainable engagement through various commitment. Now it joins the «Fur Free Retailer Program» and stopped selling real fur instore and online at the end of 2020

Breuninger stopped buying fur products since the 2020 SS collection, and will also stop selling products made of angora wool and exotic skin leather.

Breuninger has been steadily reducing the sale of fur for a few years; for instance real fur has been excluded from the retailer's private labels range since 2017.

"We are pleased to be part of the international «Fur Free Retailer Program». As a leading company in fashion and lifestyle, we have a responsibility and in that regard its our duty to actively contribute to a sustainable future" said Holger Blecker, CEO of Breuninger.

Breuninger tritt "Fur Free Retailer Program" bei

Breuninger joins Fur Free Retailer programme 

What: CBRE Thailand recognizes that, although they were a driving force for the Thai consumer market in the last decade, traditional department stores are losing ground.

Why it is important: the identified key success factor for tomorrow's department stores is the ability to stick to the younger consumers' behaviour, a feature well understood by IADS member The Mall with their recently opened Ngamwongwan store at the end of 2020.

CBRE Thailand, while assessing the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, predicts that, in order to stay relevant, Thai department stores will have to fine-tune their business model in terms of customer experience, activities and added-value when compared to e-commerce.

Gone are the days when Japanese department stores were ruling the Thai market, now dominated by Thai-owned Central and The Mall. But even these local groups have to evolve and adapt. CBRE identifies 3 topics to be addressed in order to do so:

• Customer Shopping experience
• Inventive sales and marketing activities
• Value-added programme.

The Mall, which launched a strategic simplification plan and rebranding process in the second part of 2020 is mentioned as especially innovative on these topics, as exemplified in their new store in Ngamwongwan, which opened in December 2020.

Future of Thai department stores is being redefined

What: Mr Gonzalo Somoza will step down as CEO of Falabella retail, and will keep advisory and director roles in the group's companies.

Why it is important: Mr. Somoza has led the digital transformation of Falabella retail for 21 years, including the building of its ecosystem backed by strong logistics.

As of 31 March 2021, Mr Somoza will hand over the Falabella retail CEO role to Mr Francisco Irarrazaval, formerly CEO of Ripley for Chile and Peru. Mr Irarrazaval also founded non-profit organisations in Chile. His role will be to ensure that Falabella department stores remain a fundamental part of the retailers( physical digital ecosystem, via innovation and surprising customer experience.

Mr. Somoza will continue to be part of Falabella as an Advisor and Director of companies in the Group.

Falabella appoints Francisco Irarrázaval Chief Executive Officer for Falabella Department Stores

What: Anish Grover has been appointed Director for IT at Falabella Retail

Why it is important: He is already an insider as he took care of the India-based IT activities for Falabella

Mr. Anish Grover will move from India to Chile to take over the supervision of IT at Falabella. Prior to that, he overview IT activities and ecommerce platforms of the retailer in India (where the processing capabilities are based) and was formerly an executive of Reliance and Target.

Quién es Ashish Grover, el nuevo gerente corporativo de TI de Falabella

What: Sogo relaunches its VIP program.

Why it is important: A much awaited relaunch making the most of Sogo's experience on customers loyalty and expectations.

The new VIP program is a streamlined, simplified system, though to be easy and rewarding. 3 tiers, names after Japanese flowers, accessible upon spending specified amounts, grant various advantages, from gift certificates to members events, exclusive events and even dining discounts.

2020 SOGO Rewards Apps Leaflet

What: Breuninger at 1st and 2nd place in the TextilWirtschaft Autumn ranking.

Why it is important: The group confirms position as a top player on domestic market.

Breuninger took first and second place in the "Best of Store" TextilWirtschaft Autumn 2020 ranking. First place went to their new flagship store in Nuremberg and second place to the recently redesigned luxury area of the flagship store in Stuttgart, both in collaboration with architecture firm Blocher Partners.

