What: Hyundai is looking at making its international visitors loyal by designing a specific program for them.

Why it is important: All Asian retailers are now engaged in trying to lure in the regional customer through new programs. Discounts and value for money remain the norm for such programs.

Hyundai Department Store has launched H Point Global, a new membership service specifically tailored for foreign customers. This initiative is aimed at boosting tourism in South Korea and expanding the department store's international customer base. H Point Global centralizes services from Hyundai's various retail outlets, department stores, and duty-free shops, allowing members to enjoy benefits across the brand's locations. Foreigners can easily join the program by downloading the H Point Global app from the Hyundai Department Store’s website and registering their passport details.

Members of H Point Global are entitled to a range of perks. They can accumulate points up to KRW 100,000 and receive special discounts and rebates of up to 7% on purchases at Hyundai department stores and duty-free shops. Additionally, the membership card facilitates easy booking of reservations at select restaurants within Hyundai's store chain, including The Hyundai Seoul, popular among international visitors. The program also offers convenient booking services for taxis and other amenities, with service providers linked directly to the membership cards.

Hyundai Introduces Membership For Foreign Shoppers

What: Martine Rose, in her role as Clarks' first-ever guest creative director, has launched a debut collection showcased in an experiential pop-up at Selfridges' Corner Shop, designed to evoke nostalgia and comfort reminiscent of the 1980s.

Why it is important: This collaboration not only introduces Rose's unique take on Clarks' classic styles but also aims to rejuvenate the brand's mid-market segment, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design and engaging customers in a novel retail experience.

Martine Rose has transformed Selfridges' Corner Shop into a series of retro bedrooms for her debut collection with Clarks, where she serves as the brand's inaugural guest creative director. The pop-up, designed by Polly Philp, aims to recreate the comfort and familiarity associated with Clarks in the 1980s, inviting customers to experience the collection in a homely setting.

The collaboration highlights Rose's ability to draw people into immersive scenarios, a trait evident in her fashion shows. The pop-up features new shoe designs, exclusive merchandise, and a foot-measuring service, harking back to many people's first experiences with Clarks. This service aims to evoke a sense of bespoke luxury, a hallmark of the brand's customer experience.

Rose's collaboration with Clarks is driven by a genuine synergy between her creative vision and the brand's ethos. Clarks, deeply rooted in UK and Jamaican culture, presents an ideal partnership for Rose, who aims to bring attention to the brand's extensive yet underappreciated mid-market range. By reimagining classic styles with modern twists, Rose seeks to inject fresh energy into Clarks' evergreen items, such as men's brogues, women's heeled loafers, and walking sandals.

The Martine Rose x Clarks collection, featuring reimagined classics in vibrant colors and unique designs, will debut at Selfridges before traveling to other global destinations. This collaboration represents a strategic effort to enhance Clarks' brand appeal and connect with a broader audience through innovative design and engaging retail experiences.

Martine Rose takes over Selfridges’ Corner Shop with Clarks

What: The WindowsWear Awards 2024 recognized the best in visual merchandising, display, and media across 26 categories, celebrating outstanding work in window displays, pop-ups, lighting, interiors, and more

Why it is important: These awards highlight the importance of experiential and immersive visual merchandising in the retail industry, showcasing how brands are increasingly focusing on creating engaging experiences for customers.

The WindowsWear Awards ceremony, held at Nebula in New York City, brought together over 500 guests to honor excellence in visual merchandising and related fields. With awards spanning 26 categories, the event underscored the retail industry's shift towards immersive and interactive customer experiences. Macy’s was recognized for the best window display, while Harrods took home the award for the best holiday window. Other notable winners included Tiffany & Co. for best interior, Michael Kors for best pop-up, and Marc Jacobs for the best installation of the year.

The awards process involved a democratic voting system where thousands from the WindowsWear community and beyond cast their votes online. The selection process began with a review of around 5,000 photos by the WindowsWear creative team, who then nominated nine contenders per category. The event also featured a special Simon Doonan Award, which went to Swarovski this year.

