What: Breuninger launches its first North German location in Hamburg's HafenCity, featuring curated premium and affordable luxury brands and experiential shopping across three levels.

Why it is important: This strategic expansion strengthens Breuninger's omnichannel presence in Northern Germany, building on their successful digital transformation that now accounts for over 50% of sales, while establishing a physical footprint in a key urban development project.

Breuninger has marked a significant milestone in its expansion strategy with the opening of its first store in Northern Germany. The new location, which opened on 8 April 2025 in the Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier, spans 13,000 square metres across three levels. The store offers Hamburg residents and visitors a carefully curated shopping experience featuring premium and affodable luxury brands including Acne, Golden Goose, Jil Sander, Jimmy Choo, and Victoria Beckham. Beyond traditional retail, the location boasts one of the city's largest premium shoe departments and provides enhanced services such as Click & Collect, an in-house tailoring atelier, and exclusive private shopping facilities. This expansion represents a significant development for Breuninger, which was founded in 1881 and now operates 13 stores across Germany and Luxembourg, complemented by a successful online presence. The opening aligns with the broader development of the Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier in HafenCity, marking a new chapter in the company's 144-year history.

IADS Notes: Breuninger's Hamburg store opening represents the culmination of several strategic initiatives documented over the past year. In October 2024, the company completed its digital transformation, achieving over 50% of sales through online channels and implementing advanced data analytics across ten countries. This digital evolution is supported by significant infrastructure investments, as evidenced by the expansion of their Sachsenheim logistics centre, which features one of Europe's largest AutoStore systems to enhance operational efficiency. The Hamburg location, part of the Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier development announced in January 2025, exemplifies how Breuninger is leveraging these capabilities within major urban development projects, combining retail innovation with mixed-use space planning to create integrated shopping destinations.

Breuninger opened its new store in Hamburg

What: John Lewis strengthens its position in the home category through strategic brand investments, design expertise, and content creation with its new 'Foundation' magazine.

Why it is important: This development builds on John Lewis's GBP 800 million investment in retail transformation, showing how established retailers can modernise their approach to category management through content, curation, and expertise.

John Lewis is making a significant push to reinforce its position in the home products sector through a comprehensive strategy that combines design expertise, brand expansion, and content creation. The appointment of David Barrett as head of design signals the company's commitment to strengthening its in-house capabilities, while the addition of 30 new brands, including collaborations with Harlequin x Henry Holland, West Elm, and Sanderson, enriches its product offering. The launch of 'Foundation', a bi-annual home publication reaching over 250,000 customers, demonstrates the retailer's content-driven approach to customer engagement. Supporting these initiatives is the retailer's largest home marketing campaign since 2021, 'One thing can make the room', which showcases hero products from their spring/summer collections. The strategy is further enhanced by a partnership with BBC Interior Design Masters, offering the winner an opportunity to design a homeware collection with John Lewis's 23-strong in-house design team. This multi-faceted approach reflects the company's understanding that over one-third of the UK population shops with them, with home customers growing by 11% last year.

IADS Notes: John Lewis's investment in its home category builds upon several strategic initiatives implemented over the past year. In October 2024, the company embarked on making its brand "radically relevant" through innovative marketing approaches, which laid the groundwork for this new home-focused campaign. The appointment of a new head of design and launch of "Foundation" magazine aligns with the retailer's broader GBP 800 million investment in customer experience announced in February 2025, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing both physical and content-driven retail experiences. This strategy is further reinforced by their successful track record in brand curation and designer collaborations, as evidenced by their recent introduction of 49 new fashion brands, showing how the retailer effectively balances heritage with contemporary appeal across multiple categories.

John Lewis invests in home category

What: Miu Miu unveils a 'home' three-storey flagship store at SKP Wuhan's outdoors promenade K Avenue, marking its strategic expansion in central China's luxury retail landscape.

Why it is important: The opening validates SKP Wuhan's position as a new luxury retail hub, following its successful launch generating 100 million yuan in opening day sales.

Miu Miu has inaugurated its first flagship store in central China's largest city, choosing SKP Wuhan's K Avenue for its strategic expansion. The three-storey standalone store, spanning approximately 5,200 square feet, embodies the brand's innovative "home" concept through its distinctive architectural design, featuring pale brickwork and large windows that create an inviting atmosphere. The flagship's thoughtfully curated interior spans three levels, with the first two floors showcasing Miu Miu's complete collection of ready-to-wear, accessories, and footwear. The third floor elevates the luxury shopping experience with exclusive products and two private salons.

IADS Notes: The opening of Miu Miu's flagship at SKP Wuhan aligns with significant developments in China's luxury retail landscape. In July 2024, SKP Wuhan launched with remarkable success, attracting over 100,000 visitors and generating substantial opening-day sales. The development's innovative approach, combining luxury retail with experiential elements, reflects broader market trends identified in April 2024, showing major Chinese cities dedicating 16% of retail space to entertainment zones. This expansion comes as Miu Miu achieves significant growth, surpassing the €1 billion revenue mark in the latest quarter, demonstrating the brand's strong position in the evolving Chinese luxury market.

SKP Wuhan opens Miu Miu 'home' flagship 

What: Magasin du Nord reports 5% growth to DKK 3 billion turnover in 2024, doubling profits while strengthening its market position through beauty brand investments and retail format innovation.

