What: Yinka Ilori’s collaboration with Bloomingdale’s transforms the flagship store into an immersive, artist-led retail destination with exclusive product launches.

Why it is important: The project builds on the trend of transforming flagship stores into cultural destinations.

Yinka Ilori’s partnership with Bloomingdale’s brings a bold, imaginative transformation to the retailer’s 59th Street flagship, centering on a floral-themed takeover that extends from the windows and façade to the interior retail spaces. This collaboration, rooted in Ilori’s Nigerian heritage and inspired by the wildflowers of Central Park, infuses the store with vibrant color and playful design, inviting customers to engage with art and creativity at every turn. The “Cherish Your Magic” carousel pop-up exemplifies the experiential approach, featuring exclusive product collaborations across categories such as beauty, fashion, gaming, and homeware, including partnerships with Byredo, Augustinus Bader, and PlayStation. The initiative not only elevates the visual identity of Bloomingdale’s but also creates an environment that encourages play, imagination, and community engagement. By leveraging artist-led design and exclusive merchandise, Bloomingdale’s positions its flagship as a destination that transcends traditional retail, fostering deeper connections with customers through immersive storytelling and cultural resonance.

IADS Notes:

Yinka Ilori’s collaboration with Bloomingdale’s exemplifies the retail industry’s shift toward experiential environments, echoing Selfridges’ artist-led window displays in May 2025 and the broader movement toward unconventional experiential retail highlighted in January 2025. The integration of exclusive, multi-category product collaborations mirrors innovative pop-up activations in Asia from February 2025 and the dynamic use of pop-up shops discussed in October 2024. The bold visual transformation of Bloomingdale’s flagship, reminiscent of Louis Vuitton’s dramatic NYC facade in December 2024, underscores how flagship locations are being reimagined as destinations blending commerce, culture, and community.

Artful takeover at the Bloomingdale’s flagship

What: John Lewis Partnership launches its largest-ever Christmas recruitment drive, hiring over 13,000 seasonal staff across stores and distribution centres to support peak trading.

Why it is important: This initiative reflects how leading retailers are leveraging flexible staffing, leadership transformation, and omnichannel investment to drive operational excellence and customer experience during critical trading periods.

John Lewis Partnership is embarking on its biggest seasonal recruitment campaign to date, aiming to hire 13,700 temporary staff for the golden quarter, including 11,500 in customer-facing roles and 2,200 in distribution and supply chain positions. This surge in hiring is designed to ensure exceptional service and operational efficiency during the crucial Christmas and Black Friday periods, when the retailer expects to welcome 30 million in-store visitors and handle 180 million website visits. The recruitment drive is part of a broader turnaround strategy led by chair Jason Tarry, which includes leadership changes, a renewed focus on core retail operations, and significant investment in both physical and digital infrastructure. By modernising its distribution centres and enhancing omnichannel capabilities, John Lewis is positioning itself to meet the demands of peak trading while maintaining its commitment to customer service and its “Never Knowingly Undersold” promise. This approach highlights the retailer’s adaptability and commitment to operational excellence in a highly competitive market.

IADS Notes:

John Lewis’s record seasonal hiring mirrors a wider industry trend, with El Corte Inglés and others also expanding flexible holiday staffing to support both sales and logistics (October, November 2024). The recruitment drive is closely tied to the Partnership’s turnaround, including leadership restructuring under Jason Tarry and the streamlining of staff committees to boost profitability and agility (October 2024, June 2025). Major investments in logistics and store renovations—£400 million and £800 million respectively—have strengthened John Lewis’s omnichannel capabilities, ensuring robust support for peak trading and enhancing the customer experience (October, November 2024).

John Lewis launches biggest-ever Christmas recruitment drive

What: John Lewis celebrates 100 years of its Never Knowingly Undersold promise with a new campaign and major brand and store investments.

Why it is important: This milestone demonstrates how heritage, strategic partnerships, and investment in experience can keep a legacy retailer relevant in a changing market.

John Lewis marks the centenary of its iconic Never Knowingly Undersold promise with a vibrant new campaign, including a 100-second film that celebrates a century of British life and retail innovation. The campaign, crafted by Saatchi & Saatchi and featuring a soundtrack by Mike Skinner, aims to reinforce the retailer’s enduring relevance and value proposition. Managing director Peter Ruis emphasizes the importance of staying true to the brand’s heritage while remaining competitive and forward-looking, especially as the department store format continues to evolve. Amid challenging economic conditions, John Lewis remains optimistic, positioning itself as a national retail leader across categories such as fashion, tech, and nursery. The centenary also coincides with the relaunch of Topshop and Topman in stores and online, reflecting a broader strategy of exclusive partnerships and assortment expansion. These initiatives are supported by an £800 million investment in store upgrades and the onboarding of over 100 new fashion brands, underscoring the retailer’s commitment to experience, innovation, and customer trust.

