What: Galeries Lafayette has promoted Alexandre Liot to deputy CEO and Alix Morabito to director of offer and purchasing as part of a strategic leadership renewal.

Why it is important: Strengthening the executive team enables Galeries Lafayette to accelerate its investment, customer experience, and international ambitions.

Galeries Lafayette has announced significant changes to its executive committee, elevating Alexandre Liot to deputy CEO in charge of operations and appointing Alix Morabito as director of offer and purchasing. These moves follow the appointment of Arthur Lemoine as CEO in June and signal a renewed focus on operational excellence and strategic purchasing. Liot, a company veteran, will now oversee operations across the entire store network, building on his experience managing key locations and leading customer experience initiatives at the flagship Boulevard Haussmann store. Morabito, with a strong background in buying and merchandising, will shape the group’s offer and purchasing strategy, reporting directly to Lemoine. The appointments come as Galeries Lafayette invests heavily in both physical store refurbishments and digital channels, with €100 million dedicated to modernization over the next five years. The retailer is also expanding internationally, with new stores planned for Mumbai and New Delhi, while continuing to enhance its luxury and fashion positioning to attract both local and global customers.

IADS Notes: Galeries Lafayette’s leadership renewal, including the promotions of Liot and Morabito, builds on the July 2025 appointment of Arthur Lemoine as CEO, reflecting a careful balance between heritage and innovation (WWD, July 2025; Press Release, July 2025). This new executive structure supports the €400 million investment plan announced in November 2024 and detailed in February 2025 (Challenges, Nov 2024; Le Figaro, Feb 2025), which is modernizing the store network and flagship locations. The strategy is closely linked to the retailer’s international expansion, particularly in India (Challenges, Nov 2024; LSA Conso, Oct 2024), and its focus on customer experience and experiential retail, as evidenced by recent influencer partnerships and double-digit growth at the flagship (Fashion Network, Aug 2025 & July 2025). These developments position Galeries Lafayette as a leader in global retail transformation, blending tradition with forward-looking strategy.

Galeries Lafayette names Alexandre Liot Deputy CEO, Alix Morabito to lead Offer and Purchasing

What: Breuninger’s autumn/winter campaign launch with Monocle highlights the retailer’s focus on experiential storytelling and creative collaboration.

Why it is important: This campaign exemplifies how leading retailers are leveraging storytelling and partnerships to deepen customer engagement and differentiate their brands.

Breuninger’s autumn/winter campaign launch, celebrated at Monocle’s Seefeld headquarters, underscores the department store’s dedication to blending style with narrative as a core marketing strategy. The event, marked by speeches from CEO Holger Blecker and CBO Carsten Hendrich, as well as creative contributions from Monocle’s founder Tyler Brûlé and poet Anna Seidel, brought together guests for an evening of immersive storytelling and refined hospitality. This initiative reflects Breuninger’s broader commitment to experiential retail, where creative collaborations and curated experiences are used to foster deeper connections with customers. The campaign’s emphasis on craftsmanship, creativity, and partnership is in line with the retailer’s recent efforts to integrate cultural elements, hospitality, and digital innovation into its multi-channel approach. By prioritising memorable, multi-sensory events, Breuninger continues to set itself apart in the competitive department store landscape, reinforcing its brand identity and customer loyalty through meaningful engagement.

IADS Notes: Breuninger’s recent event with Monocle in Seefeld, celebrating the launch of its autumn/winter campaign, is emblematic of the retailer’s ongoing commitment to experiential and narrative-driven retail. This approach is consistent with the “Read my Style” event in Düsseldorf (August 2025, Lokal Büro), which merged fashion, literature, and urban culture to create a multi-sensory experience that deepened customer engagement. The curated collaboration with The Paradise Now (May 2025, Fashion Network) further demonstrated Breuninger’s focus on local partnerships and immersive brand experiences, while the opening of the Hamburg store (April 2025, Horston) highlighted the integration of hospitality and curated services as part of its omnichannel strategy. Breuninger’s transformation into a digital multi-channel retailer (October 2024, CIO) underscores the leadership’s role in driving innovation and customer-centricity across all platforms. The AMI Paris pop-up café in Munich (April 2025, Fashion United) exemplifies how hospitality, fashion, and local culture are blended to create unique, memorable moments for customers, reinforcing Breuninger’s position at the forefront of experiential retail.

Breuninger partnered with Monocle for an event in Zürich

What: John Lewis launches J. Lewis, a premium menswear own-label collection featuring high-quality European and Japanese fabrics, available online and in select stores.

Why it is important: The multi-channel and value-driven approach supports John Lewis’s ongoing transformation and strengthens its competitive edge in premium fashion.

John Lewis has introduced J. Lewis, a new premium menswear own-label collection that marks a significant step in the retailer’s fashion evolution. The 23-piece capsule, designed in-house and crafted from European and Japanese fabrics, is positioned as a contemporary addition to John Lewis’s expanding own-brand portfolio. Available both online and in 11 department stores, the collection features standout materials such as Italian yarns, Japanese denim, and Portuguese cotton, with a focus on natural fibers and exceptional craftsmanship. The range, priced between £35 and £400, is tailored to offer a sophisticated yet accessible wardrobe, reflecting a soft, seasonal palette. This launch is part of John Lewis’s broader strategy to elevate its fashion credentials, enhance customer experience through multi-channel availability, and reinforce its value proposition in the premium segment. By prioritizing quality, design, and accessibility, John Lewis aims to attract discerning customers and further differentiate itself in the competitive UK retail landscape.