The WindowsWear Awards not only celebrate the creativity and innovation of brands and retailers in visual merchandising but also highlight the growing trend of creating tactile, engaging experiences that resonate with consumers. The event emphasizes the retail industry's recognition of the significant investments and efforts made in visual projects and the importance of acknowledging those behind the scenes who bring these creative visions to life.

Macy’s, Saks, Kors among the WindowsWear Award winners

What: GIC Private Ltd., representing the Republic of Singapore, has acquired a significant stake in Kohl’s Corporation, amassing 5.5 million shares, which translates to just over a 5 percent ownership. This move positions GIC among the major institutional holders of Kohl’s stock, joining the ranks of Blackrock, Vanguard, and others.

Why it is important: GIC's investment in Kohl’s is noteworthy as it underscores the growing interest from international investors in the U.S. retail sector, particularly in companies like Kohl’s that are in the midst of strategic turnaround efforts. The investment by a prominent sovereign wealth fund highlights the perceived long-term value in Kohl’s, despite the challenges the retailer faces. It also reflects the broader trend of sovereign wealth funds actively seeking diversified investment opportunities in global markets.

Kohl’s Corp., currently engaged in efforts to revitalize its business, has attracted a new major shareholder in GIC Private Ltd., a sovereign wealth fund representing Singapore. With a purchase of 5.5 million shares, GIC now holds just over a 5 percent stake in the company. This development was followed by a positive reaction in the stock market, with Kohl’s shares rising 3.2 percent. GIC's investment is part of Singapore's broader strategy to manage its financial assets for long-term growth, emphasizing the fund's confidence in Kohl’s potential for recovery and growth amidst its ongoing turnaround initiatives. Additionally, Vision One Management Partners has also shown interest in Kohl’s, suggesting potential for further shareholder engagement and strategic shifts.

Singapore takes large stake in Kohl’s

What: A piece from The Economist on the reasons why Costco is faring so well in terms of bottom line.

Why it is important: 2 notions - private paid membership and private labels - are described to be key success factors.

Costco's success is attributed to its low-margin, membership-based business model, offering high-quality products at the lowest prices, and a limited selection of items to enhance buying power and quality focus. Its membership fees significantly contribute to operating profits, with a high renewal rate indicating customer loyalty. Costco's efficient inventory turnover and expansion of its Kirkland Signature brand further boost its financial health. Additionally, Costco's exceptional employee treatment, with above-industry wages and low turnover, underscores its operational excellence and future growth prospects.

Why Costco is so loved

What: Finnish retailer Stockmann is proposing a name change to Lindex Group plc, reflecting the growing significance of its successful womenswear division, Lindex.

Why it is important: This rebranding aims to better represent Lindex's dominant role within the group, highlighting its contribution to the company's revenue and performance. The move also signals a strategic shift, focusing on the thriving Lindex brand while exploring options for the traditional department store segment.

Stockmann, a retailer with a long history of department store operations across Finland, Scandinavia, the Baltics, and Russia, is set to undergo a significant transformation. Following a strategic review initiated last autumn, the company's board has recommended changing its name to Lindex Group plc. This decision underscores Lindex's critical contribution to the group, with the brand accounting for two-thirds of last year's revenue and generating an impressive adjusted operating result. Despite the proposed name change, the Stockmann department stores and online presence will continue to operate under the established Stockmann brand, maintaining its market identity. The final decision on the rebranding will be subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting scheduled for March 21. Meanwhile, Stockmann is actively evaluating strategic alternatives for its department store business, with conclusions expected within the year. This strategic pivot reflects the company's adaptation to changing market dynamics and its commitment to leveraging the strengths of its more profitable divisions.

After review, Stockmann confirms it wants name change to Lindex

What: Shopping centers managed by Cushman & Wakefield in Spain experienced an 8% increase in sales in 2023, with significant growth in sectors like fashion, leisure, cinema, video games, and perfumery and cosmetics.

Why it is important: This growth highlights the resurgence of physical retail, particularly in the fashion sector, and indicates a positive trend in consumer footfall and occupancy rates within Spanish shopping complexes.

