What: The department store and Planet have opened two tax-free lounges in the El Corte Inglés stores in Barcelona and Mallorca.

Why it is important: The aim of the collaboration is to position Spain as a destination for "shopping lovers." Additionally, the service will help El Corte Inglés attract international clients.

Customers will have a VIP service which includes tax-free invoices from El Corte Inglés, advice from Planet professionals, a rest area with complimentary water and coffee, automatic refund kiosks to speed up transactions, and an area with greater privacy.

El Corte Inglés incentives recurring retail spending by rewarding 20% to those who choose a gift card and decide to reinvest the amount of VAT refund in their stores.

El Corte Inglés and Planet open two VIP VAT refund points in Barcelona and Mallorca

What: The Roxy label has opened a pop-up surfshop in Galeries Lafayette's Wellness Galerie.

Why it is important: Galeries Lafayette makes its wellness offer dynamic by featuring seasonal brands.

Roxy has a corner in the Wellness Galerie featuring swimwear, surf accessories and beachwear until June 27.

The space is inspired by the tropical nature and spirit of the Caribbean with bright colors and prints and tropical decorations.

Roxy opens a surfshop at Galeries Lafayette

What: Longchamp has remodeled its space in El Corte Inglés' Paseo de la Castellana location.

Why it is important: El Corte Inglés has around 20 Longchamp spaces in its stores and the the Paseo de la Castellana location is one of the first stores to feature Lonchamp's new global concept.

The space has a surface area of 50 square meters and is reflective of a classic Parisian flat, paying homage to the brand's heritage.

Visitors can find the brand's collections of leather goods and accessories as well as books and decorative objects that are connected to the theme and will change seasonally.

Longchamp presents its new commercial concept at El Corte Inglés Paseo de la Castellana

What: The El Corte Inglés Group exceeds EUR 15,327 million in global volume of revenue, which is 22.5% more than the previous year.

Why it is important: In addition to its growth in revenue, the group's Ebitda has reached EUR 951.4 million, 18.3% more than the previous year, accompanied by a growth in profitability.

The El Corte Inglés Group sees exceptional growth and high profits due its strong business evolution, optimisation of costs as well as management success.

The recurring net profit has reached EUR 207 million, the highest the group has experienced in recent years. The financial strength can also be attributed to the decrease in net financial debt, standing at EUR 2,295 million, the lowest level in the last 15 years.

El Corte Inglés Group grows 22.5% in global volume of revenue 

What: The luxury department store chain is opening a new store in Léon.

Why it is important: The new store will be El Palacio de Hierro's first in the Bajío region.

The store is being built in the Plaza Mayor shopping center and is set to open in October 2024, with 20% of its development currently completed.

Until the opening date arrives, El Palacio de Hierro has launched its June collection and set up a purchase point within the shopping center where customers can consult the department store's digital catalog and pick up their purchases.

El Palacio de Hierro advances in its arrival to the Mexican Bajío region

What: The Mall Group has donated 100,000 trees to support Bangkok's "Planting a Million Trees" project.

Why it is important: The donation is part of The Mall Group's move towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions as the project will help reduce greenhouse gases and increase the green area of Bangkok.

The Mall Group continues its commitment towards net zero emissions

What: Citynove, Galeries Lafayette group's property company, has revived the name "Nouvelles Galeries" for its new retail complex in Annecy.

Why it is important: The project demonstrates the strength of Galeries Lafayette's brand and positioning within its communities and France.

Citynove has revived Galeries Lafayette's former name, Nouvelles Galeries, for its retail complex as Annecy residents continued to refer to the department store as the latter despite the name change.

Construction on the new retail complex was completed in May 2022 and included the renovation of Galeries Lafayette as well as the addition of 30 new stores with a focus on local merchants.

The department store underwent a complete renovation, adding 9,000 square meters to the modernised space, which features a slide and arcade terminals.

Since opening in June 2022, the store has seen an increase in younger clientele. In 2023, sales could exceed 2019 levels with 15% being generated by foreign customers among the two million annual visitors.