IADS Notes: John Lewis’s introduction of the J. Lewis menswear line builds on its recent strategic initiatives, including the Editions collection and exclusive collaborations like the PS Paul Smith capsule, which have driven growth in tailoring and reinforced the brand’s premium positioning (Fashion Network, May 2025; Drapers, April 2025). The multi-channel launch and considered pricing mirror successful approaches from earlier in 2025, while substantial investment and leadership vision continue to underpin the retailer’s ambition to expand its share of the UK’s premium fashion market (Drapers, July 2025; Retail Gazette, August 2025). These developments collectively highlight how John Lewis is leveraging innovation, craftsmanship, and omni-channel strategies to strengthen its competitive position.

John Lewis unveils new menswear own-label

What: Falabella consolidates its leadership in Colombia’s beauty sector with an immersive, omnichannel event featuring top global and emerging brands.

Why it is important: Falabella’s approach reflects the industry-wide shift toward experiential retail and digital integration, supporting sustained market leadership.

Falabella’s debut of The House of Beauty in Colombia marks a significant step in its strategy to lead the country’s beauty sector. By hosting an immersive event at Unicentro Bogotá, the retailer brought together over 14 renowned brands, offering exclusive launches, personalized services, and expert-led experiences that engaged customers beyond traditional shopping. This initiative was amplified across all channels—physical stores, digital platforms, and specialized media—demonstrating Falabella’s commitment to an omnichannel approach that deepens customer proximity and brand loyalty. The event builds on Falabella’s history of investing in the beauty and dermocosmetics category, leveraging both established luxury names and emerging brands to diversify its portfolio. With 26 stores in 11 Colombian cities and a record of strong financial performance, Falabella’s innovative campaigns and partnerships continue to set new standards in customer experience and retail leadership, positioning the company for further growth in 2025.

IADS Notes: Falabella’s immersive beauty event in Colombia is a direct extension of its $650 million investment plan for 2025 and its multi-specialist retail strategy, which contributed to 9.2% sales growth in the first half of 2025. The focus on experiential retail mirrors global trends and Falabella’s own successful campaigns, such as its experiential Mother’s Day and Christmas initiatives. The company’s integration of advanced e-commerce, logistics, and omnichannel strategies, alongside partnerships with leading and emerging brands, reinforces its leadership and ability to attract new customer segments.

Falabella introduces The House of Beauty in Colombia

What: Eléonore de Boysson, a former LVMH executive, becomes the first woman CEO of El Palacio de Hierro, succeeding Juan Carlos Escribano and leading 15 luxury department stores in Mexico.
Why it is important: De Boysson’s appointment signals a strategic shift for El Palacio de Hierro, leveraging international luxury experience to drive innovation, customer experience, and market leadership in Mexico.

El Palacio de Hierro has appointed Eléonore de Boysson as its new CEO, marking the first time a woman will lead the iconic Mexican department store group in its 135-year history. De Boysson, who brings over 25 years of experience from LVMH, Louis Vuitton, DFS/Samaritaine, Disneyland Paris, and BCG, succeeds Juan Carlos Escribano, whose decade-long tenure saw the company’s transformation into a leading luxury omnichannel retailer. Her arrival comes at a time of strong financial performance, with the group reporting double-digit revenue and profit growth, robust digital sales, and continued expansion of its luxury footprint. De Boysson is expected to focus on enhancing customer experience, consolidating omnichannel strategies, and embedding sustainability and social responsibility into operations. The leadership change reflects El Palacio de Hierro’s ambition to reinforce its position as Mexico’s premier luxury retailer and to align with global best practices in innovation and service.

IADS Notes: El Palacio de Hierro’s appointment of Eléonore de Boysson as CEO marks a historic leadership transition and a strategic move to reinforce its luxury positioning and international best practices. As reported by Press Release in May 2025, de Boysson brings extensive experience from LVMH, Disney, and Boston Consulting Group, becoming the first woman to lead the company in its 135-year history . Modaes in July, April, and February 2025, as well as Fashion Network in June 2025, highlighted the group’s robust financial performance, with double-digit revenue and profit growth, strong digital sales, and continued expansion of its luxury footprint . Modaes in September 2024 and January 2025, and Press Release in January 2025, detailed investments in flagship stores, next-generation POS, and omnichannel strategy, alongside partnerships with luxury groups like LVMH and OTB . Fashion Network in June 2025 and Press Release in May 2025 emphasized El Palacio de Hierro’s commitment to gender equality, social responsibility, and ESG, with the CEO appointment serving as a milestone for diversity in Mexican retail . Finally, Quién in February 2025 and Modaes in October 2024 described the company’s innovative marketing, exclusive brand partnerships, and expansion of luxury offerings, reinforcing its premium positioning in a growing market .

Eleonore de Boysson: a portrait

The Mall Group Chairwoman receives the highest Italian civilian award

What: Supaluck Umpujh, chairwoman of The Mall Group, has been awarded the Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy for her contributions to strengthening cultural and business ties between Italy and Thailand.

Why it is important: The award demonstrates how retail executives can serve as cultural ambassadors, using their platforms to foster bilateral ties and promote national heritage in the global marketplace.

Supaluck Umpujh, chairwoman of The Mall Group and The EM District, has been formally conferred the title of Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy by the Italian Republic. This prestigious honor recognizes her exceptional contributions to advancing bilateral relations between Italy and Thailand, particularly in the fields of art, culture, lifestyle, and design. The investiture ceremony, held at the Italian Embassy in Bangkok, celebrated Supaluck’s role in promoting Italian heritage and fostering creative exchanges through The Mall Group’s retail initiatives. The Order of the Star of Italy is one of the nation’s highest honors for foreign citizens who have demonstrated outstanding merit in strengthening international relations. Supaluck expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to furthering cultural and creative collaboration between the two countries. Her recognition underscores the growing role of retail leaders as cultural ambassadors and highlights the strategic importance of cross-border partnerships and cultural engagement in building brand reputation and international influence.