In 2023, the 35 shopping centers in Spain managed by real estate giant Cushman & Wakefield reported an 8% increase in sales compared to the previous year. This growth was particularly notable in the fashion sector, which saw a 7% increase and played a crucial role in the revival of physical retail. The report also highlighted significant sales increases in leisure (17%), cinema (29%), video games (26%), and perfumery and cosmetics (17%).

Footfall in these shopping centers grew by 6%, with an impressive occupancy rate reaching 95%. Cushman & Wakefield also successfully completed 209 operations, marketing 95,000 square meters of space. Additionally, Via Outlets, another shopping complex operator, reported double-digit sales growth in its Spanish centers, with Sevilla Fashion Outlet and Mallorca Fashion Outlet experiencing 23% and 17% increases, respectively.

These figures not only demonstrate the vitality of the physical retail sector in Spain but also underscore the strategic importance of sectors like fashion in driving consumer engagement and sales. The overall performance of Cushman & Wakefield-managed centers and Via Outlets' positive results reflect a broader trend of recovery and growth in the retail industry, offering optimism for the future of physical retail spaces.

Cushman & Wakefield's shopping centers in Spain see 8% sales increase in 2023

What: Younger Chinese customers are increasingly ditching branded handbags for inventive homemade creations.

Why it is important: Price is also a factor for this new trend, suggesting that the international boon Chinese tourism used to represent might be in fact disappearing.

A burgeoning trend in China sees youngsters ditching brand-name bags for inventive homemade creations like reused grocery totes and promotional giveaways. Dubbed "Shenzhen Bags," these quirky finds blend function with style, resonating particularly with city dwellers seeking affordable, comfortable, and earth-friendly accoutrements. Beyond aesthetic expression, this movement signifies a paradigm shift in consumption priorities, steering clear of flashiness and leaning towards simpler lives rooted in necessity, resourcefulness, and concern for the planet. Reflecting increased financial savviness, some suggest that resources once spent solely on showcase pieces might redirect towards meaningful endeavors, fostering holistic development. Notably, this grassroots craze presents entrepreneurship avenues, boosting sectors tied to accessible, durable wares.

Young Chinese customers are shifting their views on luxury handbags

What: Le Bon Marché has teamed up with Collector Square to launch a service allowing customers to sell their luxury watches, bags, and jewellery directly to the department store. This service builds on a three-year partnership where Collector Square has operated a pop-up within Le Bon Marché, selling high-end second-hand jewellery and watches.

Why it is important: This initiative offers a unique and exclusive service to Le Bon Marché customers, providing them with an immediate option to sell their luxury items for store credit, enhancing their purchasing power within the department store. It reflects the growing trend of sustainability and the circular economy in the luxury market.

Le Bon Marché, in collaboration with Collector Square, has introduced a new service that allows customers to sell their luxury watches, bags, and jewellery directly at the Parisian department store. This service, which started in February, involves on-site expertise of the items, with customers being notified within 48 hours if their items are selected for purchase. The compensation for sold items is provided in the form of vouchers, offering 105% of the trade-in value for loyalty card holders, thereby increasing their purchasing power within Le Bon Marché.

Osanna Orlowski, co-founder of Collector Square, expressed enthusiasm about providing this exclusive and unique service to Le Bon Marché customers, emphasising the benefits of immediate redemption of luxury products. The items bought by Collector Square are then resold on their web platform, which features over 15,000 authenticated objects from prestigious brands such as Hermès, Chanel, Fendi, Rolex, and Cartier. This initiative not only enhances the shopping experience at Le Bon Marché but also supports the sustainability efforts by promoting the resale and reuse of luxury goods.

Le Bon Marché partners with Collector Square for luxury item buyback program

What: H&M has launched a new store concept in New York City's SoHo, featuring its first "Pre-Loved" secondhand shop-in-shop in North America, alongside advanced technological enhancements aimed at improving the shopping experience.

Why it is important: This initiative marks a significant step in H&M's commitment to sustainability and resale, aligning with the growing consumer demand for secondhand fashion. By integrating resale directly into its retail environment, H&M is not only expanding its sustainable offerings but also embracing technological innovations to enhance customer convenience and personalization, setting a new standard for the retail industry.