Why it is important: This performance demonstrates how department stores can achieve growth through strategic diversification, combining property asset management with innovative retail concepts and brand investments.

Magasin du Nord has achieved remarkable growth in 2024, with turnover reaching DKK 3 billion, representing a 5% increase, and profits doubling to DKK 75 million. The company's holding entity, Emil Holding, strengthened its position with a DKK 194 million increase in equity, bringing total equity to over DKK 1.8 billion. This success is underpinned by significant property portfolio appreciation of DKK 114 million. The company's strategic investments include stakes in Danish beauty brands Relevant and Blid Care, expanding its venture portfolio. Magasin du Nord continues to innovate through its 'Small Local Stores' concept, bringing the brand closer to customers. CEO Peter Fabricius emphasises the company's focus on personalisation and customer data, aiming to enhance shopping experiences across both digital and physical channels. The strategy includes strengthening digital platforms while investing in physical stores that deliver the service and inspiration customers demand.

IADS Notes: Magasin's strong performance in 2024 builds on successful strategic initiatives throughout the year. Their innovative 'Small Store' concept has proven effective, as shown by the successful launch of their 700-square-meter store in Rosengårdcentret. The company's market strength was demonstrated during the holiday season, attracting 2.4 million visitors with one in four Danish households making purchases. This success follows a pattern of strategic growth through property portfolio management and brand acquisitions, showcasing Magasin's effective approach to retail transformation.

Magasin du Nord shows solid growth in 2024, doubling profits

What: Manor announces CHF 200 million investment plan following successful restructuring and highest operational profit in years.

Why it is important: This substantial investment, following successful restructuring and digital profitability, signals a major shift in Manor's strategy from recovery to growth, setting a benchmark for department store transformation

Manor, Switzerland's leading department store chain, is embarking on an ambitious two-year investment programme worth CHF 200 million to enhance its competitive position in an increasingly digital retail landscape. The announcement comes as the company reports its strongest operational profit in years for 2024, marking a successful transition from its restructuring phase to a growth-oriented strategy. Under CEO Roland Armbruster's leadership, Manor has achieved notable success in its digital transformation, with online operations becoming profitable for the first time and contributing between 5-10% of total revenue. While overall sales showed a slight decline compared to the previous year, the company's focus on improving profitability, particularly in e-commerce, has yielded positive results. The completion of the restructuring phase positions Manor to pursue aggressive growth strategies, balancing traditional retail strengths with digital innovation.

IADS Notes: Manor's announcement of a CHF 200 million investment plan builds upon a series of strategic initiatives throughout the past year. In November 2024, CEO Roland Armbruster outlined a comprehensive three-pillar transformation strategy focusing on fashion expansion, food innovation, and digital integration. This strategic vision has already yielded results, with the company reporting its highest operational profit in years by March 2025. The success of this transformation is further evidenced by the recent appointment of Nicolas Kröger as Chief Digital Transformation Officer in March 2025, signaling Manor's commitment to technological innovation and digital excellence. These developments demonstrate Manor's evolution from a restructuring phase to an ambitious growth trajectory, backed by significant financial investment and strategic leadership appointments.

Manor to invest CHF 200 million in the next 2 years

What: Falabella's Fmedia retail media platform achieves 30% sales growth for participating brands, with ROIs reaching 9x during key events.

Why it is important: The success of Fmedia validates the growing importance of retail media networks in Latin America, as retailers transform their digital assets into powerful advertising platforms. Falabella's annual Fmedia Day 2025 showcased the impressive growth of its retail media vertical, bringing together 150 major brands including Samsung, L'Oréal, Rosen, and Puma.

The event highlighted how Fmedia's omnichannel advertising approach has become a powerful tool for brand communication and sales growth. In 2024, over 3,000 brands invested in sponsored products, achieving sales increases exceeding 30%. The platform's success extends beyond digital, encompassing innovative physical activations including AI-powered experiences and interactive contests that engaged over 100,000 participants. Cristián Latorre, general manager of Fmedia Falabella Chile, emphasized their focus on helping partners enhance sales performance and reach the right customers through their extensive customer base. Looking ahead, Fmedia plans to expand its ecosystem with advanced digital advertising tools and enhanced reporting capabilities to drive the evolution of Retail Media in the region.

IADS Notes: As reported in February 2025, Falabella's strong financial performance has been supported by its digital transformation initiatives. The company's December 2024 announcement of a USD 650 million investment plan, including significant allocation for technological capabilities, reinforces their commitment to innovation. This aligns with their successful implementation of omnichannel strategies, enabling seamless integration of physical and digital retail experiences.

Over 120 brands join Falabella's annual Fmedia Day to explore retail media success

What: El Palacio de Hierro achieves 12% revenue growth and 30% operating profit increase in Q1 2025, reaching $650 million in sales.

Why it is important: The results demonstrate El Palacio de Hierro's continued market leadership, building on its recognition as the world's second-best department store and outperforming the broader Mexican retail sector.