How Annecy's "Nouvelles Galeries" emerged around Galeries Lafayette

What: Monocle reviews the renovation of the Annecy Nouvelle Galeries mall made by Citynove, the real estate arm of Galeries Lafayette

Why it is important: Stores need to be more than stores to attract attention and inspire customers

Nouvelles Galeries, a 1960s spaceship-like building in Annecy, France, has been revamped to better serve the increasingly pedestrian-friendly city.

French architect Manuelle Gautrand, commissioned by Citynove, undertook a 10-year renovation, adding a curving indoor promenade lined with 40 new shops beneath the existing parking area without altering the building's original structure. Six circular "satellites" were also added to blend with the existing structure and extend the building's reach to the footpath and city beyond.

To make the building more attractive, Danish architect David Thulstrup revamped the interiors with bespoke lighting and color-coded wayfinding. The renovation also aimed to attract diverse tenants, transforming Nouvelles Galeries from just a retail destination to a mixed-use space.

Looking at the new Annecy store 

What: El Corte Inglés has incorporated the SVisual sign language video interpretation service in its shopping centers in Murcia.

Why it is important: The service makes shopping more accessible and provides a better experience for deaf and hard-of-hearing customers as they can communicate with sign language interpreters in real-time throughout the store.

SVisual allows communication between deaf and hearing people in real-time through a video interpreter. The service also allows written communication via chat between the two parties.

The service will be available in all departments during all hours for any customer who requests it.

The project has been launched thanks to the close collaboration and advice of the CNSE Foundation for the Elimination of Communication Barriers, which has provided technical advice and training to the sales staff and the collaboration of the Federation of Deaf People of the Region of Murica.

The implementation of SVisual follows other steps El Corte Inglés has taken to provide accessibility services such as customer service telephone lines for disabled customers.

El Corte Inglés in Murcia incorporates a video interpreting service for deaf customers 

What: Through its To Breathe installation, Korean artist Kimsooja offers a new vision of the famous cupola. To enhance the experience, visitors can even visit the in-between dome.

Why it is important: After renovating its cupola, the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann store offers a new artistic experience

By covering the inside historic dome with a film that diffracts the sun's rays, Kimsooja creates unique and ephemeral luminous landscapes on the exterior surfaces and in the interior spaces of the dome.

A new art installation at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann store's cupola 

What: The company has been recognized for the ninth consecutive year as a "Socially Responsible Company" (ESR).

Why it is important: The recognition demonstrates El Palacio de Hierro's social commitment to ensure its operations are economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable.

The ESR badge is granted by the Mexican Center for Philanthropy AC "Cemefi" and is awarded to companies that meet the highest standards of social responsibility and sustainability.

El Palacio de Hierro's business strategy promotes social responsibility by ensuring that its operations use resources responsibly, with a long-term vision and respect for the environment.

The department store also received the recognition of "Exceptional Companies" and "Practices with a Social Dimension" in 2022.

El Palacio de Hierro has once again been established as a "Socially Responsible Company"

What: Woralak Tulaporn, Chief Marketing Officer at The Mall Group shared her views at the 12th Annual Shopping Malls Summit event in Bangkok.

Why it is important: Tulaporn discussed the future of retail which will go through experiences and sustainable success. Physical malls are considered alive and well. They are poised for a major revival.

The Mall Group shared its vision 

What: A press article about the fact that, while Galeries Lafayette are moving forward in China, their French partner is in deep trouble.

Why it is important: Strategic choices have been made by the French leader to focus on external markets, however, the damage control will be hard to make in case Hermione falls down, and might affect the group's reputation.

While Galeries Lafayette forms a partnership with a new Chinese partner, Hopson Group, the safeguarding procedure for 26 major stores in France raises questions about the company's attractiveness at the national level.

In China, the joint venture aims to open 10 major stores by 2025, with three more planned in Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Macao by December.