H&M's latest store in SoHo, New York City, represents a bold move towards integrating secondhand fashion into the mainstream retail experience. This nearly 10,000-square-foot store, designed as an homage to SoHo's art galleries, includes H&M's first "Pre-Loved" secondhand shop-in-shop in North America, curated in collaboration with local vintage fashion seller James Veloria. The store also boasts several technological features aimed at enhancing the shopping experience, such as mobile checkout, RFID-enabled inventory tracking, in-store pickup lockers for online orders, and smart mirrors in fitting rooms that offer personalized recommendations. This new concept store, larger than H&M's Williamsburg location, emphasizes H&M's focus on sustainability, convenience, and an elevated shopping experience tailored to the SoHo neighbourhood's fashion-forward community.

H&M introduces innovative store concept with secondhand shop-in-shop in NYC's SoHo

What: Neiman Marcus Group (NMG) has terminated its commercial relationship with Farfetch following the latter's acquisition by Coupang. This decision affects plans for re-platforming the Bergdorf Goodman website and app, as well as the inclusion of Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman in the Farfetch online marketplace.

Why it is important: This move signals a significant shift in NMG's strategy for expanding its digital and e-commerce capabilities, especially regarding its international e-commerce ambitions. With Farfetch now under Coupang's control, NMG must seek alternative technological solutions to achieve its goals of engaging in e-commerce internationally and enhancing the luxury retail experience.

Neiman Marcus Group's decision to end its working partnership with Farfetch comes as a response to Farfetch's financial struggles and subsequent acquisition by Coupang. The partnership was initially aimed at leveraging Farfetch's technology and services to expand Bergdorf Goodman's and potentially Neiman Marcus's e-commerce presence internationally. Despite the termination of this partnership, NMG remains committed to investing in technology to support its digital transformation and international e-commerce ambitions. Farfetch, now stabilized by Coupang's investment, continues to work with numerous brands and boutiques worldwide, focusing on providing an elevated online luxury experience. As NMG explores alternative tech solutions, the future of Farfetch's minority stake in NMG and the broader implications for both companies' digital strategies remain to be seen.

Neiman Marcus Group severs commercial ties to Farfetch

What: Creditors of Signa Group's key subsidiaries are seeking to replace the management due to concerns over the handling of asset sales.

Why it is important: The move underscores the tension between the creditors and the current management over the transparency and strategy of liquidating assets worth hundreds of millions. This situation highlights the challenges in managing insolvency processes and protecting creditor interests, especially in complex international business structures.

Creditors of Signa Group, a major property conglomerate known for owning prestigious assets like Selfridges in London and the Chrysler Building in New York, are pushing for a significant change in management. The group's financial turmoil has led to a call from international lenders, representing claims of over €3 billion, for more transparency and fairness in the asset liquidation process. They argue that properties are being sold or transferred under questionable conditions, potentially favoring a close circle of Austrian investors.

Despite Signa Holding being under independent administration, the subsidiaries that hold most of the group's valuable assets are still controlled by appointees of René Benko, Signa's founder. This arrangement, allowed by Austrian insolvency law, has led to a "self-administration" phase, which critics say lacks visibility and could harm creditor interests.

The situation escalated with creditors, including major German insurance companies, formally requesting the end of this self-administration phase for Signa Prime, one of the subsidiaries. They suggest that the management's decisions could significantly harm creditors and have proposed appointing an independent real estate expert to oversee a more transparent liquidation process.

The controversy also extends to Signa Development, with creditors demanding an independent administrator take over. The lack of communication and clarity on financial transactions has been a major concern, highlighting the broader challenges and implications of managing insolvency within large, international groups.

Signa creditors push to oust management over property fire sale fears

What: Harrods MD Michael Ward shares optimism about the luxury department store's appeal to affluent Chinese customers, despite the UK's discontinuation of tax-free shopping for tourists.

Why it is important: The luxury retail sector, particularly in the UK, has been impacted by the removal of VAT-free shopping, affecting tourist spending. Harrods' strategy to focus on the ultra-wealthy, however, positions it uniquely to continue attracting high-net-worth individuals from China and elsewhere, indicating a tailored approach to maintaining sales momentum amidst broader market challenges.