El Palacio de Hierro has delivered exceptional financial results for the first quarter of 2025, with revenues increasing by 12% to reach $650 million and operating profit surging by 30% to $50 million. The company's digital sales demonstrated remarkable growth, rising 27% compared to the previous year, driven by significant improvements in its digital ecosystem and user experience. This performance is particularly noteworthy against the backdrop of broader market conditions, where ANTAD reported a 0.2% decrease in same-store sales for the department store sector. El Palacio de Hierro's success is underpinned by its extensive network of 15 flagship stores, two Casa Palacio locations, and two outlet centres, complemented by exclusive partnerships with prestigious luxury brands such as Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Hermès. The company's compound growth rate of 16.6% between 2021 and 2025 reflects its sustained market leadership.

IADS Notes:El Palacio de Hierro's strong Q1 2025 performance builds on its consistent growth trajectory, following February 2025's report of 11% revenue growth and 23% profit increase for 2024. The company's digital success reflects its ongoing transformation, highlighted by January 2025's implementation of next-generation POS solutions across 450 points of sale. The retailer's market outperformance follows its recognition in January 2025 as the world's second-best department store, while its expansion strategy continues with the successful launch of its León flagship store, which features over 200 luxury brands across 35,000 square meters.

El Palacio de Hierro achieves 12% revenue growth IN Q1 2025

What: Following successful five-store pilot, John Lewis launches nationwide repair service offering cleaning, repairs, and alterations as part of its commitment to circular economy principles.

Why it is important: This expansion demonstrates how major retailers are integrating circular economy practices into their core services while enhancing customer experience and sustainability commitments.

John Lewis has extended its repairs and alterations service to all stores nationwide following a successful five-store trial. The service, delivered in partnership with Johnsons, enables customers to drop off items for cleaning, repairs, or alterations at their local John Lewis shop, with items returned "as good as new." The initiative encompasses a wide range of services, from minor rip and seam repairs to trouser alterations, as well as dry cleaning and handbag restoration. The service extends to homeware items, including duvets, bedding, curtains, and rug cleaning. This expansion aligns with the company's broader circular economy strategy, as emphasised by Marija Rompani, director of ethics & sustainability, who notes that repair services are crucial to their commitment to product longevity and quality. The company views this as a learning opportunity to understand which circular economy models are most effective at scale.

IADS Notes: Recent developments highlight John Lewis's comprehensive approach to service enhancement and sustainability. According to Retail Gazette in July 2024 , the company's initial repair service trial with Timpson Group across five stores demonstrated strong customer engagement and environmental impact potential. Drapers' February 2025 coverage  revealed how this initiative fits within a broader £800 million investment strategy, including partnerships with luxury resale platform Sign of the Times and children's wear resale service The Little Loop. Retail Week's October 2024 interview  with Peter Ruis emphasised how these service enhancements align with the company's mission to become "radically relevant" through improved customer experiences and sustainability initiatives. This strategic evolution was further supported by Retail Gazette's August 2024 report  on the restructuring of buying and merchandising teams to better support these new service offerings. The nationwide rollout of repair services demonstrates John Lewis's commitment to combining traditional retail excellence with modern sustainability practices, setting new standards for department store services.

Women in retail – how to lead the change with John Lewis

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What: Magasin du Nord enhances its fashion offering by partnering with Swedish retailer Lindex, launching a specialised lingerie shop-in-shop concept with future category expansion planned.

Why it is important: This partnership exemplifies how department stores are evolving through strategic collaborations, combining Magasin du Nord's local market strength with Lindex's category expertise to create mutual growth opportunities.

Magasin du Nord and Lindex have announced a strategic partnership that will see the Swedish fashion retailer establish a shop-in-shop presence in Magasin's Copenhagen flagship store. The collaboration begins with Lindex's lingerie collection, leveraging the company's extensive expertise in fit, comfort, and quality. This initial phase will be followed by an expansion into women's and children's clothing throughout 2025, offering Danish customers a more comprehensive shopping experience. The partnership includes both physical and digital integration, with Lindex's full collection available online and a Danish-language website relaunch to enhance accessibility. This collaboration represents a significant step in Lindex's Nordic expansion strategy while strengthening Magasin's position as a leading fashion destination.

IADS Notes: The partnership between Lindex and Magasin du Nord aligns with the departement store's recent strategic developments. In February 2025, Magasin du Nord demonstrated its commitment to brand partnerships by investing in Danish beauty brands BLID Care and Relevant, showing how department stores are evolving beyond traditional retail models to create value and additional revenue. This approach to partnerships is further reinforced by Magasin's successful launch of its small store concept in October 2024, which emphasises the importance of format innovation and localised retail experiences.

Magasin du Nord opens a Lindex shop-in-shop

What: El Corte Inglés begins its 2025-2026 fiscal year with a significant management restructuring under CEO Gastón Bottazzini, including expanded responsibilities for financial director Santiago Bau and the creation of a Transformation Office focused on digitalization and operational integration.

Why it is important: The management changes signal El Corte Inglés' commitment to comprehensive transformation, balancing traditional retail strengths with digital innovation and operational efficiency under new leadership.