In France, an update occurred on April 19 at the Bordeaux Commercial Court after 25 major provincial stores were placed under a safeguard procedure in late February. These stores have been managed by HPB, the retail branch of Michel Ohayon's group, since 2018. The safeguard procedure allowed the cancellation of debts, including €40 million in merchandise, but requires continued payments to suppliers. Michel Ohayon's plan foresees repaying €700,000 per month starting in March 2024, which seems high to some employees. They worry about generating more profit in 2024 than in 2019, before the Covid pandemic.

With four months left to find buyers, the potential takeover of these stores raises concerns due to the size of the assets, required maintenance, and the low attractiveness of some locations. The situation becomes a national issue as it affects the attractiveness of 26 city centers across the country.

Galeries Lafayette in two opposite dynamics in China and France 

What: The group supports the Environment Office Bangkok by cleaning the area and improving the landscape at Benjasiri Park.

Why it is important: The Mall Group's participation in the event demonstrates their commitment to their community and the environment.

The event was presided over by the Governor of Bangkok, along with the Vice Chairman of The Mall Group, Khun Krisana Ampuch with management and staff also participating in the event.

The event included the renovation of bathrooms, door and fence repairs, CCTV inspections, and many other improvements to make the park a safe and convenient place for people to enjoy and relax.

The Mall Group participates in the Big Cleaning event at Benjasiri Park in Bangkok

What: Dior has opened a 200 square meter shop-in-shop inside El Palacio de Hierro's Monterrey location.

Why it is important: The store is the house's first location in the northern region of the country and pays homage to the ties between the brand and the country.

The boutique is located behind a façade featuring Dior's signature cannage with natural tones contrasted by wood and raffia furniture. The minimalist décor is reflective of excellence and uniqueness of Mexican craftsmanship, featuring walls that are made of traditional local material.

The space only features womenswear, but offers an exclusive selection of ready-to-wear clothing, footwear, accessories, jewelry, and handbags.

Dior opens at El Palacio de Hierro Monterrey

What: The company has come up with multiple initiatives that will be developed throughout the year to celebrate the 40th year of Club del Gourmet.

Why it is important: The initiatives will reflect the unique and innovative concept of Club del Gourmet with exclusive and special edition products.

Club del Gourmet was created in 1982, making the company a pioneer and benchmark in haute cuisine as it launched an innovative concept that brought together a delicatessen, groceries, confectionery, winery, and a small bar.

Throughout the years, the company has partnered with nearly 1,000 prestigious national and international suppliers to offer more than 4,000 products.

Club del Gourmet has undergone different image changes, adapting to current trends but always focusing on excellence and variety and with a strict and careful selection of haute cuisine products.

Among the initiative proposed to celebrate the 40 year anniversary are agreements with suppliers and special editions of the most iconic products of its offering.

 El Corte Inglés celebrates the 40th anniversary of Club del Gourmet with new products and initiatives

What: The company has implemented an innovative audit system with the objective of verifying that the analysis carried out by El Corte Inglés suppliers comply with most demanding quality parameters.

Why it is important: El Corte Inglés is the first distribution company to have AENOR audit the analytical control plan of its own-brand food suppliers.

AENOR is the leading certification entity in Spain and will verify that El Corte Inglés suppliers are in accordance with the legislation and quality criteria of the company.

The new control program will reach 256 of company's own-brand food suppliers in the first phase with plans for 274 audits in 12 months.

The objectives of the new plan include: reinforcing food safety, verifying controls that suppliers carry out on their food products, detecting weaknesses in controls and points for improvement, and greater control of batches produced and raw materials among others.

El Corte Inglés promotes an innovative audit system with AENOR for its own brand suppliers

What: According to the annual ranking of Spanish 100 Brands, El Corte Inglés is the third most valuable brand in Spain and leads the distribution sector.

Why it is important: The department store company has a brand value of EUR 6,063 million, which represents a growth indicator of 16.05% compared to 2021.

El Corte Inglés follows Banco Santander who ranked first and Zara who ranked second.

Ten other fashion brands were included in the ranking, with fashion being the second most valuable sector of 2022, accounting for EUR 17,850 million of the country's total value.