IADS Notes:

John Lewis’s centenary campaign is the culmination of a year marked by the strategic revival of its Never Knowingly Undersold pledge in September 2024, which drove a surge in customer engagement and sales. The retailer’s transformation includes exclusive designer collaborations, significant expansion of its brand portfolio, and a £800 million investment in modernizing stores and enhancing the customer experience. This multi-category approach, spanning fashion, home, and technology, demonstrates how John Lewis balances its heritage with innovation to remain a leader in British retail, as evidenced by its ongoing success in customer satisfaction and experiential retail throughout 2024 and 2025.

John Lewis celebrates 100 years of Never Knowingly Undersold

What: Level Shoes launches a dedicated U.S. e-commerce platform and plans a Miami flagship, marking its first major expansion outside the Middle East.

Why it is important: This expansion reflects Chalhoub Group’s global strategy and the increasing integration of digital and physical retail to meet evolving consumer expectations.

Level Shoes, the Dubai-based footwear retailer owned by Chalhoub Group, is making its first significant move outside the Middle East by launching a dedicated U.S. e-commerce platform and preparing to open a flagship store in Miami in 2027. This expansion follows the establishment of a logistics center in Florida, enabling timely delivery and operational excellence for American consumers. CEO Elisa Bruno emphasises that the U.S. is already Level Shoes’ fourth largest market by presence and spend, and the company’s five years of double-digit growth and robust data insights have informed this strategic entry. The brand is known for its curated mix of accessible, luxury, and emerging footwear brands, and plans to offer exclusive collaborations and localised marketing campaigns tailored to American shoppers. With a strong omnichannel approach, including an app, e-commerce, and active social media, Level Shoes aims to deliver a seamless customer experience. The Miami flagship is expected to leverage the city’s multicultural appeal and tourism, while the company continues to learn from and adapt to local consumer behaviors as it scales its U.S. presence.

IADS Notes:

Level Shoes’ U.S. expansion is a direct extension of Chalhoub Group’s international roadmap, as articulated by Michael Chalhoub in May 2025, which prioritises digital transformation and global market integration. The move mirrors successful omnichannel strategies seen with Ounass in Dubai, where logistics and automation are central to retail efficiency. Additionally, Level Shoes’ focus on localised marketing and exclusive offerings aligns with the data-driven personalisation strategies adopted by Capri Holdings and the broader retail sector, as noted by BCG in late 2024 and early 2025.

Level Shoes launched U.S. website, plots Miami flagship for 2027

What: Magasin du Nord strengthens its portfolio by taking majority ownership of MessyWeekend, aiming to drive global expansion and Gen Z engagement.

Why it is important: The acquisition highlights how department stores are evolving into brand accelerators, combining investment with operational support to scale emerging brands.

Magasin du Nord’s majority acquisition of MessyWeekend marks a pivotal step in its transformation from a traditional department store into a dynamic brand accelerator. By securing a 60% stake in the Copenhagen-based eyewear brand, Magasin is reinforcing its strategy to nurture Danish brands with international ambitions, leveraging its retail expertise and infrastructure to unlock new growth opportunities. MessyWeekend’s rapid ascent, driven by a sharp design ethos and a strong Gen Z focus, has already resulted in significant wholesale agreements and a doubling of its global retail presence. The partnership is set to accelerate the brand’s international expansion, particularly in the wholesale channel, while also supporting its house of brands strategy and entry into new markets such as Asia. This move follows Magasin’s recent acquisitions of other Danish brands, reflecting a broader shift in retail where department stores are investing directly in promising labels to drive diversification, innovation, and sustained growth.

IADS Notes:

Magasin du Nord’s strategy of acquiring and accelerating Danish brands, as seen in its investments in BLID Care, Relevant, and Bitte Kai Rand in February and July 2025, has been validated by strong financial results, including doubled profits and a DKK 3 billion turnover in 2024. The focus on Gen Z and personalized retail experiences aligns with trends identified in November 2024 and February 2025, confirming that brand portfolio development and digital engagement are now central to retail success.

Magasin du Nord now owns 60% of eyewear brand MessyWeekend

What: Topshop and Topman will launch in 32 John Lewis stores and online in 2026, with John Lewis becoming the exclusive UK stockist for Topshop footwear.