El Corte Inglés has initiated its 2025-2026 fiscal year with a major organisational restructuring, effective from March 1st. Under the leadership of CEO Gastón Bottazzini, appointed by Marta Álvarez Guil, the company has significantly expanded the role of Santiago Bau, their former Goldman Sachs banker. Bau's enhanced responsibilities now include oversight of the Transformation Office, Indirect Purchasing, Methods and Processes, and Merchandising. This restructuring follows the departure of José María Folache, the former retail business head, with his responsibilities now distributed among three executives: Laura Moreno for Fashion, Home, and Beauty; Roberto Gómez for Food and Hospitality; and Víctor Llatas for Electronics and Appliances. The company maintains continuity in other key positions, with Gabriel Mateos leading sales and established directors continuing in their roles across various divisions including Travel, Logistics, Human Resources, Technology, and Legal Affairs. This comprehensive reorganisation aligns with the company's forthcoming strategic plan, aimed at driving growth after years of adjustment.

IADS Notes: El Corte Inglés' latest management restructuring under CEO Gastón Bottazzini marks a significant evolution in its transformation journey. As reported in February 2024, Bottazzini's appointment brought a focus on e-commerce and management efficiency , leading to the strategic partnership with McKinsey in October 2024 to develop a comprehensive transformation plan . The company's commitment to change is evidenced by its February 2025 investment of EUR 428 million in store renovations and digital innovation . This transformation gained momentum with the October 2024 departure of retail director José María Folache , reflecting the new leadership's determination to implement significant changes. The restructuring builds on the company's successful transformation efforts reported in September 2024, which saw debt reduction from EUR 5 billion to EUR 2 billion . The elevation of Santiago Bau's role and the creation of the Transformation Office demonstrate El Corte Inglés' systematic approach to modernising its operations while maintaining its core retail strengths. This comprehensive reorganisation suggests a strategic shift towards a more integrated, digitally-enabled retail operation under Bottazzini's leadership.

El Corte Inglés announces a new leadership structure

What: Level Shoes celebrates Chalhoub Group's 70th anniversary through an intimate father-son dialogue in their 'In Their Shoes' series, marking a pivotal leadership transition.

Why it is important: The story illustrates how luxury retailers are adapting to changing market dynamics by balancing traditional values with innovative approaches to customer engagement.

The Chalhoub Group marks its 70th anniversary with a special edition of Level Shoes' 'In Their Shoes' series, featuring Executive Chairman Patrick Chalhoub and his son, Chief Executive Officer Michael Chalhoub. This intimate dialogue, part of the seasonal 'Come Together' campaign, offers rare insights into the family-owned luxury retailer's transformation and future direction. The conversation explores the values that have shaped their legacy while highlighting the Group's evolution from a single boutique to a regional luxury powerhouse. Patrick Chalhoub emphasises the importance of team collaboration in their success, while Michael articulates his vision for sustainable growth and long-term value creation. This generational transition symbolises the Group's ability to maintain its founding principles while embracing future opportunities and challenges in the luxury retail sector.

IADS Notes: The Level Shoes feature arrives at a transformative moment for Chalhoub Group, following Michael Chalhoub's appointment as CEO in January 2025, overseeing more than 700 stores and 65 e-commerce platforms across MENA. This transition aligns with the Group's broader modernisation strategy, evidenced by their November 2024 implementation of AI-powered solutions and cloud infrastructure. The Group's strategic focus on service excellence, particularly in key markets like Saudi Arabia, as outlined in June 2024, demonstrates their balanced approach to growth, combining traditional retail expertise with technological innovation.

Chalhoub Group marked its anniversary with Chairman and CEO's father-son talk on Level Shoes' YouTube series 

What: The John Lewis Partnership reports 73% profit growth to GBP 97 million while investing GBP 114 million in staff pay, demonstrating successful balance between business performance and employee welfare.

Why it is important: The results validate the strategy of focusing on core retail operations over diversification, while showing how retailers can balance profit growth with significant investments in their workforce.

The John Lewis Partnership has achieved remarkable financial improvement, with pre-tax profit before exceptional items tripling to GBP 126 million and overall pre-tax profit rising 73% to GBP 97 million. Total sales increased by 3% to GBP 12.8 billion, driven primarily by Waitrose's strong performance, where sales grew 4.4% to GBP 8 billion with volumes up 2.6%. The supermarket chain's success stems from strategic investments in quality food offerings, competitive pricing, and technological improvements. While John Lewis department store sales remained stable at GBP 4.8 billion, the company has maintained its focus on value through initiatives like the Never Knowingly Undersold promise, enhanced customer service, and improved product ranges. Despite the strong financial performance, the partnership continues its bonus freeze while investing GBP 114 million in partners' pay, reflecting a strategic shift towards regular staff support rather than annual bonuses. This approach demonstrates the company's commitment to balancing business growth with employee welfare.

IADS Notes: The John Lewis Partnership's tripled profits reflect a successful transformation journey documented throughout the past year. As reported in March 2024, the company made a decisive return to core retail operations, abandoning diversification plans and announcing a GBP 542 million investment program. This strategy gained momentum in October 2024 with an additional 800 million commitment to store renovations, particularly in beauty departments, which drove a 7% growth in the category. Under Peter Ruis's leadership, as detailed in February 2025, the revival of the "Never Knowingly Undersold" pledge, enhanced by AI technology, has proven particularly successful in driving customer engagement. The latest results validate this retail-focused approach, with Waitrose's 4.4% sales growth demonstrating the effectiveness of investments in quality food propositions and technology. The March 2025 announcement of a GBP 114 million investment in employee pay, replacing traditional bonuses with monthly support, shows how the Partnership is balancing business transformation with its unique employee-owned structure, marking a significant evolution in retail employment practices.

