What: Magasin du Nord has laid out a new strategy with a multi-million dollar investment in remodelling its stores.

Why it is important: The department store's goal is to modernise and strengthen its stores to meet the needs of future generations.

Magasin du Nord is accelerating a DKK 70 million investment plan, which focuses on strengthening its stores and its positioning in the battle for customers.

The modernisation of the stores will focus on a more agile and customer-friendly interior design.

Statistics Denmark reported retail sales increasing by 1.6% from March to April, however, clothing sales fell by 0.6%. At Magasin, the message is that there is a new and slightly greater optimism among customers.

The first investments in the project are aimed at two stores in Aarhus and Lyngby, which will be remodelled in the coming months.

Magasin states that it is seeing more younger consumers in the store. At Aarhus, more than 50% of customers are between 15-29 years old, with the same group making up 27% of customers in Lyngby.

The department store's Aarhus location had the second most visitors last year with 2.9 million.

Magasin will rebuild for millions despite pressure on clothing sales

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: The department store group is reinforcing its sustainable offer and various circular economy projects based on its Sustainability Policy which is approved by its Board of Directors.

Why it is important: The company has already reduced its emissions by more than 60% since 2017 and almost all the energy it consumes is guaranteed CERO emissions.

El Corte Inglés has strengthened its climate neutrality efforts and circular economy projects, reducing its emissions by over 60% since 2017 with almost all the energy it consumes guaranteed zero emissions.

Its sustainability policy framework drives responsible social and environmental action by its Board of Directors, management, employees, suppliers, customers, and other interest groups with a purpose of promoting sustainability in all aspects of its corporate culture.

El Corte Inglés works on three fundamental environmental axes: climate neutrality, sustainable offer, and circularity.

The company currently offers over 122,000 sustainable products including fashion, home, technology, leisure, and food, with almost half being products from its own brands.

All 140 of its large centers and platforms have AENOR zero-waste certification, with most of its small-format stores set to be certified by 2025.

The management system implemented demonstrates that at least 90% of its waste generated is managed and recovered, avoiding deposits in landfills.

The company is committed to increasing its sustainable assortment by 5% every year.

El Corte Inglés advances in its climate neutrality by reinforcing its sustainable offer and circular economy projects 

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: El Palacio de Hierro they have confirmed that Jacquemus is available on their e-commerce platform, and also in 4 physical locations.

Why it is important: Simon Porte Jacquemus incorporates the fashion proposal of his Parisian brand into the portfolio of El Palacio de Hierro, the most important luxury department store chain in the country.

Customers can shop the brand online and in their Interlomas store, in the State of Mexico; the Monterrey branch; and finally, a double in Mexico City, betting on its stores in Polanco and Santa Fe.

Customers will find Jacquemus' iconic bags, to shoes and prêt-à-porter pieces.

Jacquemus' Parisian chic touch arrives at El Palacio de Hierro 

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: The department store's exclusive brand, Chester & Peck, has collaborated with the Colombian firm Della Terra to launch a new sustainable fashion collection.

Why it is important: The collection has been made with sustainable materials and aims to be environmentally friendly by committing to the use of clean energy, responsible suppliers, and recycled packaging.

The collection includes versatile and comfortable pieces, made with organic and sustainable components including textiles such as linen, organic cotton, Tencel, and cupro; it also features a range of natural colors such as green, brown, beige, and white and has a price range of MXN 629 to MXN 2449.

Packaging for the collection includes labels made of 100% recycled PET, recycled cardboard, and bags made from biodegradable corn. Additionally, clean energy and responsible suppliers have been used to produce the collection.

El Palacio de Hierro joins forces with Della Terra to launch a sustainable fashion capsule

What: The department store is hosting a Jean Paul Gaultier exhibition at its Polanco store in celebration of Pride month.

Why it is important: The exhibition is a creative initiative to celebrate the community and features limited edition fragrances from the French luxury house with proceeds supporting the LGBTQIA communities.

Located on the first floor of El Palacio de Hierro Polanco, visitors can find five dresses from Jean Paul Gaultier's historical archive as well as limited edition fragrances for Pride.

El Palacio de Hierro installs an exhibition of Jean Paul Gaultier

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: 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: 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: Loewe's capsule summer collection can be found at Galeries Lafayette until June 1.

Why it is important: The Spanish brand has taken over the department store's windows and Mogador entrance as well as the atrium of the men's store and a corner of the shoe department.

Galeries Lafayette hosts Loewe Paula's Ibiza pop-up

What: Breuninger has given its online shops a new design in all ten markets.

Why it is important: Breuninger is making online shopping more attractive with larger product images and more modern design language.

The redesign, including the storytelling and content was carried out in-house by Breuninger.

The company is focusing on its omnichannel strategy and its brand by creating a unique shopping experience not only in store but also online.

Breuninger relaunches online shop 

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: 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: 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: 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: The Mall Group is rebranding The Mall to the The Mall Life Store and making its Bangkapi and Bang Khae stores a flagship landmark.

Why it is important: The Bangkapi and Bangkhae stores will support the strategic plans to develop the areas into commercial and residential areas of Bangkok.

The transformation of the stores are part of a development plan in Bangkok to raise the quality of life of urban people and meet the needs of every generation.

The new look and rebranding of the stores will be completed in December.

The Mall Group transforms The Mall Life Store Bangkapi and Bang Khae

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

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 Société des Grand Magasins (SGM) has obtained a loan from a French banking network to ensure most of the acquisition of the Parisian department store and its branch in Parly 2.

Why it is important: The finalization of the takeover is becoming clearer as the group also received approval from the Competition Authority.

SGM obtained a loan on May 26, allowing it to provide most of the financing for the acquisition.

The group also obtained approval from the Competition Authority for this operation and received the favourable opinion of the representatives of the BHV staff.

SGM group obtains its financing and the authorization to acquire BHV

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