Harrods, under the leadership of MD Michael Ward, remains confident in its ability to attract and retain Chinese luxury shoppers, a key demographic for the iconic London department store. Despite the broader luxury retail sector's concerns over the UK's elimination of tax-free shopping for tourists, Harrods' targeted approach towards the world's top 0.1% wealth bracket has enabled it to sustain growth and appeal to those seeking exclusive, high-end products.

In 2023, Chinese customers accounted for about 4% of Harrods' sales, with a growth rate of 7%, and expectations for this to accelerate through 2024. Ward's strategy involves focusing on ultra-high-net-worth individuals rather than mass tourism, building long-term relationships with wealthy clients who seek unique products not available elsewhere. This approach is anticipated to bolster Harrods' position as a destination for luxury shopping, drawing affluent Chinese customers to London.

Ward also addressed the broader trend of Chinese luxury spending abroad, suggesting that it may not return to pre-pandemic levels due to China's development of a domestic luxury market and tax-free shopping zones. However, Harrods' international outreach, exemplified by the opening of a private members' club in Shanghai, aims to maintain close ties with its Chinese clientele. This exclusive club, which targets up to 250 members, underscores Harrods' commitment to offering unparalleled experiences and maintaining its reputation among the global elite.

Harrods optimistic about attracting china's wealthiest despite tax-free shopping end

What: For the first time, online shopping has accounted for over half of Korea's total retail sales in a year, marking a significant shift in consumer behaviour towards digital platforms.

Why it is important: This milestone underscores the growing influence of technology in retail, highlighting the convenience of faster deliveries and advanced payment tools that have been further popularised by the Covid-19 pandemic. It signals a pivotal change in shopping habits, with implications for both online and offline retailers.

In a landmark shift within the retail sector, online shopping has eclipsed in-store sales in Korea for the first time, capturing 50.5 percent of the market in 2023. This change comes as the combined sales of 25 major retailers, both online and offline, increased by 6.3 percent to reach 177.4 trillion won (USD 133.35 billion). The rise in online sales, which saw a 9 percent increase, contrasts with the more modest 3 percent growth experienced by offline retailers. This trend is attributed to the widespread adoption of internet shopping for daily necessities and services, driven by the pandemic and the introduction of early morning delivery services and seamless payment methods. Among offline retailers, convenience stores saw the most significant growth at 8.1 percent, indicating a preference for purchasing everyday items locally. Department stores and discount chain stores also experienced growth, though to a lesser extent. This shift towards online shopping reflects a broader change in consumer preferences and the retail landscape, emphasising the need for traditional retailers to adapt to the digital age.

Online shopping surpasses in-store sales in Korea for the first time

What: Target has announced a collaboration with renowned Belgian fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg to launch a limited-edition collection for spring, featuring iconic styles and new designs across various categories.

Why it is important: This collaboration marks a significant partnership that combines Diane von Furstenberg's legendary design aesthetic with Target's accessibility, offering consumers high-fashion pieces at affordable prices. It also represents Target's commitment to providing unique and diverse fashion options to its customers.

Target is set to enrich its spring offerings through a collaboration with Diane von Furstenberg, introducing a limited-edition collection that spans women's, girls', and baby apparel, along with accessories, beauty, and home decor. The collection, which includes over 200 pieces, is inspired by nature, women, and art, and features both archival prints from Diane von Furstenberg and exclusive new designs for Target. With prices starting at USD 4 and most items under USD 50, the collection aims to make high-fashion accessible to a broader audience.

A notable aspect of this collaboration is the involvement of Diane von Furstenberg's granddaughter, Talita von Furstenberg, who co-designed the collection. Together, they aimed to create a "classically wearable collection" that empowers women through fashion. Additionally, the collection introduces a first for Target's limited-time collaborations: made-to-order furniture customizable in exclusive Diane von Furstenberg for Target fabrics, with prices starting at USD 300.

