Check out the photos here

The IADS visited Rome for the World Retail Congress early in May and took the occasion to visit La Rinascente and Coin Excelsior, among others, for a store review and an innovation spotting session.

To what extent has the Covid-19 pandemic forced local department stores to evolve, in the same way that Paris, Madrid, London or Milan had to follow suit? Has Rome, which is usually lagging behind the economical capital of the country, managed to take that opportunity to upgrade its department store scene?

IADS Exclusive: Rome Retail Tour: Is it still la Dolce Vita for retail in Rome?

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 11 May 2022.

Spring/ Summer Window Displays Photo Deck 

IADS consolidated 2022 Spring and Summer window displays from around the world in the latest Spring/Summer window report. Have a look at how IADS members and other department stores are capturing the upcoming new seasons through their artistic and inspiring interpretations.

IADS Exclusive - Department Stores Spring/ Summer Windows 2022

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 04 May 2022.

IADS recently held a meeting all about the cosmetics & beauty sector. Based on market research, the IADS team presented the most innovative brands from different segments of the cosmetics & beauty brand industry: skincare, makeup, haircare, fragrances, and everything in between! Check out a selection of these brands!

IADS Exclusive - Brand Roundup: Cosmetics & Beauty

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 27 April 2022.

Teaming up and buying together in order to reach scale economies seems like a natural step for international department stores, since the goal of these large retail organisations has always been to reach optimization in terms of procurement to maximize margins. In addition, since they are usually operating on national markets, an international collaboration seems logical.

This is the reason why international retail associations, such as the IADS, have explored the subject for years, trying to articulate a working solution for their members, be it at the material level for private labels, at the product or label level for national brands, or even by suggesting to team up to buy or create from scratch shared brands which could be seen as private labels for a group of stores.

We are reviewing in this paper a series of options drafted by the IADS dating back to 2001, in order to draw some conclusions and put them in comparison with what we know today.

IADS Exclusive - The long sought-after opportunity of collaborative procurement

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 20 April 2022.

Blocher Partners (bp) was founded 30 years ago in Germany by Jutta and Dieter Blocher. From the very beginning, their approach was transdisciplinary. Along with their client needs, they added new competencies to their practice: interior design, product design, but also marketing and communication solutions. Thanks to their recognized know-how in the development of retail spaces, they were soon labelled as retail architects. They could offer clients holistic concepts, always putting the customer in the centre of actions and the thinking process. For getting in touch with their clients in an early stage and really understanding their needs, Blocher Partners lately expanded their business by the field design strategy: early in 2022 'Blocher Partners sens' was established. Erik Schimkat who leads the new entity, is an interior designer who has specialized in co-creative design research methods. These are of great importance when it comes to unveiling unseen potential and pushing ideas towards new boundaries. For this interview we had the chance to talk to both Jutta and Erik about innovation and transformation in the retail business.

IADS Exclusive - Interview with Blocher Partners

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 13 April 2022.

The IADS visited Dubai in early March for a joint meeting with the International University of Monaco and the American University in Dubai, who will be collaborating with the Association on Private Labels-related research topics. The IADS took the occasion to visit the Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates to review the department store scene in Dubai, we have included pictures for your review.

Most of the department stores available in Dubai are operated through franchised agreements. Is there anything new in their approach, has any decoupling taken place, or, on the contrary, did the Covid-19 episode tighten the links with the mother companies? And to what extent does their service offering reflect the evolution of the market? We have tried to draw some conclusions from our visit in addition to the pictures that are available separately.

IADS Exclusive - Dubai Retail Tour: how are the franchised department stores doing?

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 06 April 2022.

Paris has gone through significant retail upgrades in the past 2 years, with the opening of La Samaritaine in June 2021 and the general stores and branding overhaul at Galeries Lafayette in September 2021. Printemps in Paris is no exception to these retail changes, with a revamp of their own.

IADS Exclusive - Le Printemps revamp in Paris: what is new?

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 30 March 2022.

The IADS interviewed Scot Case, the Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability at the National Retail Federation (NRF), who has been in the sustainability space since the mid-1990s. From his experience, sustainability is the intersection of three key aspects: business, environmental, and social issues.

IADS Exclusive - Innovative Thinking Series: IADS interview with Scot Case (NRF) on Sustainability

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 23 March 2022.

Keeping markets under close watch, IADS collected new, beauty-oriented store concepts from retailers around the world. This series shows various themes, experiences and displays, illustrating the richness and diversity of the beauty retail industry.

IADS Exclusive - Retail Review: Beauty Concepts 

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 16 March 2022.