IADS Notes:

Supaluck Umpujh’s knighthood by the Italian Republic is the latest in a series of international recognitions that underscore her influence as a retail and cultural ambassador. As reported by Monocle in September 2025, her leadership has transformed The Mall Group into a model for Asian luxury retail, with a strong emphasis on cross-cultural exchange and international partnerships . The Bangkok Post in July 2025 and The Nation in August 2025 highlighted The Mall Group’s strategic collaborations in China and with UnionPay International, demonstrating how the group leverages cultural engagement to build brand reputation and foster bilateral ties . Supaluck’s multiple awards, including the Future Trends “Leader of Leader” award (March 2025) and ACES Woman Entrepreneur of the Year (November 2024), set a benchmark for industry leadership and innovation . Inside Retail in January 2025 and the Bangkok Post in April 2025 described how The Mall Group’s integration of art, design, and lifestyle into its retail spaces has redefined the customer experience in Thailand . Finally, Press Releases in October and September 2024 recognized Supaluck as one of Asia’s most influential women and honored her with the Her Awards, UNFPA Thailand 2024, for her impact on gender equality and retail leadership .

The Mall Group Chairwoman receives the highest Italian civilian award

What: John Lewis Partnership reported sales growth but swung to a loss due to regulatory costs, while investing heavily in store upgrades, expanding its fashion portfolio, and preparing for peak trading with major seasonal hiring and a renewed focus on staff compensation.

Why it is important: Chair Jason Tarry says they are taking the long term view. This highlights the critical balance between operational investment and cost pressures, reflecting how retailers are adapting compensation and recruitment strategies to sustain growth.

John Lewis Partnership’s first-half results reveal a business navigating the dual pressures of rising regulatory costs and the need for continued investment. Despite a 4% year-on-year sales increase to £6.2bn and a 2% rise at John Lewis stores, the group reported an operating loss of £38m, with pre-tax losses nearly tripling to £88m, largely due to the new EPR packaging levy and higher National Insurance contributions. The company absorbed a £29m EPR cost and made its largest investment since 2017, allocating £191m primarily to store maintenance and digital transformation, including cloud migration and major refurbishments. The retailer’s strategy also includes onboarding over 100 new fashion brands, such as Vivienne Westwood and Topshop, to strengthen its appeal and drive market share. Operationally, John Lewis is hiring 13,000 employees for the golden quarter and remains committed to reinstating staff bonuses, reflecting a broader shift in compensation strategy. Leadership remains confident that these investments and customer-focused initiatives will underpin a strong performance during the crucial peak trading period.

IADS Notes: John Lewis’s experience reflects sector-wide challenges, with June 2025 reports noting £7 billion in new regulatory costs impacting UK retailers’ profitability. The company’s £800 million investment in store and digital transformation since October 2024 has supported its aggressive brand expansion, including 49 new fashion brands and exclusive collaborations by July 2025. Operational responses, such as the record seasonal recruitment drive and evolving compensation strategies, mirror broader industry shifts observed in June and July 2025, as retailers balance investment, workforce management, and cost pressures.

John Lewis Partnership chair is confident in the group's ability to bounce back during Q4

What: John Lewis continues its transformation strategy, emphasizing operational improvements and customer experience, despite reporting deeper financial losses.

Why it is important: John Lewis’s approach demonstrates how legacy retailers can pursue transformation and customer-centric strategies even amid financial setbacks, reflecting broader industry trends.

John Lewis’s latest results reveal a retailer determined to maintain positive momentum through a period of deepening financial losses. The company’s strategy centers on significant investment in store renovations, digital infrastructure, and operational efficiency, with £800 million committed to these initiatives. Under Peter Ruis’s leadership, John Lewis has revived its iconic price pledge and focused on enhancing customer service, blending its heritage with modern retail practices. This transformation has already yielded tangible results, such as overtaking M&S in customer satisfaction rankings and driving a notable increase in web traffic and in-store engagement. Despite missing profit targets during the critical festive season, the retailer has prioritized long-term sustainability, shifting employee compensation from annual bonuses to increased base pay, and investing in workforce development. These actions underscore the complexity of retail turnaround strategies, where resilience, innovation, and a relentless focus on customer experience are essential to navigating competitive pressures and evolving consumer expectations.

IADS Notes: John Lewis’s journey over the past year has been marked by ambitious transformation efforts, including a major £800 million investment in store and digital upgrades in October 2024 and a strategic shift in employee compensation in March 2025. The company’s renewed focus on customer service and operational excellence, highlighted by its rise above M&S in customer satisfaction by July 2025, demonstrates the potential for legacy retailers to adapt and thrive even as they face significant financial and market challenges.

John Lewis focuses on positive momentum despite deepening losses

What: Despite higher sales and customer satisfaction, John Lewis Partnership reported a widened operating loss due to EPR packaging levy and National Insurance costs.

Why it is important: John Lewis’s experience reflects a broader industry challenge, where regulatory and cost pressures are forcing retailers to rethink growth and loyalty strategies.

John Lewis Partnership reported a 4% increase in sales to £6.2bn for the first half of 2025, with total revenue up 5% to £5.4bn. However, profitability was significantly impacted by the introduction of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) packaging levy and higher National Insurance contributions, resulting in an operating loss of £38m compared to a profit of £23m the previous year. The loss before tax and exceptional items reached £34m, with £29m attributed to the EPR levy alone. Despite these financial pressures, the retailer achieved its highest-ever customer satisfaction scores, a 4% increase in customer numbers, and a 13% rise in My John Lewis loyalty scheme registrations. The return of the Never Knowingly Undersold price match scheme in October 2024 helped boost sales and reinforce value perceptions. John Lewis also invested £30m in technology, financial services, and central teams, aiming to strengthen its market position. The partnership is optimistic about full-year profit growth, supported by record seasonal hiring and continued investment in customer experience.