El Corte Inglés among the most valuable companies in Spain 

What: A new manager is taking over Hermione People & Brands, the company who oversees 26 Galeries Lafayette department stores.

Why it is important: The turnaround specialist, Michel Maire, joins HPB as it was placed under a safeguard procedure in February.

Michel Maire has been appointed CEO, replacing Eric Damrion who retired after working for the company for five years.

The Galeries Lafayette stores operated under HPB are located across multiple French regions and employ 1,109 people.

The Galeries Lafayette shops managed by HPB are now managed by Michel Maire

What: The Mexican department store group has ended the first quarter with a sales growth of 18%, doubling its profit and reporting a turnover of 585 million dollars, representing a compound growth of 33% compared to 2022.

Why it is important: The positive first quarter results indicate that EL Palacio de Hierro has overcome the blow of the pandemic as the department store group's net profit jumped 106%, doubling that of the previous year.

Net profit jumped 106% to almost 19 million dollars and operating flow increased 36% to 71 million dollars.

The group's digital sales also reported a growth of 35% compared to the first quarter of 2022.

El Palacio de Hierro increases sales by 18% and doubles its profit in the first quarter

What: The Spanish department store has launched its summer campaign featuring the latest trends in swimwear and accessories.

Why it is important: The campaign reinforces El Corte Ingles' leadership in the category as it offers a wide variety of the best brands and styles.

The campaign includes a wide variety of prints from tie dye, bright colors, natural tones, and monochrome options with the product offering including swimsuits, kaftans, linen garments, sandals, and accessories.

The offer includes El Corte Inglés' own brands as well as brands such as Max Mara, Liu Jo, Brownie, Alohas, Ulla Johnson, and more.

El Corte Inglés launches its "Summertime" swimwear campaign

What: Karine Viel becomes director of sustainable development and will report to Frédérique Chemaly, director of human resources and CSR for the group.

Why it is important: Galeries Lafayette will pursue its sustainable efforts with its Go for Good label which is set to account for more than a quarter of the total Galeries Lafayette offer in 2024.

Karine Viel, a graduate of HEC, made her marketing debut in the coffee and chocolate industry with the giant Kraft Foods in France for about ten years, before joining Comité 21, a structure that disseminates expertise on issues of social and environmental responsibility in large companies and administrations. This CSR expertise brought her to Monoprix from 2012. She developed the responsible offer and worked on diversity issues and environmental footprint.

On its side, Damien Pellé becomes SMCP group's CSR and corporate communication director.

Galeries Lafayette has a new director of sustainable development

What: The company has launched a themed Star Wars space at its Sanchinarro location in Madrid where customers can enjoy activities and share their passion for the saga.

Why it is important: The event is a way to attract customers into the store with different activities and a special discount on Star Wars merchandise.

El Corte Inglés Sanchinarro will be hosting a Star Wars event from May 4th to May 7th to celebrate May the 4th, international Star Wars Day.

The space includes a recreation of a Star Wars ship, an artistic area for coloring, and a gaming area where fans can play video games. A parade will also take place with surprise characters and a special 20% discount will be applied to the entire line of Star Wars merchandise on May 4th.

El Corte Inglés creates a Star Wars space in Madrid to celebrate international Star Wars Day

What: The Mall Group is resuming the expansion of its Gourmet Market branches after being put on hold for three years due to the impact of the pandemic.

Why it is important: The group is ready to move forward with opening more locations as consumer spending recovers.

The sales of all Gourmet Market branches have recovered by 80 to 90% in the first four months of the year and have also shown double-digit growth in comparison to the same period last year.

The company invested THB 100 million to open a stand-alone branch at Design Village Bangna, which will cover more than 2,500 square meters and offer more than 30,000 premium products and fresh food.

The new location looks to target families and foreigners living in Bang Na district, which is one of the most lucrative areas, as well as tourists due to the store's proximity to the airport.

The Mall Group has plans to open one to two more locations this year as well as the renovations of two existing branches.  Additionally, the company has 10 locations set aside for future openings.

Gourmet Market expansion back on track