In December 2021, the European Union announced plans to use digital product passports to boost the circular economy and to gain a better view on the full lifecycle of various products, including textiles. The overall goal would be to prevent these items from ending up in landfills and to keep them in circulation, either as broken down raw materials to be reused or to be repurposed. Nowadays, it is expected that products should last longer, be repairable, and be recyclable. The major problem is that the information revolving around product components and recyclability is easily lost, but the EU believes that these digital product IDs can be the change that industries need to better promote circularity.

IADS Exclusive - Product Passports: bringing transparency to retail 

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 09 March 2022.

IADS recently held a meeting about the home and decor sector. Based on market research, the IADS team and NellyRodi presented the most innovative brands from different segments of home and decor: furniture, home appliances, home accessories and electronics. Check out a selection of these brands!

IADS Exclusive - Brand Roundup: Home and Decor

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 2 March 2022.

In early 2021, the IADS Academy participants were set the task by their CEOs of suggesting ways to develop a truly omnichannel P&L and related KPIs relevant to department stores. Their proposals covered several areas including KPIs and data sharing (see Presentation to CEOs at IADS General Assembly, 28 October 2021; and IADS Academy 2021 report). One of the proposals called for the development of "omni-clusters" of customers. The IADS has attempted to develop this idea.

IADS Exclusive: Omni-cluster for omnichannel

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 23 February 2022.

Many experts were predicting a retail apocalypse, but no such thing happened. Although it's true that the retail cursor is increasingly adjusting between physical and online channels, retail as a whole is also going through a major transformation, more and more developing omnichannel solutions and in-store experiences. Showrooming is an option to develop experience, and this has even become the very purpose of some retailers.

It's especially accurate with Situ Live, launched in London in 2021, and with B8ta, a US company operating since 2015. Both their approaches to retail have a lot in common. The brands featured in their respective stores are oriented towards innovation. The focus is put on product's added-values and on an immersive shopping experience. Both companies are advocating for a radical change in what physical retail should offer to consumers. Even though the term 'phygital' has been overused, Situ Live and B8ta are a fair expression of what it can be, as they are stores, show rooms, and IRL websites at the same time. What is interesting to know about these retailers? What can department stores learn from them?

IADS Exclusive- Business Case #10: Situ Live and B8ta Experience through showrooming 

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 16 February 2022.

2020-2021 has been more than a period of pandemic and crisis: by its magnitude and lack of precedence, it has literally changed the world, especially the retail world, by changing habits: digitalisation and new purchasing habits, work from home and the question of commuting, notion of essential vs. non-essential goods.

The IADS launched a series of interviews with innovative thinkers to understand their views on how to deal with such changes. All organisations have proved their resilience and ability to cope with the emergency of the situation, however, it is a very human thing to tend to come back to habits whenever possible. What happened? How can we make the most of what we learnt and how can we make sure our organisations and thinking processes are durably impacted?

IADS Exclusive - Transformation in retail: Innovative Thinking Interview with Chafik Gasmi , Chafik Studio

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 09 February 2022.

Today, Gen Z favoured brands are highly addictive and successful due to their interesting offer, convenience, affordability, and seamlessness. But as these players focus in on finding a service that sets them apart, it makes it difficult for more traditional retail formats, like department stores, to stay relevant in the eyes of young shoppers. In fact, retailers can no longer only focus on an interesting offer, they must now offer perfect logistics, seem sustainable, and provide a unique experience. How should retailers respond to these incumbent brands as they change the DNA of the retail business? What exactly does it take to generate an interesting offer and experience for this next generation of shoppers?

IADS Exclusive - GenZ brands are putting department store models under pressure

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 2 February 2022.

At a time when travel is continuously restricted for many of our members, the reopening of the US borders before Christmas, as well as the NRF event in January, to which the IADS attended, felt like the perfect occasion to prepare a special retail review to give you a glimpse of what's happening in New York retail, including comments and pictures for your review.

IADS Exclusive - New York retail scene: it's all about experience

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 26 January 2022.

Cidade Matarazzo, a mixed-use retail project founded by French businessman Alexandre Allard, could herald what a 'smart city' should be in the future. Located on the famous Paulista Avenue of São Paulo, the city-within-the-city aims to attract recurring customers who are looking for a concentration of shopping, culture, and entertainment. Read more and discover this one-of-a-kind project.

IADS Exclusive - Business case #9: Cidade Matarazzo, an example for the retail of the future?

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 18 January 2022.

Keeping markets under close watch, IADS collected new, pure streetwear and streetwear-oriented store concepts from retailers around the world. This series shows various themes, experiences and displays, illustrating the richness and diversity of the streetwear culture and aesthetics.

