What: Louis Vuitton is venturing into the world of Web3 with the release of a phygital trunk bag sold as an NFT.

Why it is important: This release is part of Louis Vuitton's strategy to test customer interest in digital-physical goods and NFTs. The brand recently opened a Discord server to engage with online communities and NFT holders. The addition of NFTs adds a culturally relevant digital layer to the brand's existing product strategy.

Designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, the Via Tile Trunk features the iconic Louis Vuitton checkerboard motif and made its debut at the Spring/Summer 2024 show. The digital version of the trunk is accompanied by a physical counterpart that owners can claim in March 2024. It is priced at EUR 6,000, and only available to owners of the Louis Vuitton Treasure Trunk NFTs.

The Via project by Louis Vuitton involves the release of phygital silver "Treasure Trunks" priced at EUR 39,000. The NFT tokens associated with the trunks are "soul-bound," discouraging flipping. Louis Vuitton has also enlisted influential personalities in the Web3 fashion space to advise on the project.

Louis Vuitton is selling a €6,000 digital mini trunk by Nicolas Ghesquière

What: Marks and Spencer has announced its plan to pay a dividend for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

Why it is important: Marks and Spencer's decision to pay its first post-pandemic dividend reflects the company's strong financial performance and confidence in the market.

The company reported pre-tax profits of GBP 326mn in the first half of the year, a 56.2% increase from the same period last year. The surge in profits was driven by a nearly 15% rise in food sales, reaching GBP 3.8bn. The company declared an interim dividend of 1p per share, signalling its confidence in its financial position and market performance. Following the announcement, the retailer's shares surged by 9%.

Marks and Spencer attributes its success to several factors, including favourable market conditions and resilient consumer demand. The company also benefited from the exit of competitors from the market, further strengthening its position. However, despite these positive developments, the company remains cautious about potential challenges in the future. It anticipates issues such as higher interest rates, deflation, geopolitical events, and erratic weather, which may impact its operations.

Marks and Spencer to pay first post-pandemic dividend

What: Fenwick has abandoned negotiations to open a new store in Guildford, a second tier UK City.

Why it is important: Fenwick will close its London store at the end of 2024, but seems to be looking to become a major regional player and make sure it is central in the rest of the country.

Fenwick, a UK independent department store group, has decided not to proceed with its plan to open a new store in Guildford by taking over the former House of Fraser location. The company had considered taking on a 16-year lease for the 180,000 sq ft space from Canada Life, but negotiations fell through without a disclosed reason. Fenwick has been aiming to expand its regional presence, especially after selling its London flagship store for £430 million, a move that brought the company back to profitability. This profit, amounting to £57.1m pre-tax in the 52 weeks leading up to January 28, marked a significant turnaround from a loss of £5.2m in the previous year. Despite this setback in expansion, Fenwick's CEO John Edgar reported that their existing nine stores across the UK and their online operations have been performing well amidst a fluctuating year.

Fenwick ends talks on taking over former HoF store in Guildford

What: Shein has reportedly filed for an initial public offering and is expected to become publicly traded in the U.S.

Why it is important: The filing for an IPO indicates the company's intention to go public and provides insight into its financial valuation and market strategies that made the fast fashion company grow so quickly.

The IPO is anticipated to take place in 2024. Shein reached a valuation of USD 66 billion this year, following a USD 2 billion funding round. While the company does not usually disclose financial figures, it generated approximately USD 1.38 billion in the U.K. from September 2021 to December 2022, strengthening its market share in the region.

Shein has faced scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers over its supply chain practices, prompting a congressional call to the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate allegations of forced labour. In response to these concerns, Shein has boosted its spending on lobbying in the U.S. and formed partnerships with companies like Forever 21 and Missguided to establish credibility and expand its market presence.

Shein reportedly files for IPO

What: John Lewis is teaming up with Randox Health to launch health clinics inside its stores.

Why it is important: John Lewis believes that offering healthcare and wellness services will make its stores more convenient and accessible to customers. The partnership with Randox Health will provide expertise and innovation in expanding the range of in-store services.

The clinics will offer comprehensive health checks, including tests for hormone imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, and other key health concerns.