Why it is important: The move reflects John Lewis’s strategy to modernize its fashion offer and drive growth through brand curation and experiential retail, echoing its recent investments and leadership vision.

John Lewis’s decision to stock Topshop and Topman from February 2026 signals a major evolution in both brands’ retail strategies and the department store’s ongoing transformation. Topshop’s return to physical retail, following its acquisition by Heartland and Asos and its pivot to a wholesale model, aligns with broader industry trends where digital-native brands leverage partnerships to regain high street presence. John Lewis’s fashion ambitions are clear, with the addition of 49 new brands and a goal to double its £1.3bn fashion business, supported by significant investments in store renovations and experiential retail. The exclusive launch of Topshop footwear at John Lewis further strengthens the retailer’s appeal to younger and nostalgic shoppers, while reinforcing its reputation for quality and value. CEO Peter Ruis’s vision of making John Lewis “radically relevant” is realized through this high-profile collaboration, which is set to energize the retailer’s fashion offer and attract a new generation of customers. The partnership is a testament to the power of strategic brand curation and the enduring appeal of physical retail in a digital age.

IADS Notes:

Topshop’s return to physical retail through wholesale partnerships, as reported in April 2025, reflects a broader industry shift toward balancing heritage with modern retail economics. John Lewis’s expansion of its fashion portfolio, highlighted in February and July 2025, and its £800 million investment in store transformation, underpin this strategy. CEO Peter Ruis’s focus on experiential retail and brand curation, articulated in October 2024, is central to the retailer’s ambition to remain relevant and competitive in the evolving department store sector.

John Lewis revealed as Topshop’s latest UK stockist

What: Bloomingdale’s achieved its fourth consecutive quarter of growth in Q2 2025, with net sales up 4.6% and comparable sales up 5.7%, contributing to Macy’s Inc.’s raised full-year outlook.

Why it is important: Bloomingdale’s sustained growth highlights the effectiveness of Macy’s strategy to invest in its luxury division, confirming the value of premium positioning and customer experience in today’s retail market.

Bloomingdale’s delivered an outstanding performance in the second quarter of 2025, posting a 4.6% increase in net sales and a 5.7% rise in comparable sales, marking its fourth consecutive quarter of growth. This momentum stands out within Macy’s Inc., as Bloomingdale’s continues to outperform the broader department store sector through a focus on premium positioning, curated assortments, and enhanced customer service. The division’s success is a direct result of Macy’s Bold New Chapter strategy, which prioritizes investment in luxury formats and experiential retail. Bloomingdale’s ongoing growth has been instrumental in driving Macy’s Inc. to raise its annual sales and profit guidance for 2025, even as other divisions contend with store closures and a challenging retail environment. CEO Tony Spring’s commitment to elevating the luxury experience and expanding the Bloomies store format has proven effective, reinforcing Bloomingdale’s reputation as a leader in upscale retail and a key growth engine for the group.

IADS Notes:

Bloomingdale’s strong Q2 2025 results build on a year of consistent outperformance, as noted in May 2025, where the division’s growth validated Macy’s investment in luxury retail. The division’s premium positioning and focus on customer experience, highlighted in November 2024, continue to set it apart in a competitive market, confirming the strategic importance of luxury within Macy’s transformation.

Bloomingdale’s posts fourth consecutive quarter of growth

What: The Mall Group has launched M Card Pet Club and the World Pup Expo 2025, expanding its loyalty program into the pet economy and positioning its malls as pet-friendly lifestyle destinations.

Why it is important: The Mall Group’s move into the pet economy highlights how retailers are leveraging loyalty programs and experiential events to capture high-growth consumer segments and build comprehensive lifestyle ecosystems.

The Mall Group is reinforcing its vision to create a complete lifestyle ecosystem by launching M Card Pet Club, a new feature of its loyalty program tailored for Thailand’s rapidly growing “pet parent” segment. This initiative is supported by the World Pup Expo 2025, the country’s largest pet-focused event, designed to position The Mall Lifestore as a leading pet-friendly destination. The M Card Pet Club offers members a wide range of privileges across food, care, play, and lifestyle categories, with free membership and exclusive benefits from over 30 pet-industry partners. The strategy builds on the success of M Card Junior Club and leverages data-driven insights showing strong growth in pet food and accessories sales. By integrating pet-focused services, events, and community engagement into its loyalty platform, The Mall Group is capturing the “pet humanisation” trend and setting a new benchmark for customer experience and ecosystem innovation in Southeast Asian retail.