John Lewis Partnership delivers tripled profits as it continues its transformation

What: John Lewis Partnership triples profit to GBP 126m while prioritising monthly staff support over annual bonuses.

Why it is important: The decision to focus on regular staff support rather than annual bonuses, coupled with strong profit growth, reflects a fundamental evolution in retail employment practices while maintaining the Partnership's core values in an increasingly competitive market.

John Lewis Partnership has demonstrated remarkable financial recovery with profit before tax and exceptional items tripling to GBP 126m in the year to January 2025. The company's strategic focus on productivity has driven operating profit margin up by 0.9 percentage points to 2%, while overall revenue grew by 3% to GBP 12.8bn. Despite this strong performance, the Partnership has chosen to forgo staff bonuses for the third consecutive year, instead investing GBP 114m in base pay improvements. This decision reflects a significant shift in employee compensation strategy, prioritising consistent monthly support over annual rewards. The retail division has shown varied performance across categories, with menswear achieving record sales of GBP 150m and strong growth in own-brand offerings. Notable success was seen in partner brands including Reiss, Jojo Maman Bébé, and Ralph Lauren Kids, while the reinstated Never Knowingly Undersold pledge has helped maintain competitive positioning. The Partnership remains confident in achieving its GBP 400m profit target by 2028, despite acknowledging ongoing macro-economic challenges affecting customer spending power.

IADS Notes: John Lewis's latest financial results represent the culmination of a comprehensive transformation strategy initiated in March 2024 when the company returned to profitability. The significant investment of GBP 800 million announced in October 2024 has begun showing returns, particularly in operational efficiency and brand development. The revival of the "Never Knowingly Undersold" pledge in September 2024, enhanced by AI technology, has proven particularly successful, driving a 55% increase in daily website visits and contributing to improved sales performance. The company's strategic shift from annual bonuses to monthly support aligns with its March 2025 commitment of GBP 114 million to employee pay increases, reflecting a broader trend in retail workforce management. This transformation has been underpinned by significant operational improvements, including the modernisation of distribution centres and the expansion of beauty counters by 24%, demonstrating John Lewis's successful return to core retail excellence while embracing technological innovation.

John Lewis chair: 'We want to help staff every month rather than once a year'

What: Kim Hill becomes Bloomingdale's first Black furniture designer, transforming a pandemic project into a culturally significant design enterprise

Why it is important: Her appointment represents a meaningful step in retail's evolution towards greater inclusivity while demonstrating how traditional department stores can embrace artisanal craftsmanship and cultural storytelling

Kim Hill's journey from experimenting with four lawn chairs during the pandemic to becoming Bloomingdale's first Black furniture designer exemplifies the intersection of craftsmanship, heritage, and retail innovation. Her company, Hazel and Shirley, named after her mother and grandmother, creates handwoven chair sculptures that blend ancestral knowledge with contemporary design. Hill's maximalist approach challenges minimalist trends, incorporating influences from various cultural traditions while emphasising sustainability through upcycled American-made steel frames. Her work goes beyond mere furniture creation, serving as vessels of cultural memory and resilience. The partnership with Bloomingdale's represents a significant milestone in retail diversity and demonstrates the department store's commitment to showcasing unique, artisanal talent.

IADS Notes: Hill's appointment aligns with Bloomingdale's broader transformation strategy. In June 2024, the retailer began emphasising unique product curation and brand storytelling under CEO Olivier Bron's leadership. This initiative follows successful collaborations like the September 2024 Salone del Mobile.Milano partnership, which demonstrated Bloomingdale's commitment to elevating design and cultural experiences. The focus on artisanal craftsmanship and cultural narratives mirrors industry trends seen in February 2025, when Le Bon Marché launched dedicated spaces for founder-led brands with strong cultural stories.

Bloomingdale's appointed its first Black furniture designer, showcasing cultural craftsmanship

What: Breuninger launched its Spring/Summer 2025 campaign, "Art is Fashion, Fashion is Art," in collaboration with Monopol magazine, blending art and fashion through a vibrant event in Berlin.

Why it is important: This campaign underscores Breuninger's commitment to positioning fashion as a creative medium, fostering a deeper connection between the art and fashion worlds while celebrating individuality and diversity.

Breuninger, the premium fashion retailer, unveiled its Spring/Summer 2025 campaign under the theme "Art is Fashion, Fashion is Art" in partnership with Monopol, a leading art magazine. The launch event took place at Anti Berlin, a trendy venue in the city's Mitte district, attracting notable figures from the art and fashion scenes. The campaign highlights the interplay between art and fashion by showcasing artists' personalities and creative processes. A key feature of the evening was a panel discussion led by Monopol's editor-in-chief, featuring designers and artists. Guests included actors,  creators and artists from various fields.

IADS notes: By hosting such events, Breuninger aims to strengthen its ties with the art world and promote fashion as an innovative and expressive medium in Berlin, where KaDeWe lives.

Breuninger celebrates the art and fashion in Berlin

What: Employee-owned retailer John Lewis forgoes partner bonus to reinvest profits, as Waitrose drives 3% overall sales growth to £12.8 billion whilst department store sales remain flat.