Breuninger linkedin news

Die Top 5 Läden

What: a vintage corner opens inside Swiss department store.

Why it is important: sustainability has been a central issue these past few years, especially in retail and in fashion. One way to be sustainable: resale, and second-hand clothing.

Switzerland-based department store Manor has welcome its first second-hand items boutique Tilt Vintage at its Geneva store.

LinkedIn Post of Jérôme GILG CEO of Manor AG

What: a documentary series on department stores

Why it is important: released in 2017 by French-German TV channel ARTE, the documentaries tells the stories of several department stores: Galeries Lafayette in Paris, Macy's in New York, KaDeWe in Berlin, and Gum in Moscow.

The current context is very different from what it was three years ago as new stakes and challenges arose with the health crisis. Department store will need to reinvent themselves once again, as they have been doing over their long years of existence.

The TV show is not only an ode to the glorious past of Galeries Lafayette, but also explores the reasons of its present success and why this retail format is still relevant. Arte explores the backstage of Galeries Lafayette, including an interview of Nicolas Houzé. The series includes episodes on Gum, Macy's and Kadewe.

Galeries Lafayette, Paris

Goum, Moscow

Macy's, New York City

KaDeWe, Berlin

What: 2GO expands store footprint and teams up with SM.

Why it is important: Logistical support is now key for department stores.

2GO Group Inc., the Philippines' largest and broadest integrated transportation and logistics provider, is solidifying its partnership with SM Retail Inc., to expand 2GO's store footprint and make transactions more convenient and accessible for its consumers.

2GO expands store footprint, teams up with SM

What: a new opening for SM Group

Why it is important: despite the  pandemic and the uncertain situation, SM continues its expansion in the Philippines with the opening of its first mall in  Zamboanga City.

Zamboanga City, located on Zamboanga Peninsula is the 3rd largest city in the Philippines and a strategical busy port. Dubbed SM City Mindpro, the four-level 59,383 square meter mall caters to shoppers in the bustling city, as well as those in the rest of the peninsula. Major anchors include The SM Store, Mindpro Supermarket, SM Appliance Center, and more. It will add fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, bookstores and services. The mall also features dining options on each floor, and new dining experiences include touch-free, cashless payment services. Entertainment options include a cinema.

SM linkedin announcement with video

Business Mirror - SM Prime opens first mall in Zamboanga

What: SM launches mobile app for virtual "malling experience".

Why it is important: Moving further onto a fully omnichannel capacity.

Shoppers can have their virtual "malling experience" with SM Malls' newly launched app. Available from the App Store and Google Play, the new app lets customers buy online from various stores, shops, brands, boutiques, restaurants, food kiosks and many more within SM malls. The new device is different ShopSM online store and app where only items from The SM Store are featured, and SM Markets online store and app where people can buy grocery items from SM supermarkets. To use, customers should select the mall of their choice, explore items from shops and brands, "add to cart" items for purchase, and proceed to check out and payment. For now, only SM Megamall is accessible, but SM City North EDSA and SM Mall of Asia will be available soon.

SM launches mobile app for virtual 'malling experience'

What: incorporation of Bizum as a new payment method for online purchases via the El Corte Ingles Website and App.

Why is it important: convenience has become a priority for retailers in order to bring easy, seamless services and experiences to their customers. With the crisis and the rapid growth of digital retail, department stores need to act fast to bring said convenience to their clients through their online stores.

This program refers to both organisations' interest in providing clients the highest and most reliable service. The incorporation of Bizum is part of El Corte Inglés' commitment to digitalisation and omnichannel, its dedication to customer service and its continuous adaptation to the needs of the customers.

For some time, El Corte Inglés and BBVA have been working together on numerous ventures, such as the integration of Alipay or Wechat Pay through physical shop payment terminals, in order to fulfill the needs of international customers, especially the ones from Asia.

