Organisation charts, while not a perfect picture of how companies operate, nevertheless provide some insights into how companies are shifting over time, how they are dealing with complexity, and also how companies differ in their perspectives and priorities. A sample of IADS members have shared organisation charts prompting some thoughts about department store structures.

IADS Exclusive - The anatomy of a department store - Organisation structures under the microscope

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 October 2021.

IADS welcomed Heroïne, a retail design agency dedicated to client experience, to reflect on customer experiences, methods used to improve them and current retail trends that the crisis has emphasized. Read the interview to learn more about interactions between consumer and organization, store innovation and how good customer experience is defined.

IADS Exclusive - Designing a relevant customer experience: A talk with Héroïne

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 October 2021.

There is so much more to come from RFID technology than we have experienced so far in the past few years. The technology and its implications have transformed rapidly, leading to more interesting use cases for the retail format. Unfortunately, the implementation of RFID can take a lot of time and money. So how can retailers make the most of it? Once implemented, what potential does RFID have for retailers and where can it lead?

IADS Exclusive - RFID attempts a comeback in 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 05 October 2021.

Several aspects of retail supply chains have been revisited during the Covid pandemic. Retailers have been dealing with the crisis using different fulfilment strategies which integrate online and physical stores more than ever. Some of these will probably last into the future, or at least have an impact on future retail models. Many of these new ways to serve customers are in fact supply chain questions which are becoming an increasingly important part of the retail business.

IADS Exclusive - Rethinking the retail supply chain 

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 29 September 2021.

IADS welcomed Jakob Sand, partner of the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), to kick off a series of interviews with key innovative thinkers to understand the magnitude of the changes that the world is going through. Read or watch his interview to learn more about the group's take on innovation in retail and the role of department stores following such changes.

 IADS Exclusive - Transformation in retail interview with BIG - full article

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 22 September 2021.

Reinvention at Galeries Lafayette is underpinned by 4 strategies: accelerating on local customers, remaining an unmissable Parisian attraction, keeping its position with international shoppers, and benefitting from the new growth engineers appealing to younger generations.

 IADS Exclusive - Reinvention at Galeries Lafayette - full article (IADS Members only)

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 September 2021.

Retail jobs have never been easy, with low wages, permanent pressure over turnover, chronic understaffing, and no weekends off. At the same time, such jobs have drastically changed, and not in a good way according to the staff fleeing from stores. What's happening to retail staff? What should be done to make retail attractive again?

 IADS Exclusive -how to make retail attractive again? - full article (IADS Members only)

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 08 September 2021.

Keeping markets under close watch, IADS collected spectacular store concepts from retailers around the world. This collection of stores offers jaw-dropping displays that will draw customers from near and far.

Check out how retailers are using surprise effects and creativity to fundamentally challenge traditional retail concepts to create desirable experiences and spectacles.

 IADS Exclusive - Ikea :the Paris example - full article (IADS Members only)

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 August 2021.

*It took about 20 years for Ikea to open stores in city centres. The innovative idea to go from suburban big blue-box to inner-city stores dates back from the end of the nineties and was set to develop from 2002, but the first city-centre store only opened in 2014 in Hamburg. In 2019, the first Parisian store was launched and now it seems Ikea is in full speed in the City of Lights with two new units opening in less than a month: one on the buzzy 'high-street' Rue de Rivoli (facing the newly reopened La Samaritaine department store), and one in the more residential 12th district, making it the 38th store in France.

The 3 Parisian stores are quite different from one another, Ikea developing different and custom formats in city centres, and constantly adapting them to local customer needs. What is the strategy behind recent openings? How are stores organised? How are they combining and most important, do they work?*

 IADS Exclusive - Ikea :the Paris example - full article (IADS Members only)

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 21 July 2021.

What: Generation Z shoppers are not easy to win over and have a long list of demands for retailers and brands.

Why it is important: Gen Zers are the influencers that can impact the buying decisions of the generations before them. Retailers need to constantly understand and adapt to the needs of younger generations to stay relevant.

Introduction: Generation Z shoppers are a completely new beast for the retail industry to market and capture. They are digital natives that have little patience for errors and value their personal brand above all else. Although they can be tough to appeal to, they are easily won over through loyalty programs and perks. Taking the right steps to impress these young shoppers will be vital for brands and retailers to stay relevant.

 IADS Exclusive - Capturing the wallet share of a Gen Z shopper- full article (IADS Members only)

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 07 June 2021.

*What:  Our visit and review of one of the most important Tech fairs in Europe

Why it is important:  4 interesting start-ups that we spotted for our members, with some potential for immediate retail applications.*

*Viva Technology (aka Vivatech) is a French fair dedicated to new technology, launched in 2016, and seen as the French response to the tech hype from California and the CES in Las Vegas. With the permanent support of the French President, Emmanuel Macron, who promotes the "start-up nation", this tech fair became in 4 editions a rendezvous of choice, where all tech moguls from the world gave speeches (Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Ma, Satya Nadella from Microsoft), but also world leaders such as Justin Trudeau or John Kerry, and world figures (Usain Bolt, Bernard Arnault).