Why it is important: This strategic pivot demonstrates how heritage retailers are prioritising long-term sustainability over short-term rewards, especially noteworthy given John Lewis's recent return to profitability and substantial investment commitments.

John Lewis Partnership has reported a significant financial improvement with a 73% increase in pre-tax profit to £97 million for the year ending January 25. The group's overall sales rose by 3% to £12.8 billion, primarily driven by Waitrose's strong performance, which saw a 4.4% increase to £8 billion. However, the John Lewis department store division maintained flat sales at £4.8 billion. Despite this positive financial trajectory, the partnership has decided against paying a staff bonus, prioritising reinvestment in its turnaround strategy. This decision follows a substantial pay increase earlier this year, totalling £114 million. Under new chair Jason Tarry's leadership, the company plans to inject an additional £600 million into its transformation programme this year. The retailer's preferred metric of profit before tax and exceptional items showed even more impressive growth, tripling from £42 million to £126 million. This strategic approach has also strengthened the company's financial position, with borrowing reaching its lowest level since 2002 following the repayment of a £300 million bond from cash reserves.

IADS Notes: John Lewis's decision not to pay staff bonuses despite improved profits reflects a strategic shift in its business approach. In March 2024, the company abandoned its diversification plans to focus on core retail operations, marking a return to profitability after years of losses. This pivot was reinforced in October 2024 with an £800 million investment in retail transformation, particularly in modernising stores and enhancing beauty departments. The strategy has shown promising results, with the February 2025 revival of the "Never Knowingly Undersold" pledge, powered by AI technology, driving significant increases in customer engagement. The company's current prioritisation of reinvesting profits into the business, rather than distributing bonuses, aligns with its March 2025 commitment of £114 million to employee pay increases, demonstrating a balanced approach between long-term business sustainability and staff welfare.

John Lewis will not pay staff bonus despite tripling profits

What: Bloomingdale's owned comparable sales grew 4.8%, with total owned, licensed, marketplace sales increasing 6.5%, marking its best Q4 growth performance. Full Year net sales increased 1.0%, with owned comparable sales up 1.7% and total owned, licensed, marketplace sales up 2.5%.

Why it is important: Bloomingdale's outperformed Macy's overall, demonstrating resilience in luxury retail, which continues to see demand despite broader economic pressures.

Consistent growth in both owned and licensed revenue streams highlights the success of the luxury positioning within Macy's Inc.'s portfolio.

Bloomingdale's reported 4.8% growth in Q4

What: Manor strengthens its digital transformation strategy by appointing Nicolas Kröger as Chief Digital Transformation Officer, leveraging his 17 years of omnichannel retail experience to enhance customer experience and technological innovation.

Why it is important: This strategic appointment builds upon Manor's recent CHF 50 million digital transformation investment, positioning the company to better compete in an increasingly technology-driven retail landscape.

Manor has appointed Nicolas Kröger as Chief Digital Transformation Officer, marking a significant step in the company's digital evolution. Having served as interim Chief Digital Officer for the past year, Kröger brings over 17 years of experience in international omnichannel retail, e-commerce, and strategic consulting to this expanded role. His responsibilities encompass advancing Manor's digital business operations, enhancing internal applications, developing omnichannel activities, and improving cross-process optimisation and data accessibility. The company plans to establish a practice-oriented transformation unit that will combine business process expertise with advanced technologies, including machine learning, computer vision, and predictive analytics. This strategic move emphasises Manor's commitment to measurable business benefits and swift technological implementation, with a clear focus on enhancing the customer shopping experience. Kröger's vision emphasises the crucial interplay between technology, processes, and people, recognising that digital tools achieve true value through the creativity and operational expertise of Manor's workforce.

IADS Notes: Manor's appointment of Nicolas Kröger as Chief Digital Transformation Officer in March 2025 builds upon the company's significant digital initiatives throughout 2024. This move aligns with CEO Roland Armbruster's three-pillar transformation strategy announced in November 2024, which emphasised digital integration as a key component. The timing follows Manor's successful launch of their new digitally-enhanced fashion concept in Basel and Lausanne in October 2024, supported by a CHF 50 million investment in modernising retail spaces. Kröger's appointment also coincides with Manor's ambitious plans for a new 13,000 square meter flagship store in Zurich, suggesting that his expertise will be instrumental in ensuring seamless integration of digital capabilities across both existing and future retail spaces.

Manor appoints a Chief Digital Transformation Officer

What: A cybersecurity incident at El Corte Inglés's external provider compromises customer data, prompting immediate security measures and regulatory notifications.

Why it is important: This incident underscores the growing vulnerability of retail supply chains to cyber threats, revealing how third-party providers can compromise even well-established security systems in major retail operations.

El Corte Inglés has disclosed a data breach affecting its customers' personal information through an unauthorised access incident involving an external provider. The compromised data includes identification details, contact information, and El Corte Inglés store card numbers, though the company assures these cannot be used for unauthorised transactions. The breach was detected and addressed promptly through the company's security protocols, with immediate notification to relevant authorities. The Spanish retail giant has implemented additional security measures and required enhanced protocols from the supplier to prevent future incidents. While maintaining that store cards remain secure for use across all channels, El Corte Inglés has issued precautionary warnings to customers about potential fraudulent communications, emphasising that the company never requests passwords or security codes. This incident follows a similar cyber attack on Tendam last September, highlighting increasing cybersecurity challenges in Spanish retail.