Jill Sando, Target's executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, highlighted the partnership as a testament to Target's dedication to offering exceptional and distinct assortments at great prices. The Diane von Furstenberg for Target collection is set to launch on March 23, with an early shopping event scheduled for March 15 to 16 at The Shed in New York City, showcasing the collection's blend of timeless elegance and everyday glamour.

Target collaborates with Diane von Furstenberg for limited spring collection

What: Walmart has successfully reduced the cost of its last-mile delivery from stores to customers' homes by approximately 20% over the past year.

Why it is important: This significant cost reduction is crucial for Walmart as it enhances the efficiency of its e-commerce operations, making the delivery process more sustainable and competitive. By lowering delivery costs, Walmart can offer better services to its customers, potentially increase its market share among upper-income households, and attract more members to its Walmart+ service.

Walmart's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, John David Rainey, announced on an earnings call that the company has managed to lower its last-mile delivery costs by about 20% from the previous year. This improvement is attributed to an increase in e-commerce customers and a more dense delivery route, allowing the company to distribute delivery costs across multiple orders. The retail giant has seen a 50% increase in store-fulfilled delivery sales in the fourth quarter, reaching a USD 2 billion monthly run rate in this category. Walmart has also introduced parcel stations in its stores to streamline the delivery process and plans to further enhance efficiency by implementing automation technology in its fulfillment centers. This strategic approach not only improves Walmart's delivery unit economics but also positions the company for continued growth in the competitive e-commerce space.

Walmart trims store-to-home delivery costs by 20%

What: Tony Spring officially becomes CEO of Macy’s Inc., taking over from Jeff Gennette.

Why it is important: Spring's leadership transition comes at a critical time for Macy's, as the retailer navigates a take-private offer and strategizes on changes to its department store fleet, highlighting the significant challenges and decisions ahead in steering the company towards growth and innovation.

Tony Spring, with a 36-year tenure at Bloomingdale’s, ascends to the role of CEO at Macy’s Inc., succeeding Jeff Gennette. Spring's leadership comes as Macy's faces several pivotal challenges, including a rejected $5.8 billion take-private offer and the need to adapt its retail strategy amidst a changing consumer landscape. Spring's focus will be on driving innovation, fostering profitable growth, and enhancing Macy's position as a trusted source for quality brands. His approach to these challenges, including decisions on store portfolio adjustments and omnichannel investments, will be crucial for Macy's future trajectory. As Spring prepares to lead Macy's, the retailer's response to ongoing investor pressures and its strategy to navigate a slow consumer spending environment will be closely watched.

New Macy’s CEO Tony Spring takes over

What: John Lewis is reducing its customer service workforce, impacting hundreds of employees contracted through Foundever, a company that has partnered with the retailer for 17 years to manage a significant portion of its customer service operations.

Why it is important: This move reflects John Lewis's ongoing efforts to restructure its business model to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. It comes amidst broader strategic changes aimed at returning the company to profitability following significant losses, including a GBP 234 million loss last year.

John Lewis, a prominent UK department store chain, is facing significant changes as it announces job cuts within its customer service department. The retailer is reducing its workforce by approximately 200 employees, all of whom are contracted through Foundever, a firm that has managed the majority of John Lewis's customer service for the past 17 years. This reduction is part of a broader strategy to resize the in-house customer service team to its pre-Christmas level. While John Lewis is actively seeking alternative roles within the company for the affected workers, it acknowledges that some will inevitably face redundancy. This development is part of a larger turnaround plan that includes slashing up to 11,000 jobs, as announced by Sharon White, who also projected that John Lewis would return to profit this year after a substantial loss in the previous year.

John Lewis implements customer service staff reductions

What: Roblox is evolving as a key platform for brands to engage with Gen Z audiences through "integrations" in existing virtual worlds, offering a new form of influencer marketing.

Why it is important: As traditional social media engagement plateaus, Roblox presents a dynamic and growing venue for brands to reach younger, highly engaged audiences. This approach allows brands to test the waters with less commitment than building their own worlds, leveraging the platform's vast user base for targeted marketing campaigns.