The 2021 edition was, due to the Covid-19 context, unique as it was one of the first mass-scale events to be held in Europe, organized in a hybrid way, with both a physical fair with live events, echoed by an online platform to maximize visibility. In terms of numbers, this meant 26,000 physical visitors and 114,000 users on the platform (to give a sense of comparison, the first edition welcomed in 2016 45,000 visitors, and the last pre-pandemic one in 2019 attracted 124,000 people).

We decided to attend this edition as we believe the IADS should help its members detect innovative approaches and solutions wherever they are, in complement to their own efforts. Also, it was a way for us to catch a glimpse of where "retail tech" stands.*

 IADS Exclusive - Four startups retailers should consider from Vivatech 2021- full article (IADS Members only)

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 June 2021.

The long-awaited reopening of iconic Parisian department store La Samaritaine is finally here after sixteen years out of business and a total investment estimated between EUR 750 million and EUR 1 billion. IADS got an exclusive first look before the official opening, read below!

 IADS Exclusive - La Samaritaine: what to expect after so many expectations? - full article (IADS Members only)

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 June 2021.

Omnichannel department stores have two big advantages over pure players, including Amazon: they know their products, and they have stores. Department stores need to capitalise on these by using their human potential to the full with product knowledge, and by tailoring stores to the behaviour of digital customers.

 IADS Exclusive - Two secret weapons of department stores - full article (IADS Members only)

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 June 2021.

What: Sustainability is at the forefront of everyone's minds in the fashion world, and it is a major driver of consumer decisions.

Why it is important: Sustainability labels are becoming too complex. Going forward, transparency, accountability, and traceability will be essential for the success of any business connected to fashion.

Sustainable, eco-friendly, natural, and green are some words you might see written on the tags of clothing and other fashion goods. Introductions of labels, certifications, and standards related to sustainability have multiplied, but what do they really mean? To what extent are these initiatives making a difference versus just making businesses and consumers feel better about consumption habits and routines? Are businesses genuinely encouraging conscious brands and consumer habits, or are they merely checking off their CSR requirements?

 IADS Exclusive - Why bother with eco-labels? - full article (IADS Members only)

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 June 2021.

Keeping markets under close watch, IADS collected innovative concepts such as unique transformative experiences presented by stores as shoppers demand physical connectivity and community following the isolation of the pandemic.

Check out how retailers are drawing customers back into stores through these unconventional experiences that can only be appreciated physically in stores.

 IADS Exclusive - Retail Review #4: unforgettable experiences - full article (IADS Members only)

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 02 June 2021.

*As retail is undergoing major evolutionary changes, so retail jobs are evolving. The possibilities of automation and the application of AI as well as social and political changes force a radical reassessment of retail functions and organisation structures to improve service and performance. At all levels, retail jobs are shifting, reskilling, being automated, or being deconstructed and redesigned for new retail models.

What: Two trends are developing in the world of retail work: a shift away from store-based work (which is becoming increasingly skilled), towards technology mediated fulfilment work. At the same time, jobs are being reassessed and deconstructed as part of a search for a new retail productivity deal.*

Why it is important: Both of these affect retail, and specifically omnichannel department stores,

• as its store-based business shrinks relative to the online business
• as it struggles to find a new profitability model

The IADS has already written about "working from home", "remote work" and "hybrid work" as it applies to retail during and after the covid pandemic. What is covered here is a longer-term adjustment in a broader economic cycle.

 IADS Exclusive - Prepare for a change in retail jobs - full article (IADS Members only)

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 May 2021.

Monoprix, the French urban variety store accounting for EUR 5 billion (USD 4.1 billion) annual turnover, 800 locations throughout 250 cities is launching an interesting and unprecedented concept, "La Santé au Quotidien" (translating to "Everyday Health"). It is developed as a corner dedicated to health and wellness offering products and services. The concept is currently being fine-tuned in 2 stores since mid-April 2021 and is scheduled to be rolled out in other stores and on the retailer's website later this year. After months of pandemic and non-essential stores closed, the importance of essential-rated products to the business is clear. And at a time when health is at the centre of many people's lives and while traditional cosmetics consumption is being replaced by care, it seems like a smart move for Monoprix.

Business Case #6: Monoprix, your new wellness guru - full article (IADS Members only)

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 19 May 2021.

What: NFTs are an application of blockchain that is entering and changing the fashion industry as we know it.

Why it is important: Brands such as LVMH and Nike are leading the way, innovatively implementing NFTs into their business models for the long run.

The global pandemic has accelerated trends, especially in terms of technology and transparency.  Although many buzzwords are being thrown around, it is not very easy to understand how blockchain technologies, cryptocurrencies, and NFTs (non-fungible tokens) could impact the way businesses offer their products to consumers. The big question that arises now is do we need to act fast, or can we ride out this latest tech wave until it passes? In order to answer that, we first need to understand what exactly the technology offers and what opportunities have arisen since its inception.