IADS Notes: John Lewis’s results mirror sector-wide challenges reported in June and July 2025, as UK retailers contend with billions in new regulatory costs, including packaging levies and National Insurance increases, which are reshaping profitability and expansion plans. The retailer’s focus on loyalty and customer engagement aligns with the shift seen at Selfridges and Harvey Nichols in May 2025, where experiential and personalized loyalty programs are now critical for sales and retention. Furthermore, John Lewis’s ongoing investment in technology and central teams reflects strategies adopted by H&M and Falabella, who have prioritized digital transformation and operational efficiency to drive growth in a demanding retail landscape.

John Lewis’ H1 revenue up 5%, but profits hit by EPR and National Insurance costs

What: Supaluck Umpujh, chairwoman of The Mall Group, reflects on four decades of leadership and innovation, highlighting how experiential retail, resilience, and values have shaped Thailand’s leading mall operator.

Why it is important: Supaluck Umpujh’s approach shows how integrating personal values, customer-centricity, and creative thinking can drive both business growth and industry transformation.

Supaluck Umpujh’s journey from aspiring pharmacist to chairwoman of The Mall Group exemplifies the power of visionary leadership and adaptability in retail. Despite initial setbacks and a lack of retail experience, she embraced her father’s lessons on reputation, resilience, and generosity, which became the foundation for her approach to business. Early failures taught her to innovate, leading to the creation of Thailand’s first retail-and-entertainment complexes, which redefined the country’s shopping landscape. Supaluck’s focus on place-making, customer experience, and thinking beyond conventional retail models has kept The Mall Group at the forefront of the industry, even as market conditions and consumer behaviors have shifted. Her story underscores the importance of values-driven leadership, creativity, and the willingness to see opportunity in adversity—principles that continue to guide the company’s growth and influence in Southeast Asia.

IADS Notes:

The evolution of The Mall Group under Supaluck Umpujh’s leadership is widely recognized across the Asian retail sector. As reported by the Bangkok Post in March 2025, the group’s digital transformation, experiential retail projects, and talent management have set new industry standards . Supaluck Umpujh’s recognition as one of Asia’s most influential women by Fortune in October 2024 and her Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award at ACES in November 2024 underscore her pivotal role in shaping Thailand’s retail landscape . At the Retail Leaders Circle Global Forum in February 2025, her Lifetime Achievement Award was attributed to her four decades of innovation and resilience in adapting to new market and tourism challenges . The Mall Group’s commitment to ethical leadership and community engagement is evident in initiatives like the M SMILING BOX project in January 2025 and Supaluck’s Her Awards, UNFPA Thailand 2024 in September 2024 . Inside Retail’s June 2025 analysis and The Nation’s coverage in December 2024 further illustrate how The Mall Group’s focus on cultural integration, digital innovation, and customer experience is redefining the Thai retail landscape .

How Supaluck Umpujh turned Bangkok’s malls into a model for Asian luxury retail

What: Yinka Ilori’s collaboration with Bloomingdale’s transforms the flagship store into an immersive, artist-led retail destination with exclusive product launches.

Why it is important: The project builds on the trend of transforming flagship stores into cultural destinations.

Yinka Ilori’s partnership with Bloomingdale’s brings a bold, imaginative transformation to the retailer’s 59th Street flagship, centering on a floral-themed takeover that extends from the windows and façade to the interior retail spaces. This collaboration, rooted in Ilori’s Nigerian heritage and inspired by the wildflowers of Central Park, infuses the store with vibrant color and playful design, inviting customers to engage with art and creativity at every turn. The “Cherish Your Magic” carousel pop-up exemplifies the experiential approach, featuring exclusive product collaborations across categories such as beauty, fashion, gaming, and homeware, including partnerships with Byredo, Augustinus Bader, and PlayStation. The initiative not only elevates the visual identity of Bloomingdale’s but also creates an environment that encourages play, imagination, and community engagement. By leveraging artist-led design and exclusive merchandise, Bloomingdale’s positions its flagship as a destination that transcends traditional retail, fostering deeper connections with customers through immersive storytelling and cultural resonance.

IADS Notes: Yinka Ilori’s collaboration with Bloomingdale’s exemplifies the retail industry’s shift toward experiential environments, echoing Selfridges’ artist-led window displays in May 2025 and the broader movement toward unconventional experiential retail highlighted in January 2025. The integration of exclusive, multi-category product collaborations mirrors innovative pop-up activations in Asia from February 2025 and the dynamic use of pop-up shops discussed in October 2024. The bold visual transformation of Bloomingdale’s flagship, reminiscent of Louis Vuitton’s dramatic NYC facade in December 2024, underscores how flagship locations are being reimagined as destinations blending commerce, culture, and community.

Artful takeover at the Bloomingdale’s flagship

What: John Lewis Partnership launches its largest-ever Christmas recruitment drive, hiring over 13,000 seasonal staff across stores and distribution centres to support peak trading.

Why it is important: This initiative reflects how leading retailers are leveraging flexible staffing, leadership transformation, and omnichannel investment to drive operational excellence and customer experience during critical trading periods.

John Lewis Partnership is embarking on its biggest seasonal recruitment campaign to date, aiming to hire 13,700 temporary staff for the golden quarter, including 11,500 in customer-facing roles and 2,200 in distribution and supply chain positions. This surge in hiring is designed to ensure exceptional service and operational efficiency during the crucial Christmas and Black Friday periods, when the retailer expects to welcome 30 million in-store visitors and handle 180 million website visits. The recruitment drive is part of a broader turnaround strategy led by chair Jason Tarry, which includes leadership changes, a renewed focus on core retail operations, and significant investment in both physical and digital infrastructure. By modernising its distribution centres and enhancing omnichannel capabilities, John Lewis is positioning itself to meet the demands of peak trading while maintaining its commitment to customer service and its “Never Knowingly Undersold” promise. This approach highlights the retailer’s adaptability and commitment to operational excellence in a highly competitive market.