Roblox, a leading platform in the metaverse, is becoming a vital space for brands aiming to connect with Gen Z, mirroring the role Instagram played for previous generations. Brands are now engaging in "integrations" within popular Roblox worlds, akin to sponsored content on social media, to promote their campaigns or products for a limited time. This strategy involves temporary appearances in existing Roblox experiences, such as pop-up stores or branded mini-games, leveraging the built-in audience of these worlds.

Notable examples include L’Oréal Paris' "Stand Up" campaign in Livetopia, Adidas' fashion styling game in Fashion Klossette, and Maybelline New York's appearance in the music-themed Splash experience. These integrations allow brands to engage with Roblox's vast user base, particularly Gen Z, in a more organic and immersive way, enhancing brand visibility and interaction without the need for a permanent presence on the platform.

The shift towards integrations reflects a broader trend in digital marketing, where brands seek to maximise engagement while minimising commitment and investment. By tapping into existing communities and popular experiences on Roblox, brands can achieve significant visibility and impact among key demographics, making Roblox an increasingly attractive platform for innovative and effective marketing strategies.

Influencer marketing has arrived on Roblox

What: Amazon Europe has teamed up with the British pre-owned designer resale company Hardly Ever Worn It (HEWI) to introduce a curated selection of pre-owned luxury items to its customers in the UK, Germany, Spain, and Italy through Amazon's Luxury Stores.

Why it is important: This partnership represents a significant move for Amazon into the luxury resale market, offering customers access to pre-owned designer fashion at accessible prices. It aligns with Amazon's commitment to innovation and sustainability by promoting a circular fashion economy. Additionally, this collaboration provides HEWI with unprecedented visibility and reach, potentially transforming perceptions of Amazon as a viable platform for luxury brands and resale items.

Amazon Europe's Luxury Stores has partnered with Hardly Ever Worn It to offer a selection of pre-owned luxury fashion items, including women's ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, jewellery, and watches, starting at 95 euros. This collaboration ensures high-quality pre-owned luxury goods through HEWI's meticulous pre-screening process, addressing customer demand for sustainable and accessible luxury options. Ruth Diaz, VP of Amazon Fashion Europe, and Tatiana Wolter Ferguson, CEO of HEWI, both express enthusiasm for the partnership's potential to innovate the luxury shopping experience and make circular fashion more accessible to a broad audience. Founded in 2012, HEWI has established itself as a leader in the pre-owned fashion sector, serving customers in over 40 countries and now set to expand its reach through Amazon's global platform.

Amazon Europe launches luxury resale partnership

What: Vision One Management Partners, an activist hedge fund co-founded by former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, is pressuring Kohl’s to sell the company.

Why It Is Important: This move underscores the increasing influence of activist investors in the retail sector, particularly in department stores facing challenges in profitability and e-commerce growth. Kohl’s, with over 1,100 stores and a partnership with Sephora, is at a critical juncture as it struggles to enhance shopper engagement and sales. The push for a sale highlights the urgency for Kohl’s to reassess its strategy and operations to improve shareholder value.

Kohl’s, a major US department store chain, is facing pressure from Vision One Management Partners to sell the company. The activist hedge fund, led by Stephen Harper, has taken a stake in Kohl’s and is seeking a sale process and board representation. Kohl’s previously rejected a  USD $64 per share acquisition offer in 2022, hoping for a higher bid that did not materialize. Since then, the company's share price has significantly declined, and it has struggled with profitability and e-commerce expansion. This development follows a trend of department stores being targeted by investors for strategic changes or sales, as seen with Macy’s recent rejection of a takeover bid. Kohl’s, which also has a retail partnership with LVMH’s Sephora, is now under increased scrutiny from shareholders, including Vision One and other activist funds like Ancora Holdings and Macellum Capital Management, to revitalize its business and enhance shareholder returns.

Activist hedge fund urges Kohl’s to consider sale

What: Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield reported a positive performance for its UK operations in 2023, with increased tenant sales and footfall, improved rent collection, and significantly reduced vacancy rates in its London Westfield malls.