El Corte Inglés y BBVA se alían para incorporar Bizum como medio de pago en compras online

What: solidarity initiative in favour of the Aladina Foundation to donate toys for children and teenagers with cancer.

Why is it important: as part of their corporate social responsibility strategy, El Corte Inglés and the Municipal Transport Company (EMT) are organising a solidarity initiative from Saturday 5 to 8 December.

Customers who wish to collaborate in this donation campaign can give away unused toys at the Castellana and Goya centres (Madrid). Volunteers from the EMT will provide information about this initiative in these establishments.

To strengthen the cooperation campaign initiated by EMT, El Corte Inglés will contribute to this action by bringing to Aladina Foundation the toys its customers deliver and donating one toy for every toy donated at both centers. The Spanish department store is further reinforcing its commitment to the Tres Reyes and Christmas days by collaborating with various organisations in the donation of toys.

El Corte Inglés y la EMT organizan una recogida de juguetes a favor de la Fundación Aladina

What: 4 stores in Chile earn Leed certification from the US Green Building Council

Why is it important: as part of its sustainability strategy, Falabella Viña del Mar, Arica, Valdivia and Los Angeles achieved the international certification LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) develop by USGBC, an organisation that promotes sustainable development.

In total there are 34 Falabella distribution centres and stores that are certified in Colombia, Peru, Argentina and Chile. The shops in the above-mentioned countries have managed to reduce water consumption by  49%, implement solar panels and the use of recycled elements in the construction stage. It is essential for Falabella to utilise resources efficiently in order to minimize environmental consequences, with an effective long-term strategy.

This reinforce Falabella's commitment to sustainability. Falabella was the only Chilean retail company selected this year to integrate the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. The five priorities of work of the company are customer-focused: reduction of the carbon footprint, waste management, responsible supply chain, social investment programs and diversity & inclusion.

Cuatro nuevas tiendas de Falabella obtienen certificación internacional LEED de sustentabilidad

Update 01 December 2020: The four Fnac shop-in-shops have opened in Manor's outposts in Switzerland. If the trial is concluding, the partnership could extend to more Manor stores.

Fnac opens in Manor - release

September 2020: Swiss department store Manor has announced a partnership with Fnac Switzerland, that will result in the opening of Fnac shop-in-shops in four Manor department stores from November 2020. The shop-in-shops, working as a concession model, will offer Manor's clients a larger assortment in multimedia, culture and gaming among others, as well as professional advice. Fnac will benefit from the premium Manor's locations in the country. The partnership continues online as instore Manor's clients will have access to Fnac's online assortment for more products; the physical locations will serve as Click-and-collect hubs. Should the partnership be a success, it will extend to more Manor's stores.

Press release (in French) below

Fnac Suisse et Manor annoncent un partenariat pour le développement de shop-in-shops en Suisse

What: second French lockdown has ended, allowing non-essential stores to reopen across the country.

Why it is important: December is a crucial period for retailers, especially this year where the Holiday shopping is desperately needed after stores had to shut for several months this year because of the pandemic

As French lockdown has become more flexible, non-essential stores have reopened across the country. It includes all Galeries Lafayette stores, Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysées and BHV / Marais.

Shops in France allowed to reopen after coronavirus lockdown eased

What: Filipino department store continues to invest in its ecommerce and launches more omnichannel option

Why it is important: as customers turn to a mix of online and instore shopping amid the pandemic, retailers need to respond fast to that demand by extending their omni-channel offer

SM Investments Corp. in the Philippines is betting on several omni-channel options to extend its reach. It has opened a virtual mall, so far available only in the Manila area but that should open nationwide soon. Other developments include personal shopping and more delivery and pick-up services. The idea is to follow the Chinese "omni-channel" retailing approach where people shop both on and off line, and therefore to cater to more customers.

This year the group has also introduced small-format outlets and al fresco (outside) dining and lounge spaces to respond to the virus-driven trend toward bigger open spaces.

Philippine Mall Titan Quickens Shift to China-Style Mixed Retail