IADS Notes: John Lewis’s record seasonal hiring mirrors a wider industry trend, with El Corte Inglés and others also expanding flexible holiday staffing to support both sales and logistics (October, November 2024). The recruitment drive is closely tied to the Partnership’s turnaround, including leadership restructuring under Jason Tarry and the streamlining of staff committees to boost profitability and agility (October 2024, June 2025). Major investments in logistics and store renovations—£400 million and £800 million respectively—have strengthened John Lewis’s omnichannel capabilities, ensuring robust support for peak trading and enhancing the customer experience (October, November 2024).

John Lewis launches biggest-ever Christmas recruitment drive

What: John Lewis celebrates 100 years of its Never Knowingly Undersold promise with a new campaign and major brand and store investments.

Why it is important: This milestone demonstrates how heritage, strategic partnerships, and investment in experience can keep a legacy retailer relevant in a changing market.

John Lewis marks the centenary of its iconic Never Knowingly Undersold promise with a vibrant new campaign, including a 100-second film that celebrates a century of British life and retail innovation. The campaign, crafted by Saatchi & Saatchi and featuring a soundtrack by Mike Skinner, aims to reinforce the retailer’s enduring relevance and value proposition. Managing director Peter Ruis emphasizes the importance of staying true to the brand’s heritage while remaining competitive and forward-looking, especially as the department store format continues to evolve. Amid challenging economic conditions, John Lewis remains optimistic, positioning itself as a national retail leader across categories such as fashion, tech, and nursery. The centenary also coincides with the relaunch of Topshop and Topman in stores and online, reflecting a broader strategy of exclusive partnerships and assortment expansion. These initiatives are supported by an £800 million investment in store upgrades and the onboarding of over 100 new fashion brands, underscoring the retailer’s commitment to experience, innovation, and customer trust.

IADS Notes: John Lewis’s centenary campaign is the culmination of a year marked by the strategic revival of its Never Knowingly Undersold pledge in September 2024, which drove a surge in customer engagement and sales. The retailer’s transformation includes exclusive designer collaborations, significant expansion of its brand portfolio, and a £800 million investment in modernizing stores and enhancing the customer experience. This multi-category approach, spanning fashion, home, and technology, demonstrates how John Lewis balances its heritage with innovation to remain a leader in British retail, as evidenced by its ongoing success in customer satisfaction and experiential retail throughout 2024 and 2025.

John Lewis celebrates 100 years of Never Knowingly Undersold

What: Level Shoes launches a dedicated U.S. e-commerce platform and plans a Miami flagship, marking its first major expansion outside the Middle East.

Why it is important: This expansion reflects Chalhoub Group’s global strategy and the increasing integration of digital and physical retail to meet evolving consumer expectations.

Level Shoes, the Dubai-based footwear retailer owned by Chalhoub Group, is making its first significant move outside the Middle East by launching a dedicated U.S. e-commerce platform and preparing to open a flagship store in Miami in 2027. This expansion follows the establishment of a logistics center in Florida, enabling timely delivery and operational excellence for American consumers. CEO Elisa Bruno emphasises that the U.S. is already Level Shoes’ fourth largest market by presence and spend, and the company’s five years of double-digit growth and robust data insights have informed this strategic entry. The brand is known for its curated mix of accessible, luxury, and emerging footwear brands, and plans to offer exclusive collaborations and localised marketing campaigns tailored to American shoppers. With a strong omnichannel approach, including an app, e-commerce, and active social media, Level Shoes aims to deliver a seamless customer experience. The Miami flagship is expected to leverage the city’s multicultural appeal and tourism, while the company continues to learn from and adapt to local consumer behaviors as it scales its U.S. presence.

IADS Notes: Level Shoes’ U.S. expansion is a direct extension of Chalhoub Group’s international roadmap, as articulated by Michael Chalhoub in May 2025, which prioritises digital transformation and global market integration. The move mirrors successful omnichannel strategies seen with Ounass in Dubai, where logistics and automation are central to retail efficiency. Additionally, Level Shoes’ focus on localised marketing and exclusive offerings aligns with the data-driven personalisation strategies adopted by Capri Holdings and the broader retail sector, as noted by BCG in late 2024 and early 2025.

Level Shoes launched U.S. website, plots Miami flagship for 2027

What: Magasin du Nord strengthens its portfolio by taking majority ownership of MessyWeekend, aiming to drive global expansion and Gen Z engagement.

Why it is important: The acquisition highlights how department stores are evolving into brand accelerators, combining investment with operational support to scale emerging brands.

Magasin du Nord’s majority acquisition of MessyWeekend marks a pivotal step in its transformation from a traditional department store into a dynamic brand accelerator. By securing a 60% stake in the Copenhagen-based eyewear brand, Magasin is reinforcing its strategy to nurture Danish brands with international ambitions, leveraging its retail expertise and infrastructure to unlock new growth opportunities. MessyWeekend’s rapid ascent, driven by a sharp design ethos and a strong Gen Z focus, has already resulted in significant wholesale agreements and a doubling of its global retail presence. The partnership is set to accelerate the brand’s international expansion, particularly in the wholesale channel, while also supporting its house of brands strategy and entry into new markets such as Asia. This move follows Magasin’s recent acquisitions of other Danish brands, reflecting a broader shift in retail where department stores are investing directly in promising labels to drive diversification, innovation, and sustained growth.

IADS Notes: Magasin du Nord’s strategy of acquiring and accelerating Danish brands, as seen in its investments in BLID Care, Relevant, and Bitte Kai Rand in February and July 2025, has been validated by strong financial results, including doubled profits and a DKK 3 billion turnover in 2024. The focus on Gen Z and personalized retail experiences aligns with trends identified in November 2024 and February 2025, confirming that brand portfolio development and digital engagement are now central to retail success.