The first clinic will open in John Lewis's High Wycombe store on December 18th, with additional clinics in Bluewater shopping centre, Cheltenham, and Gloucestershire scheduled to open in the following months. Prices for Randox Health programs will start at GBP 295.

John Lewis launches health clinics inside stores

What: Fortnum & Mason has resumed deliveries to European countries after facing Brexit-related customs challenges.

Why it is important: The move is part of the retailer's strategy to meet international demand, including plans to open a store in Dubai International Airport and explore opportunities in the US.

The company has launched a dedicated website for its EU customers and is now shipping to 15 countries from a fulfilment centre in Belgium. UK customers can also use the website to ship products to friends abroad.

Fortnum & Mason resumes delivery to the EU

What: Neiman Marcus recently hosted a Bejeweled Ball at the Hotel Swexan in Dallas, showcasing USD 140 million worth of gems to dazzle top jewellery clients and boost holiday sales.

Why it is important: The Bejeweled Ball created an intimate atmosphere for clients and brands to interact while showcasing the luxury jewellery offerings available at Neiman Marcus.

The Bejeweled Ball was the first of 500 events to be held at Neiman Marcus stores nationwide across different categories. The event marked the beginning of the holiday season and showcased the breadth of jewellery assortment available at Neiman Marcus. It featured six high jewellery vendors, including Assael, Bayco, Boucheron, Chopard, Margot McKinney, and Paul Fisher. Each vendor presented a table of pieces and offered a larger selection of merchandise in a hotel suite.

Neiman Marcus hosts Bejeweled Ball, high jewellery sales event

What: Ingka group, Ikea’s owner, bought a shopping centre in the UK and plans to open Ikea in the former Debenhams location.

Why it is important: Crisis times are bargain times for cash-rich companies.

Ingka Group, the owner of Ikea, has acquired Churchill Square in Brighton, UK, for an estimated £145m, marking its second shopping centre purchase in the country. This follows their earlier acquisition of Kings Mall in Hammersmith, London.

In both cases, Ikea is converting former Debenhams outlets into Ikea stores, aligning with their strategy to establish a presence in city centres.

The Brighton mall acquisition is part of Ingka's global expansion plan to transform traditional retail spaces into community meeting places that offer more than just shopping. Ikea is also converting the Grade II listed former Topshop flagship on Oxford Street in central London into a new store, with an opening date pushed to Autumn 2024 to preserve the building optimally.

Ikea acquires a UK shopping centre and opens in former Debenhams 

What: Mumbai, India has opened its first luxury mall, the Jio World Plaza, owned by Reliance Industries Ltd.

Why it is important: The mall aims to cater to the growing number of high-net-worth individuals in India.

The 750,000-square-foot mall is centrally located and features global luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Cartier, Bally, Giorgio Armani, Dior, Saint Laurent, and Bulgari. The opening was preceded by a star-studded event with top Bollywood actors and brand ambassadors in attendance. It also includes first-time store launches for brands like Balenciaga, Pottery Barn Kids, Rimowa, and the Giorgio Armani café. The mall's design and architecture reflect a blend of Indian craftsmanship and international luxury standards.

India’s largest luxury mall opens in Mumbai

What: Upstart footwear brands, including On Holding and Hoka, are gaining more shelf space in global retailers, challenging Nike and Adidas with their popular styles and focus on premium running shoes.

Why it is important: Market share for On Running and Hoka has increased while Nike and Adidas have experienced a decline.

These brands have been successful in attracting customers with innovative product offerings in the running and performance shoe categories. Market share for On Running and Hoka has increased while Nike and Adidas have experienced a decline. The appeal of these newer brands lies in their new aesthetic and their ability to cater to everyday runners.

Consumers in the US are willing to try out alternative brands, driven by a desire for newness and choice.

On, Hoka starting to take more retail shelf space from Nike, Adidas

What: Walmart’s shares fell last year following the realization that US consumers are acting more cautious than ever.

Why it is important: After 2 years of splurging in shopping, the US customer mood might change, but the timing is not the best, 3 weeks before Christmas. Expect some market changes as well.