IADS Notes: The El Corte Inglés data breach occurs amid a period of heightened cybersecurity challenges in retail. In December 2024, a significant ransomware attack demonstrated the sector's vulnerability to supply chain disruptions and digital threats. This incident gains particular significance as El Corte Inglés has been actively pursuing digital transformation, investing EUR 428 million in upgrading 25 locations as part of a comprehensive strategy through 2030. The breach, coming through an external provider, highlights how even robust digital infrastructure investments can be compromised through third-party vulnerabilities, despite ongoing modernisation efforts.

Cybersecurity incident at El Corte Inglés' external provider prompts security enhancements.

What: El Corte Inglés transforms its Madrid stores with artist Luis Gordillo's work for Arco 2025, featuring large-scale installations across multiple locations.

Why it is important: This artistic collaboration demonstrates how department stores can successfully blend cultural programming with retail spaces, creating distinctive experiences that attract both art enthusiasts and shoppers while elevating their luxury positioning.

El Corte Inglés has launched an ambitious artistic collaboration with renowned Spanish artist Luis Gordillo, coinciding with the 44th edition of Arco Madrid. The project, titled 'Autobiografía Gordillensis,' encompasses three distinct installations across the retailer's Madrid locations. At the Arco fair itself, the company's stand showcases original works including 'Transmigración de Almas' and 'Nubes de tierra.' The Preciados centre's windows have been transformed into portals to Gordillo's artistic world, featuring various series including 'Paolo Ucello Four' and 'La fábrica de ostas.' The most striking intervention appears at the Serrano location, where Gordillo has oversized his 'Transmigración de Almas' work across the building's exterior façade. This collaboration builds upon El Corte Inglés's two-decade history of artistic partnerships, which began with César Manrique's window installations in 1963. The exhibition will remain accessible until March 16th, allowing visitors to experience Gordillo's distinctive artistic vision across multiple retail environments.

IADS Notes: El Corte Inglés's collaboration with Luis Gordillo represents a sophisticated evolution in retail-art partnerships, building on the company's recent cultural initiatives. As seen in July 2024 with their 'New Motel' experience at Mad Cool Festival, the retailer has been actively exploring innovative ways to integrate cultural elements into their retail spaces. This approach mirrors successful strategies employed by other luxury retailers, as demonstrated by Le Bon Marché's art exhibitions. El Corte Inglés's decision to extend the artistic intervention across multiple locations, particularly featuring Gordillo's work prominently at their luxury-focused Serrano store, demonstrates their understanding of how cultural programming can enhance premium retail positioning while creating meaningful customer experiences.

El Corte Inglés joins Madrid art fair with art installations

What: John Lewis Partnership commits GBP 114m to employee pay, raising minimum hourly rates to GBP 12.40 nationwide and GBP 13.85 in London, benefiting 99.3% of its workforce.

Why it is important: This substantial investment reinforces the retail sector's shift towards competitive compensation packages, following M&S's GBP 95m commitment and reflecting an industry-wide recognition of employee value in driving business success.

The John Lewis Partnership has announced a significant GBP 114 million investment in employee compensation for 2025, building upon its GBP 116 million commitment from the previous year. This comprehensive pay package will benefit 65,000 employees, with 99.3% of partners receiving increases. The retailer has allocated GBP 88 million of this investment specifically for voluntary pay increases above the National Minimum Wage threshold. Store employees will see their pay rise by 7.4%, with high performers eligible for an additional 2% increase, potentially reaching 9.4%. The minimum hourly rate for staff outside London will increase from GBP 11.55 to GBP 12.40, while London-based employees will see rates rise from GBP 12.89 to GBP 13.85. For those in specialist roles requiring enhanced skills, pay rates will reach GBP 13.39 per hour, increasing to GBP 14.96 within the M25. This investment brings the partnership's total pay enhancement to GBP 295 million over the past three years, with standard hourly rates showing a 25% increase during this period.

IADS Notes: The retail sector has witnessed unprecedented investment in employee compensation since March 2024, when John Lewis initiated a GBP 116 million pay boost. This trend gained momentum with M&S's GBP 95 million commitment in March 2025, establishing new industry benchmarks. The focus on employee development is further evidenced by John Lewis's February 2025 milestone of 5,000 apprentices, demonstrating how major retailers are combining competitive pay with career progression opportunities. This latest GBP 114 million investment reinforces the industry's recognition that employee satisfaction and retention are crucial for maintaining competitive advantage in the evolving retail landscape.

John Lewis Partnership to invest GBP 114m in pay

What: Falabella expands regional presence with new flagship store in Viña del Mar as part of shopping centre's $50 million development.

Why it is important: This investment showcases how successful retailers are balancing regional expansion with strategic location selection, particularly within renovated shopping centre environments.