Magasin du Nord now owns 60% of eyewear brand MessyWeekend

What: Topshop and Topman will launch in 32 John Lewis stores and online in 2026, with John Lewis becoming the exclusive UK stockist for Topshop footwear.

Why it is important: The move reflects John Lewis’s strategy to modernize its fashion offer and drive growth through brand curation and experiential retail, echoing its recent investments and leadership vision.

John Lewis’s decision to stock Topshop and Topman from February 2026 signals a major evolution in both brands’ retail strategies and the department store’s ongoing transformation. Topshop’s return to physical retail, following its acquisition by Heartland and Asos and its pivot to a wholesale model, aligns with broader industry trends where digital-native brands leverage partnerships to regain high street presence. John Lewis’s fashion ambitions are clear, with the addition of 49 new brands and a goal to double its £1.3bn fashion business, supported by significant investments in store renovations and experiential retail. The exclusive launch of Topshop footwear at John Lewis further strengthens the retailer’s appeal to younger and nostalgic shoppers, while reinforcing its reputation for quality and value. CEO Peter Ruis’s vision of making John Lewis “radically relevant” is realized through this high-profile collaboration, which is set to energize the retailer’s fashion offer and attract a new generation of customers. The partnership is a testament to the power of strategic brand curation and the enduring appeal of physical retail in a digital age.

IADS Notes: Topshop’s return to physical retail through wholesale partnerships, as reported in April 2025, reflects a broader industry shift toward balancing heritage with modern retail economics. John Lewis’s expansion of its fashion portfolio, highlighted in February and July 2025, and its £800 million investment in store transformation, underpin this strategy. CEO Peter Ruis’s focus on experiential retail and brand curation, articulated in October 2024, is central to the retailer’s ambition to remain relevant and competitive in the evolving department store sector.

John Lewis revealed as Topshop’s latest UK stockist

What: Bloomingdale’s achieved its fourth consecutive quarter of growth in Q2 2025, with net sales up 4.6% and comparable sales up 5.7%, contributing to Macy’s Inc.’s raised full-year outlook.

Why it is important: Bloomingdale’s sustained growth highlights the effectiveness of Macy’s strategy to invest in its luxury division, confirming the value of premium positioning and customer experience in today’s retail market.

Bloomingdale’s delivered an outstanding performance in the second quarter of 2025, posting a 4.6% increase in net sales and a 5.7% rise in comparable sales, marking its fourth consecutive quarter of growth. This momentum stands out within Macy’s Inc., as Bloomingdale’s continues to outperform the broader department store sector through a focus on premium positioning, curated assortments, and enhanced customer service. The division’s success is a direct result of Macy’s Bold New Chapter strategy, which prioritizes investment in luxury formats and experiential retail. Bloomingdale’s ongoing growth has been instrumental in driving Macy’s Inc. to raise its annual sales and profit guidance for 2025, even as other divisions contend with store closures and a challenging retail environment. CEO Tony Spring’s commitment to elevating the luxury experience and expanding the Bloomies store format has proven effective, reinforcing Bloomingdale’s reputation as a leader in upscale retail and a key growth engine for the group.

IADS Notes: Bloomingdale’s strong Q2 2025 results build on a year of consistent outperformance, as noted in May 2025, where the division’s growth validated Macy’s investment in luxury retail. The division’s premium positioning and focus on customer experience, highlighted in November 2024, continue to set it apart in a competitive market, confirming the strategic importance of luxury within Macy’s transformation.

Bloomingdale’s posts fourth consecutive quarter of growth

What: The Mall Group has launched M Card Pet Club and the World Pup Expo 2025, expanding its loyalty program into the pet economy and positioning its malls as pet-friendly lifestyle destinations.

Why it is important: The Mall Group’s move into the pet economy highlights how retailers are leveraging loyalty programs and experiential events to capture high-growth consumer segments and build comprehensive lifestyle ecosystems.

The Mall Group is reinforcing its vision to create a complete lifestyle ecosystem by launching M Card Pet Club, a new feature of its loyalty program tailored for Thailand’s rapidly growing “pet parent” segment. This initiative is supported by the World Pup Expo 2025, the country’s largest pet-focused event, designed to position The Mall Lifestore as a leading pet-friendly destination. The M Card Pet Club offers members a wide range of privileges across food, care, play, and lifestyle categories, with free membership and exclusive benefits from over 30 pet-industry partners. The strategy builds on the success of M Card Junior Club and leverages data-driven insights showing strong growth in pet food and accessories sales. By integrating pet-focused services, events, and community engagement into its loyalty platform, The Mall Group is capturing the “pet humanisation” trend and setting a new benchmark for customer experience and ecosystem innovation in Southeast Asian retail.

IADS Notes: The Mall Group’s launch of M Card Pet Club and the World Pup Expo 2025 reflects a broader strategy to build a comprehensive lifestyle ecosystem and reinforce its leadership in loyalty innovation. As reported by Bangkok Post (December 2024), the expansion of the M Card program through partnerships like K11 MUSEA demonstrates how The Mall Group is evolving its loyalty scheme beyond traditional shopping rewards to include cross-border privileges and cultural experiences. The April 2025 coverage highlights the company’s focus on experiential retail and community-building, with large-scale events and themed programming driving engagement and positioning The Mall Lifestore as a pet-friendly lifestyle hub. The June 2024 article details The Mall Group’s efforts to create holistic ecosystems through strategic alliances with airlines, hotels, and payment platforms, further enhancing the value proposition for members. Collectively, these developments show how The Mall Group is leveraging digital engagement, data-driven segmentation, and community-focused experiences to capture high-growth consumer niches—such as pet parents—and set new standards for customer loyalty and experiential retail in Southeast Asia.