Walmart has observed cautious consumer spending as the holiday season approaches, even though it has raised its sales and profit forecast for the year. The company's focus on groceries has helped mitigate the impact of reduced discretionary spending. However, Walmart's CFO noted a slowdown in purchases in late October, followed by a rebound in early November in categories like apparel and home goods. The company is preparing for a potentially less robust holiday season, reflecting the broader retail industry's sentiment.

Economic factors like higher interest rates and reduced household savings have led to uneven sales. U.S. retail sales have only marginally increased, and wholesale food inflation is showing signs of easing. Walmart's strategy of maintaining low prices has attracted a broader customer base, including high-income consumers seeking budget-friendly options. The company plans to offer price cuts for the holiday season, despite general merchandise prices falling by 3-6%.

Walmart's shares fell 7.7% on the announcement, although they had recently reached an all-time high. The company has updated its fiscal 2024 earnings forecast and now expects a higher rise in comparable sales than previously estimated. Online sales have also increased by 15%. Walmart's performance, including a higher-than-expected adjusted profit in the third quarter, reflects its adaptability in a challenging economic environment.

Walmart sees customers becoming increasingly worried

What: The Fenwick building in New Bond Street is set for a makeover, with plans submitted to Westminster Council.

Why it is important: The proposed makeover reflects the changing dynamics of the retail industry and aligns with the growing demand for office spaces.

The new plan focuses on converting the space into offices, despite its location on a prestigious luxury shopping street. Architect Foster & Partners has proposed adding new upper floors and roof terraces to the 136-year-old building, boosting floor space by 40%. The aim is to have "world-class retail accommodation" on street level and the first floor, with upmarket offices above. The building is now owned by Lazari Investments, who purchased it for around £430 million. The current mix of 12,000 sq m of retail and less than 2,300 sq m of offices will be reversed, with the new building housing just under 4,700 sq m of retail and over 16,000 sq m of offices. This retail space will consist of four units accessed from New Bond Street.

Plans for Fenwick Bond St ex-flagship mean big cut in retail space

What: Through a strategic partnership, Amazon will start selling Hyundai cars next year;

Why it is important: Although, for many safety and local regulation reasons, this is mostly a PR stunt, it also shows that the nature of e-commerce has changed, and the gap between China and the rest of the world is tightening. The use of marketplaces is the only way for department stores to expand their product categories beyond the traditional and remain on par with Amazon.

Amazon will start selling Hyundai vehicles online in the U.S. from next year, building on their previous collaboration. This service will allow customers to select, customize, and purchase a Hyundai car on Amazon.com and arrange its delivery through a local dealer. Initially established in 2018, Hyundai's digital showroom on Amazon has been expanded to facilitate this new buying process. Additionally, the 2025 Hyundai models will integrate Amazon's Alexa voice assistant. Hyundai Motor CEO Jay Chang sees this partnership as a significant step towards expanding Hyundai's portfolio and advancing into electrification and smart mobility.

Amazon to sell Hyundai cars online in 2024

What: Macy’s announces their Q3 results and their CEO, Jeff Gennette reports his last earnings reports to Wall Street before retirement.

Why it is important: Macy's Inc.'s third-quarter sales and performance, including the CEO's remarks, financial figures, and the company's strategies to address sales challenges and maintain inventory control is relevant for all stakeholders as well as reflects the industry performance.

Jeff Gennette, the CEO of Macy's, reported adjusted earnings per share of 21 cents, surpassing analysts' expectations. However, net income fell 60% compared to the previous year. Revenues for the quarter decreased by 7.8% to USD 5 billion. Despite challenging sales, Macy's maintained controlled inventory and introduced new initiatives like the On 34th private brand.

Gennette expressed confidence in his successor, Tony Spring, and emphasized the importance of a strong merchandising team and the integration of data analytics. Macys' stock rose by as much as 14.4% in morning trading following the earnings beat.

Macy's CEO Jeff Gennette reports Q3 earnings as Tony Spring prepares to take over

What: John Lewis Partnership could be raising up to GBP150 million from the sale and leaseback of 12 Waitrose supermarkets.

Why it is important: John Lewis Partnership highlights its pursuit of cost-saving strategies as part of its turnaround plan.