 NFTs: the missing link between physical and digital retail - full article (IADS Members only)

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 12 May 2021.

What: The number one certifying body of France, and a standard that ensures that a range of products are ecologically produced and sourced.

Why is it important: The certification can be internationally recognized across various sections of department stores from apparel to cosmetics.

As more and more sustainability certifications and labels enter the textile and cosmetics industries, the worldwide adoption and recognition of these standards can become easily blurred or even lost. So, why not turn to the label that started it all? Ecocert was the first certification body to develop standards for natural and organic products and has created a globally recognized standard to provide certified environmentally-friendly products.

 Sustainability series #6 Ecocert - full article (IADS Members only)

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 05 May 2021.

The IADS office is launching an observatory of 100 department store companies around the world for members' information and to keep track of changes in the format. The companies are not selected by size since the list includes small businesses which may nevertheless be representative of the format in their country. The list is a subjective sample which expresses the diversity of the format, both as it exists today and as it has transformed itself since its beginnings in the 19th Century. The list will be updated and act as a tracker of the format around the world. The very diversity of department stores revealed by the list is an asset when companies share their particular strengths in a group such as the IADS.

The IADS 100 List - full article (IADS Members only)

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 28 April 2021.

Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) financing solution is not new, and retailers already know for years such interest-free instalment plans. While basically being a loan, it is nowadays marketed as a convenient payment option and has steadily and quietly developed over the 2010's. Covid-19 only accelerated its growth as both retailers and consumers found great interest in such a payment method

All you need to know about Buy Now Pay Later- full article (IADS Members only)

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 21 April 2021.

Many department store companies today are struggling with their physical store legacy. Stores may be too big, too many or unsuitable. Some big decisions are currently being considered in the light of the acceleration of trends provided by covid, the apparent disaffection of customers with stores and the declining profitability of the existing department store model. Some companies are closing stores, some are upgrading them, and others are considering different business models.

What should we do with our stores? - full article (IADS Members only)

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 14 April 2021.

Keeping markets under close watch, IADS collected innovative concepts related to key topics such as luxury experience, contemporary models, and reinvention.

Check out what luxuy stores are thinking up to capture customers' attention in the third edition of the Retail Review.

Louis Vuitton, Tokyo:Inspired by reflections of water expressed through the building's rippling exterior, the luxury retailer's Tokyo flagship location has been completely transformed by Jun Aoki and Peter Marino. The store offers a full range of collections with upper levels dedicated to VIP clients.

Hermès, Tokyo:As Hermès reopened one of its Paris locations, it also opened a new flagship store in Tokyo inside one of Omotesando's most notable buildings. Upon entering, customers can peruse silk, jewellery, beauty, perfume, leather, and equestrian collections for both men and women.

Hermès, Paris:Hermès' beautiful flagship on Rue de Sèvres in Paris has undergone a year-long renovation with its central striking feature of three huts made from ash wood, which the VIP lounge overlooks. The store has been fully reorganized to house evolving product lines, including its recently launched colour cosmetics collection.

Browns, London:The London store is the newest manifestation of Farfetch's Store of the Future, blending digital and physical experiences by using an app that connects with interactive mirrors to give recommendations and provide product details.

Kith, Paris:In Paris, visitors are presented with a restored Carrara marble staircase that falls under a chandelier-adorned ceiling crafted with resin-cast Nike Air Max 1s. The space presents Sadelle's restaurant in the courtyard and a basement level used as a rotating gallery space.

Swarovski, Paris:Moving away from the accessibly-priced space, a crystal Willy Wonka factory concept appeals to a wider audience to showcase the brand's shift into luxury. As customers sit on a sofa surrounded by walls of colourful jewellery, salespeople bring the products on trays for a personalised experience.

Diesel Hub, Shanghai:In an effort to converge living, dining, working, and shopping, Diesel has partnered with RTG Consulting and Muse Group to unveil a new concept for the brand called "Diesel Hub" in Shanghai. The 900 sqm retail space offers a Diesel Brave Bar that proposes food, beer, and specially developed spirits.

Retail Review #3 - full article (IADS members only)

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 07 April 2021.

What: A certification with strict environmental and social criteria for operations along the entire textile supply chain.

Why is it important: The recognition of the GOTS certification across consumers and business channels has grown incrementally year over year and has a direct impact on purchasing and partnership decisions.

Textiles have proven to be an important good in the past year as COVID-19 has called upon many industries to shift their supply chains to answer the increasing demand for masks and medical supplies needed around the world. To continue the sustainability series, we will explore one specific certification that addresses organic textile production: the GOTS certification. As consumer interests in the transparency of the supply chain connected to their fashion brands continue to rise, department stores need to promote their GOTS products and partnerships and ensure that there are sufficient organic products available for these environmentally aware consumers.

Sustainability series #5: GOTS - full article (IADS members only)

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 31 March 2021.