The Mall Group launched M Card Pet Club

What: Falabella will restore its pre-pandemic investment levels by 2026, allocating $800 million to expand its physical and digital retail presence across Latin America.

Why it is important: Falabella’s renewed investment signals a strong recovery and confidence in Latin American retail, aligning with recent trends of digital and physical expansion.

Falabella is set to return to its pre-pandemic investment levels by 2026, committing $800 million to reinforce its presence in Latin America’s retail sector. After halving its investments in 2020 due to the Covid-19 crisis, the Chilean conglomerate gradually increased its capital expenditure, reaching $650 million in 2024 and now projecting a full recovery in the next fiscal year. The company’s strategy centers on accelerating online market development in Peru, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico, leveraging partnerships with major supermarket chains such as Tottus and Soriana to drive both physical and digital growth. Falabella’s financial performance has rebounded significantly, with a 50% increase in gross operating profit and a 9.2% rise in sales in the first half of the current year, following a challenging 2023 marked by steep declines in revenue and profit. This renewed investment and focus on digital transformation reflect Falabella’s adaptation to shifting consumer behaviors and its ambition to regain market leadership in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

IADS Notes: Falabella’s $800 million investment plan for 2026 builds on a period of strong recovery and strategic transformation, as seen in its eightfold profit increase in 2024 and 11% sales growth in Q1 2025. The company’s digital expansion efforts, highlighted in Seller Day events and its e-commerce roadmap in June and July 2025, demonstrate the importance of technological infrastructure and marketplace partnerships. This approach, combined with operational efficiency and customer-centric strategies, has enabled Falabella to adapt its business model post-Covid, ensuring resilience and competitiveness across Latin America.

Falabella will recover its pre-pandemic investment level by 2026 with $800 million

What: John Lewis is launching its most valuable Beauty Advent Calendar to date, featuring exclusive products, early access for loyalty members, and surprise prizes to drive customer excitement and sales.

Why it is important: Department store beauty advent calendars are gaining traction. The integration of experiential rewards, early access, and surprise elements aligns with industry trends toward personaliSed engagement and innovative loyalty schemes.

John Lewis is elevating its Beauty Advent Calendar for 2025, introducing its highest-value edition yet at £235, with a product selection worth over £1,000. This year’s calendar includes 36 beauty products—more than ever before—featuring highly sought-after brands such as Trinny London, Chantecaille, Laneige, Fenty Beauty, Medik8, and, for the first time, exclusive items from Le Labo. With 23 full-sized products and 13 deluxe miniatures, the offer is designed to captivate beauty enthusiasts and reward loyal customers. Early access is granted to ‘My John Lewis’ members, reinforcing the retailer’s focus on loyalty-driven engagement. The calendar’s festive, reusable packaging and the inclusion of surprise prizes, such as hidden gift cards and premium experiences, add further excitement and exclusivity. A surge in searches for ‘Beauty Advent Calendar’—up 50% from last year—signals strong consumer anticipation, and the retailer encourages swift action to secure the product, referencing last year’s rapid sell-out. This approach combines exclusivity, experiential rewards, and sustainability, positioning John Lewis at the forefront of seasonal beauty retail innovation.

IADS Notes: John Lewis’s strategy mirrors Liberty’s record-breaking Advent Calendar sales in November 2024, where exclusive, high-value beauty offerings drove retention and growth. Department stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Harrods have similarly revamped their beauty spaces for experiential shopping and exclusive launches, as seen in November 2024, while La Samaritaine’s curated mix of brands boosted customer engagement by April 2025. The integration of loyalty programs and early access, exemplified by Selfridges’ Unlocked program in May 2025 and the industry-wide shift toward experiential rewards, is now essential as traditional points-based systems lose relevance. The inclusion of surprise and immersive elements, as demonstrated by Hermès and Manor in June 2025, further underscores the importance of excitement and exclusivity in driving customer engagement.

John Lewis preps Beauty Advent Calendar launch as searches surge 50%

What: Falabella launches its personal shopper service in Santiago, integrating digital booking tools and focusing on customer well-being and style personalization.

Why it is important: Falabella’s strategy aligns with recent trends of blending online and offline experiences to enhance customer engagement and loyalty.

Falabella has introduced its personal shopper service at the Plaza Egaña store in Santiago, further expanding a network of personalized fashion guidance across the Chilean capital. The service offers 90-minute sessions with style specialists who help clients select garments tailored to their body type, color preferences, and lifestyle, while also incorporating the latest fashion trends in a practical, versatile way. This initiative responds to evolving consumer behavior, where shoppers increasingly seek not just products but experiences that boost confidence, reflect personal identity, and maximize wardrobe investment. The company highlights that 83% of users are women, with the service popular for work, special events, and everyday style updates. Customers can book appointments through the Falabella website or via in-store QR codes, reflecting a seamless integration of digital convenience with in-person expertise. The focus on customisation, efficiency, and sustainability positions Falabella at the forefront of experience-driven retail, catering to a growing demand for meaningful, guided shopping journeys.

IADS Notes: Falabella’s expansion of its personal shopper service mirrors a wider industry trend, as seen in July 2025 with Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue investing in dedicated private shopping spaces and expert-led services to attract high-value clients. This shift is driven by the increasing importance of personalized experiences, with top-tier customers now representing a larger share of department store revenue. Simultaneously, the retail sector is embracing immersive, participatory environments and digital integration, as demonstrated by Decathlon’s video consultations and Selfridges’ AI-powered clienteling tools in May 2025. Falabella’s use of digital booking and in-store QR codes exemplifies this phygital approach, ensuring relevance for today’s digitally savvy, experience-oriented shoppers.

Falabella expands its personal shopper service in the Chilean capital

What: Galeries Lafayette is partnering with journalist and author Sophie Fontanel to curate a poetic, influencer-driven rentrée experience, blending social media storytelling with in-store product curation.