The stores, located in the south of England, will be marketed next week with 20-year inflation-linked leases.
The Partnership aims to triple its target for cost savings to GBP 900m by January 2026 and has initiated moves such as downsizing its London headquarters and searching for new office space. The company had to delay its five-year turnaround plan by two years due to high inflation and the cost of living crisis.
John Lewis Partnership was considering selling a minority stake in the group to raise at least GBP 1 billion for investment. However, the business would not step away from its staff-owned model after facing criticism.

John Lewis mulls sale and leaseback deal

What: Indian conglomerate Reliance posts better than expected results.

Why it is important: Retail operations contributed to the growth, thanks to their integration in a broader tech ecosystem allowing a “super app” proposal to customers.

Reliance Industries Ltd exceeded Q2F24 EBITDA predictions by 2%, primarily from impressive energy and retail sales, leading to a 27% rise in net profit to ₹17,394 crore. The company's consolidated revenue also saw a 1% increase, reaching ₹2.34 lakh crore for the quarter.

This positive performance is attributed to the completion of the 5G network and the growth of its retail ecosystem. While there were costs from commissioning MJ1, the company still surpassed Retail and O2C expectations. The company reduced its net debt by ₹8,000 crore, achieving a net debt of ₹1.2 lakh crore since March, aided by a ₹15,300 crore capital raise from retail venture stake sales.

In terms of outlook, analysts expect significant EBITDA growth for RIL's consumer sector, and it's a promising refining phase for RIL. Several financial firms maintain a positive stance on RIL's shares, citing potential growth in the retail sector and digital initiatives. Lastly, InvestingPro highlights RIL's strong financial position, noting its consistent dividend payments and growth.

Reliance Retail outperforms expectations

What: Central is planning a new project in central Bangkok, where there are already many mixed-use projects.

Why it is important: Thailand is a hub for retail and innovation, and competition is making the market accelerate significantly.

Central Pattana, a Thai mall operator, will invest THB 20 billion  (US$541 million) in a new development under the Central Park brand in Bangkok's central business district. This development will feature a shopping centre and office building, with the shopping centre set to open in Q3 2025. This venture is part of the USD 1.2 billion mixed-use Dusit Central Park project, anticipated to draw 25 million visitors yearly. Emphasizing "Legacy meets Luxury", the project aims to blend Thai heritage with global luxury standards. Wallaya Chirathivat, CEO of Central Pattana, likens the Central Park shopping centre's ambition to landmarks like New York’s Central Park. As of March's end, Central Pattana managed a vast portfolio of shopping malls, community malls, food courts, office buildings, hotels, and residences. The company recently revealed plans to construct 50 large retail projects within the next five years.

Central Pattana plans a new shopping mall in Bangkok, Central Park

What: Bloomingdale's is opening a new Bloomie's store in Seattle on November 2nd, focusing on casual and contemporary styles and convenience.

Why it is important: This expansion is part of Macy's Inc.'s strategy to create specialized off-mall formats to strengthen its presence in different markets.

The Seattle store will be curated to local preferences, featuring on-trend ready-to-wear and accessory brands such as Veronica Beard, Rag & Bone, Polo, MZ Wallace, and Alo Yoga. It will also have a shoe section with brands like Birkenstock and Vince, as well as beauty brands like Byredo and Maison Francis Kurkdjian. The store will include rotating pop-ups, trend presentations, and local food and beverage concepts. Bloomie's in Seattle will offer several brands exclusively in the Seattle market, including Sandro, Maje, and James Perse. This will be the third Bloomie's location, following Fairfax, VA, and Skokie, IL.

Bloomie’s gets set for its Seattle debut

What: Saks Fifth Avenue has unveiled "The Studio" on the 10th floor of its Manhattan flagship store as a new format aimed at attracting talent.

Why it is important: The goal is to attract talent that prefers working in the Saks ecosystem but may not be interested in traditional retail settings.

The Studio offers a space for personal shoppers, digital sellers, independent stylists, and influencers to promote and sell merchandise from Saks. The initiative is a response to the increasingly remote and independent work styles of style advisors who generate business outside traditional selling floors. The Studio provides access to Saks merchandise, along with resources such as filming sets, a photo studio, and workstations for content creation.