Falabella is set to strengthen its presence in Chile's Valparaíso region with a significant new store opening in Viña del Mar's Espacio Urbano 15 Norte complex. The three-floor, 9,000-square-metre department store represents Falabella's first shopping centre location in the region and will serve as its regional flagship. CEO Tomás Platovsky emphasises the store's role in delivering an enhanced shopping experience, featuring comprehensive product categories including clothing, beauty, footwear, home, and technology. The development is part of a broader $50 million investment in the shopping centre, which spans 125,000 square metres and will include new brands, an upgraded food court, and expanded entertainment spaces. The project demonstrates Falabella's commitment to regional growth while creating significant employment opportunities, with 200 of the development's 1,500 new jobs dedicated to the Falabella store.

IADS Notes: Falabella's new 9,000-square-metre store in Viña del Mar aligns with the company's broader expansion strategy outlined in December 2024, when it announced a $650 million investment plan for 2025, including $450 million dedicated to store openings and shopping centre transformations. This development comes as Falabella demonstrates strong financial performance, with February 2025 reports showing an eight-fold profit increase to €486 million in 2024. The creation of 200 new jobs at the Viña del Mar location reflects the company's commitment to local economic development while expanding its physical retail presence, supporting its position as a leading retailer in the region.

Falabella to open a new store in the Valparaiso region

What: The Mall Group secures four prestigious Future Trends Awards 2025, recognizing its innovations in digital technology, strategic development, and workplace culture, while highlighting Chairwoman Supaluck Umpujh's transformative leadership in Thailand's retail sector.

Why it is important: These accolades validate The Mall Group's comprehensive approach to retail transformation, combining technological innovation, physical development, and talent management to create new standards for the industry in Southeast Asia.

The Mall Group has reinforced its retail leadership by securing four significant awards at the Future Trends Awards 2025, demonstrating excellence across multiple dimensions of retail innovation. The company's digital transformation was recognized through the Most Innovative award, acknowledging their pioneering implementation of AI and AR technologies in enhancing customer experiences through the M Card application. The Most Future Brand award celebrated EMSPHERE's revolutionary concept, which redefines retail by seamlessly integrating shopping and entertainment on Sukhumvit Road. Their commitment to workforce development earned them the Most Attractive Employer award for under-35 employees, highlighting their success in creating an inclusive, innovation-driven workplace. The "Leader of Leader" award presented to Chairwoman Supaluck Umpujh acknowledged her four-decade contribution to transforming Thailand's retail landscape. These achievements reflect The Mall Group's successful strategy in balancing technological advancement, physical retail development, and organizational excellence.

IADS Notes: The Mall Group's multiple awards at the Future Trends Awards 2025 reflect its comprehensive transformation strategy throughout 2024-2025. The success of their digital initiatives, reported in July 2024, demonstrated innovative implementation of AI and AR technologies for enhanced customer experiences , while the successful launch of EMSPHERE in December 2023 with a USD 403 million investment established a new benchmark for integrated retail and entertainment destinations . This transformation gained further recognition in February 2025 when CEO Supaluck Umpujh received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Retail Leaders Circle Global Forum , acknowledging her vision in combining world-class retail experiences with cultural sensitivity. The group's technological excellence was validated in September 2024 with their award-winning AR navigation system, which achieved a 31% increase in customer engagement . These achievements build on their broader strategic growth, recognized in November 2024 through multiple industry accolades , demonstrating The Mall Group's successful balance of digital innovation, physical retail development, and customer experience enhancement. This comprehensive approach to retail transformation has positioned The Mall Group as a leader in shaping the future of retail experiences in Thailand and beyond.

The Mall Group Triumphs at Future Trends Awards 2025

What: Lifestyle International's The Twins Tower I in Kai Tak achieves 95% occupancy, attracting major luxury brands and establishing a new retail destination in East Kowloon.

Why it is important: The successful launch demonstrates Hong Kong's retail market evolution, as developments shift towards integrated lifestyle experiences combining luxury retail, dining, and entertainment to meet changing consumer preferences.

Lifestyle International's (SOGO Hong Kong) new shopping complex in KaiTak, East Kowloon, represents a significant development in Hong Kong's retail landscape. The 1.1-million-square-foot development has successfully attracted a diverse mix of 480 brands, including luxury retailers like Chanel, Dior, and Coach, alongside sports fashion brands such as Nike and Adidas. The project's "sportainment" concept combines traditional retail with entertainment and dining experiences, including a three-floor Restaurant Park and a 19,185-square-foot sky garden. The development's anchor tenant, SOGO KaiTak, which relocated from Tsim Sha Tsui, features Hong Kong's largest beauty destination in East Kowloon and an extensive Baby Mart. The project's 95% occupancy rate at launch demonstrates strong market confidence in the area's potential as a new core business and lifestyle destination.

IADS Notes: The Twins' success aligns with broader trends in Hong Kong's retail transformation. In December 2024, SOGO's successful relocation to KaiTak marked a significant shift in retail geography, while data from July 2024 showed luxury brands expanding their footprint in new developments. This evolution reflects changing consumer preferences, as noted in March 2025 research showing visitors increasingly seeking experiential retail destinations. The development's integrated approach mirrors successful projects like K11 Musea, which demonstrated in September 2024 how combining luxury retail with lifestyle experiences can drive significant growth.

Luxury brands flock to Lifestyle Inc.'s (SOGO Hong Kong) first mall tower in KaiTak