Why it is important: The company's strong performance in the UK, particularly in terms of sales growth, higher footfall, and lower vacancies, indicates a robust recovery and growing consumer confidence in the retail sector post-Covid, showcasing the resilience and appeal of physical retail spaces.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, the entity behind London's prominent Westfield shopping centres, has demonstrated a solid performance in the UK for the fiscal year 2023. The company reported a 5.2% increase in tenant sales and a 6.1% rise in footfall within its UK malls, signalling a healthy recovery and growing consumer engagement in the retail sector. Although specific monetary values were not disclosed, these percentage increases highlight the positive momentum.

In addition to sales and footfall improvements, Westfield UK also achieved a 98% rent collection rate, surpassing the global average of 97% and reaching pre-pandemic levels. Furthermore, the company witnessed a significant reduction in vacancy rates, dropping from 9.4% in FY22 to 6.9% in FY23, reflecting the attractiveness of its retail spaces to both tenants and shoppers.

The past year saw several key developments within Westfield's UK malls, including expansions, new store openings, and upsizings by major brands such as Primark, TK Maxx, Watches of Switzerland, Sephora, and Zara. These developments, despite an initial setback with House of Fraser's exit, underscore the malls' continued draw for leading retailers and their commitment to enhancing the shopping experience for visitors.

Overall, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield's positive performance in the UK market underscores the enduring appeal of physical retail spaces and the strategic importance of offering diverse and high-quality shopping experiences to attract consumers and tenants alike.

Westfield UK performance looks good as sales rise, vacancies fall

What: Torlowei, the esteemed West African luxury brand known for its exquisite womenswear and lingerie, has unveiled a pop-up showcase at the prestigious Harrods department store in Knightsbridge. This event marks the debut of Torlowei's 'Torlowei is Art' Spring/Summer 2024 collection, offering a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.

Why it is important: This collaboration not only highlights the rich cultural heritage and artisanal skills from West Africa but also introduces Harrods' international clientele to Torlowei's commitment to color, craftsmanship, creativity, and comfort. The pop-up, running until March 15, is set to feature a range of meticulously handcrafted pieces, including silk satin kaftans, camisoles, kimonos, and the brand's signature Okene shawls and Jos silk padded houserobes, co-designed by Patience Torlowei's daughter, Mojisola Adegbile.

Torlowei's pop-up at Harrods is a celebration of African artistry and luxury fashion, bringing a fresh and bold collection to London's iconic shopping destination. With a focus on hand-embroidered details and vibrant colors, the brand aims to offer an immersive experience through exclusive events for clientele and press, providing insights into its ethos and the meticulous process behind each piece. This initiative not only showcases Torlowei's innovative designs but also strengthens the bridge between African luxury craftsmanship and global fashion enthusiasts.

Torlowei brings West African elegance to Harrods with exclusive pop-up

What: The Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris is set to host a comprehensive exhibition titled "The Birth of Department Stores," showcasing the rise of department stores in the late 19th century through a diverse collection of archives.

Why it is important: This exhibition is significant as it offers a deep dive into the transformative period of retail history, illustrating how department stores became the cornerstone of modern consumer culture. By examining the evolution of these retail giants through fashion, design, toys, and advertising, the exhibition not only celebrates the architectural and cultural impact of department stores but also reflects on their role in shaping consumer habits, marketing strategies, and urban landscapes. It provides a unique lens to understand the socio-economic changes of the era and the lasting influence of department stores on today's shopping experience.

Scheduled from April 10 to October 13, 2024, the exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts will trace the development of department stores such as Le Bon Marché, Printemps, and Galeries Lafayette, highlighting their contribution to the commercial and urban transformation of Paris. With over 700 works on display, including posters, clothing, and architectural plans, the exhibition will explore various themes such as the invention of sales, the targeting of children as consumers, and the establishment of seasonal sales events. The exhibition contextualizes the emergence of department stores within the broader economic policies and urban reforms of Napoleon III's Second Empire, emphasizing their role in creating a new bourgeois leisure activity. Additionally, a related exhibition at the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine will extend the discussion to the global and historical evolution of department stores, examining their adaptation to challenges posed by ready-to-wear, supermarkets, and e-commerce.

The Paris Museum of Decorative Arts will retrace the birth of department stores