Why it is important: This collaboration demonstrates how department stores are leveraging influencer partnerships and digital storytelling to enhance customer engagement and drive experiential retail.

Galeries Lafayette’s rentrée will be animated by the creative vision of Sophie Fontanel, a prominent journalist and author known for her poetic and humanistic approach to fashion. Rather than focusing on a single designer or region, the department store is inviting customers to follow Fontanel’s curated journey through its spaces, where her seasonal favorites will be showcased in both window displays and Instagram-style mini-films. This initiative merges the immediacy and intimacy of social media content with the tactile experience of physical retail, offering a fresh perspective on product discovery. Fontanel’s selection spans established brands like Ami, Levi’s, Ferragamo, Stella McCartney, and Carven, as well as emerging labels such as Gauchère, Maison Jejia, and Zomer, with an emphasis on inclusivity and accessible price points. The campaign extends beyond the flagship Haussmann store to the entire French network, highlighting a commitment to diversity and multi-category curation, including non-leather goods and lifestyle finds. This approach positions Galeries Lafayette at the forefront of experiential, content-driven retail.

IADS Notes: Galeries Lafayette’s collaboration with Sophie Fontanel for the rentrée exemplifies the department store’s ongoing strategy of leveraging high-profile partnerships and innovative marketing to drive engagement, as seen in its recent growth and experiential initiatives (July 2025, June 2025, September 2024). The integration of Instagram-inspired mini-films and curated wish lists into the store’s visual merchandising reflects a broader industry trend, where content and commerce converge to create immersive, social media-friendly retail environments that resonate with digital-native consumers (February 2025, March 2025). This approach is further supported by the retailer’s commitment to curating a diverse mix of established and emerging brands, aligning with its €400 million investment in network optimization and its efforts to spotlight new talent through dedicated showcases and pop-ups (February 2025, March 2025, May 2025). Finally, the inclusion of non-leather goods, accessible price points, and multi-category selections underscores Galeries Lafayette’s dedication to inclusivity and sustainability, building on its recent CSR strategy and expansion of second-hand and responsible product offerings (April 2025, January 2025, December 2024).

Galeries Lafayette partners with famous French journalist and influencer

What: Falabella achieved 9.2% sales growth in the first half of 2025, driven by strong performance in fashion and its multi-specialist retail strategy.

Why it is important: The group’s results demonstrate the effectiveness of combining fashion leadership, digital transformation, and shopping center expansion to sustain regional retail growth.

Falabella’s first-half 2025 results underscore the group’s position as a leading force in Latin American retail, with a 9.2% increase in sales and a remarkable tripling of profits compared to the previous year. The fashion segment, spanning both retail stores and shopping centers, remains the primary growth driver, propelling the company’s turnover to 6.3 trillion pesos ($6.532 billion) and earnings to 556.28 billion pesos ($576.4 million). This robust performance is attributed to Falabella’s multi-specialist strategy, which integrates physical stores, e-commerce, and a diverse retail mix, enabling the company to adapt to shifting consumer preferences and market conditions. Notably, Peru and Chile delivered double-digit sales growth, while Colombia faced a modest decline, reflecting the importance of local market adaptation. The expansion and optimization of shopping centers, particularly through Plaza S.A., have further reinforced Falabella’s competitive edge, with specialty retail and digital integration playing a crucial role in sustaining momentum. These results highlight how a balanced approach to traditional and digital retail, coupled with strategic real estate investments, continues to drive Falabella’s regional success.

IADS Notes: Falabella’s 2025 performance builds on a series of strategic initiatives across Latin America, including a multi-format approach and significant investments in store openings, shopping center transformations, and logistics optimization. Peru’s contribution of 28% to regional revenue and Mallplaza’s 215% specialty retail growth exemplify the group’s ability to leverage both physical and digital channels. The company’s expansion in Colombia, supported by a major distribution center, and its customer-centric strategy have been pivotal in maintaining market leadership and driving sustainable growth, as documented in reports from February, March, May, and June 2025.

Falabella reports 9.2% sales growth in 2025 Q1

What: Manor will gradually exit food retail in German-speaking Switzerland, transferring supermarket sites to Coop and leasing its Morges location to Migros as it refocuses on Latin regions.

Why it is important: This move reflects a major shift in Swiss retail strategy, as Manor reallocates resources to strengthen its position in Latin regions while enabling market consolidation by Coop and Migros in German-speaking Switzerland.

Manor’s strategic withdrawal from food retail in German-speaking Switzerland, with the transfer of key supermarket sites to Coop and the leasing of its Morges location to Migros, signals a major realignment in the Swiss retail sector. This move is part of a broader transformation, supported by a CHF 200 million investment and a new digital strategy, which has enabled Manor to achieve record operational profits through a regionally targeted approach. By concentrating its food business on French- and Italian-speaking regions, Manor is optimizing its market segmentation and resource allocation, focusing on fresh, locally sourced products and in-store preparation. The company’s ongoing modernization of its physical footprint, including the closure of Jelmoli’s Zurich flagship and the planned opening of a new concept store in 2027, demonstrates a commitment to adapting its retail network to evolving consumer preferences and competitive dynamics. These changes reflect Manor’s ambition to reinforce its leadership in the Latin regions while navigating the challenges of Switzerland’s diverse retail landscape.

IADS Notes: Manor’s withdrawal from German-speaking Switzerland and renewed focus on Latin regions align with its April 2025 strategy of regional differentiation and digital innovation. The company’s transformation, detailed in November 2024 and March 2025, emphasizes food business development in French- and Italian-speaking areas, while the reconfiguration of its physical footprint is illustrated by the closure of Jelmoli’s Zurich flagship and ongoing investments in modernizing stores in Geneva and Lausanne.

Manor sells 3 German-speaking side’s food departments to Coop