IADS Exclusive - Retail Review #1: Streetwear and Sneakers

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 5 January 2022.

IADS consolidated 2021 holiday window displays from around the world in the latest Christmas window report. Have a look at how IADS members and other department stores are capturing the holiday spirit through their artistic and inspiring interpretations.

IADS Exclusive - Department Stores Christmas Windows

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 15 December 2021.

Digital payments are spreading fast. In spite of distrust, fear for privacy and inequality, retailers see digital payments as a way of reaching beyond omnichannel to unified commerce. If the right safeguards are observed, customers will benefit from a better seamless experience and retailers will achieve efficiency across operations. First we need to understand the extent of the revolution occurring in finance and payment systems, then we need to put in place technologies and safeguards to help serve our customers better and more efficiently.

IADS Exclusive - The era of digital payments

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 8 December 2021.

Created 2 years ago, Pando Fashion is a French company specialised in consulting for sustainable fashion. Its co-founders Laëtitia Hugé and Stéphane Piot are helping companies every step of the way in their CSR implementation, starting with a diagnosis using certification ISO 26000, to building custom strategies and embarking all teams. Pando Fashion is working with companies such as Moncler, Louis Vuitton, Zadig /amp] Voltaire, Besson Chaussures, IKKS, Maje, Sandro, Lemaire, Institut Français de la Mode (French Fashion Institute) and with BTB fashion platform LeNewBlack. Why Pando? It's the name of the oldest tree in Utah in the US, and it also means transmission in Latin.

IADS Exclusive - The era of digital payments

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 1 December 2021.

IADS has reported how IADS members accelerated on the sustainable front since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. They transformed their organisations from within (with dedicated committees benefitting from increased powers, and often in direct liaison with the C-suite) and communicated initiatives and changes in a crystal-clear manner to the final customer. This also translated into pain points as all these initiatives require resources, which can be overwhelming given the number of certifications and labels, and can also, sometimes seem too far-fetched compared to the immediate challenges posed by the state of the business. In other words: just like digital transformation, sustainable adaptation is costly, takes time and energy, and requires organisational re-engineering.

This is the reason why we decided to look at "Green Pea", a new type of sustainable business, the first self-proclaimed 100% sustainable department store in the world, and which reverses the problem. Green Pea tries to bring an answer to the following question: how to build a profitable business that takes for granted the sustainable approach?

We looked at the key learnings from this business case and tried to isolate the most interesting ones for IADS members.

IADS Exclusive - Business Case #8 – Green Pea: building up sustainability from within

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 24 November 2021.

Private label development is in full swing for some retailers, especially for the big-box ones in the United States, reflecting a successful business model that Millennials are also favouring. The penetration of private labels amongst Millennials is 1-2 points higher than prior generations and continues to grow.

Usually considered as a margin enhancer, a great tool to recruit customers, a way to develop loyalty thanks to attractive price points, or an asset to emphasize the store brand message, private labels can meet tremendous success for retailers such as Target. But for others, they struggle to reach profitability.

To stay relevant these days, private labels not only have to offer an excellent product implying a great deal of research and creativity, but also differentiate from competitors, and even outdo national brands. As retail consultant Stacey Widlitz sums it up when discussing Target's success in launching private labels: "They've basically been going around saying, 'Who does it best and who does it worst?. Let's replicate what the winners are doing and take on the losers and do it better.'" Is it really that simple?

Private labels currently represent an average of 6-7% of the IADS members' turnover (data from IADS Merchandising meeting dedicated to private labels, January 2021). This part of their business has been reorganised in the past years and months raising critical questions: do department stores still need private labels, are they still good at this historical part of their business?

IADS Exclusive - Do department stores still need private labels?

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 17 November 2021.

*If the pandemic wasn't hard enough already on retailers, it also accelerated topics such as sustainability. Consumers have become more aware and educated on CSR related topics while they were stuck at home with more time to think about their environmental impacts - especially as this relates to retail. This has created increased importance for retailers to ramp up their sustainability initiatives as well as communicate them.

Before the "first wave" of the pandemic (March 2020), IADS polled its members about their overall vision and approach to sustainability and its structure. Little did we know how important this baseline would be just over one year later. Therefore, IADS conducted a post-covid survey (July 2021) to understand what our members were focusing on, how they were communicating, what pain points they have, and what has changed organizationally.*

IADS Exclusive - Sustainability: An acceleration post-crisis

IADS provides its members with a weekly in-depth analysis on retail-oriented topics. This is an example of the themes the Association regularly addresses, and the topic of an article from the IADS members-only newsletter date 10 November 2021.