Saks sees this as a long-term commitment and an innovative approach to driving productivity and attracting talent. The move follows the shelving of a previous plan to open a casino on floors nine to eleven of the flagship store.

A new format for the Saks Fifth Avenue flagship

What: John Lewis is criticised for the lack of social housing in sufficient proportion in its housing programme.

Why it is important: Diversification is not easy as it forces to confront to new problematics.

London officials criticised John Lewis for planning to build a flagship development in Bromley with potentially as low as 10% affordable housing. Though John Lewis initially aimed for 20% affordable units, the Greater London Authority Planning Unit found this insufficient given the project's scale. The retailer plans to construct 353 flats above a Waitrose store. Discussions are ongoing with the goal to increase affordable housing in the development to 35%.

John Lewis criticised for its housing programme social aspect

What: André Maeder has been announced as the new CEO of Selfridges Group after its acquisition last year. Maeder will assume the role in spring 2023, following his departure as Chief Executive and Managing Director of KaDeWe Group on November 1.

Why it is important: The appointment of André Maeder could contribute to the growth and success of Selfridges and its associated European retail businesses as he has a successful track record in transforming luxury department stores.

Selfridges Group was acquired in August 2022 by a consortium led by Central Group and Signa Group. The deal was reported to be worth GBP 4 billion and included Selfridges' European retail businesses in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

Maeder will be based in London and will oversee the management and coordination of Selfridges, De Bijenkorf, and Brown Thomas Arnotts. Since joining KaDeWe Group in 2014, Maeder played an instrumental role in transforming the group's luxury department stores, including KaDeWe, Alsterhaus, and Oberpollinger.

Michael Peterseim will replace Maeder as CEO and Chair of KaDeWe Group, while Janina Schüßler and Julia Lehmann have been promoted to director positions within the company.

Selfridges Group appoints KaDeWe Group chief executive as new CEO

What: India sees a surge of retail square meters in all categories.

Why it is important: Are you ready to see India become a retail giant?

Retail space leasing surged by 46% across eight cities to 4.73 million square feet from January to September, compared to 3.23 million square feet in the same period the previous year, as reported by CBRE. Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, and Pune combined contributed to over 61% of this leasing activity.

Anshuman Magazine, CEO of CBRE in multiple regions, highlighted the impressive growth in retail absorption and anticipated a further increase due to the festive season.

The retail sector is undergoing significant transformation, with a focus on enhancing in-store experiences. The primary sectors contributing to leasing were fashion & apparel (34%), home & department stores (17%), and food and beverage (13%). The report also provided specific leasing figures for various cities.

Retail space in India is increasing +46%

What: Siam Piwat takes bold commitments in terms of clean energy and, more generally speaking, Scope 3 objectives.

Why it is important: While sustainability is not yet a selling point in Thailand, every local player is taking position in order to be perceived as the first entrant on this value proposal.

Retail developer Siam Piwat Group commits to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and plans to use 100% renewable energy by 2030. They oversee significant properties in Thailand, like Siam Paragon and IconSiam. Their sustainability drive includes forming partnerships for clean energy projects and launching the Siam Piwat 360° Waste Journey to Zero Waste initiative. They intend to transform Bangkok's Pathumwan area into a model smart eco-district. The company has integrated energy-efficient systems, installed rooftop solar panels at major outlets, and introduced electric vehicle charging stations. They also focus on waste management, aiming to divert half of their waste from landfills by 2030. With assistance from experts and collaborations, they aim to position Pathumwan as a top shopping destination while promoting sustainability. Siam Piwat's ultimate goal is to champion sustainability for Thailand's better future.

Siam Piwat commits to use 100% renewable energy by 2023

What: Fenwick has announced plans to renovate its flagship store in Newcastle as part of a GBP 40 million investment program.

Why it is important: The company aim to create a modern and inviting shopping experience to attract new customers and maintain the store's market position.

The plans have been submitted to Newcastle City Council. The renovation will include creating a new central entrance on Northumberland Street and opening up ground-floor windows; Fenwick aims to create a "next generation" store and maintain its position as the preferred shopping destination in the region.

Fenwick sets out renovation plans for Newcastle flagship