IADS Notes:

The Mall Group’s launch of M Card Pet Club and the World Pup Expo 2025 reflects a broader strategy to build a comprehensive lifestyle ecosystem and reinforce its leadership in loyalty innovation. As reported by Bangkok Post (December 2024), the expansion of the M Card program through partnerships like K11 MUSEA demonstrates how The Mall Group is evolving its loyalty scheme beyond traditional shopping rewards to include cross-border privileges and cultural experiences. The April 2025 coverage highlights the company’s focus on experiential retail and community-building, with large-scale events and themed programming driving engagement and positioning The Mall Lifestore as a pet-friendly lifestyle hub. The June 2024 article details The Mall Group’s efforts to create holistic ecosystems through strategic alliances with airlines, hotels, and payment platforms, further enhancing the value proposition for members. Collectively, these developments show how The Mall Group is leveraging digital engagement, data-driven segmentation, and community-focused experiences to capture high-growth consumer niches—such as pet parents—and set new standards for customer loyalty and experiential retail in Southeast Asia.

The Mall Group launched M Card Pet Club

What: Falabella will restore its pre-pandemic investment levels by 2026, allocating $800 million to expand its physical and digital retail presence across Latin America.

Why it is important: Falabella’s renewed investment signals a strong recovery and confidence in Latin American retail, aligning with recent trends of digital and physical expansion.

Falabella is set to return to its pre-pandemic investment levels by 2026, committing $800 million to reinforce its presence in Latin America’s retail sector. After halving its investments in 2020 due to the Covid-19 crisis, the Chilean conglomerate gradually increased its capital expenditure, reaching $650 million in 2024 and now projecting a full recovery in the next fiscal year. The company’s strategy centers on accelerating online market development in Peru, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico, leveraging partnerships with major supermarket chains such as Tottus and Soriana to drive both physical and digital growth. Falabella’s financial performance has rebounded significantly, with a 50% increase in gross operating profit and a 9.2% rise in sales in the first half of the current year, following a challenging 2023 marked by steep declines in revenue and profit. This renewed investment and focus on digital transformation reflect Falabella’s adaptation to shifting consumer behaviors and its ambition to regain market leadership in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

IADS Notes:

Falabella’s $800 million investment plan for 2026 builds on a period of strong recovery and strategic transformation, as seen in its eightfold profit increase in 2024 and 11% sales growth in Q1 2025. The company’s digital expansion efforts, highlighted in Seller Day events and its e-commerce roadmap in June and July 2025, demonstrate the importance of technological infrastructure and marketplace partnerships. This approach, combined with operational efficiency and customer-centric strategies, has enabled Falabella to adapt its business model post-Covid, ensuring resilience and competitiveness across Latin America.

Falabella will recover its pre-pandemic investment level by 2026 with $800 million

What: John Lewis is launching its most valuable Beauty Advent Calendar to date, featuring exclusive products, early access for loyalty members, and surprise prizes to drive customer excitement and sales.

Why it is important: Department store beauty advent calendars are gaining traction. The integration of experiential rewards, early access, and surprise elements aligns with industry trends toward personaliSed engagement and innovative loyalty schemes.

John Lewis is elevating its Beauty Advent Calendar for 2025, introducing its highest-value edition yet at £235, with a product selection worth over £1,000. This year’s calendar includes 36 beauty products—more than ever before—featuring highly sought-after brands such as Trinny London, Chantecaille, Laneige, Fenty Beauty, Medik8, and, for the first time, exclusive items from Le Labo. With 23 full-sized products and 13 deluxe miniatures, the offer is designed to captivate beauty enthusiasts and reward loyal customers. Early access is granted to ‘My John Lewis’ members, reinforcing the retailer’s focus on loyalty-driven engagement. The calendar’s festive, reusable packaging and the inclusion of surprise prizes, such as hidden gift cards and premium experiences, add further excitement and exclusivity. A surge in searches for ‘Beauty Advent Calendar’—up 50% from last year—signals strong consumer anticipation, and the retailer encourages swift action to secure the product, referencing last year’s rapid sell-out. This approach combines exclusivity, experiential rewards, and sustainability, positioning John Lewis at the forefront of seasonal beauty retail innovation.

IADS Notes:

John Lewis’s strategy mirrors Liberty’s record-breaking Advent Calendar sales in November 2024, where exclusive, high-value beauty offerings drove retention and growth. Department stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Harrods have similarly revamped their beauty spaces for experiential shopping and exclusive launches, as seen in November 2024, while La Samaritaine’s curated mix of brands boosted customer engagement by April 2025. The integration of loyalty programs and early access, exemplified by Selfridges’ Unlocked program in May 2025 and the industry-wide shift toward experiential rewards, is now essential as traditional points-based systems lose relevance. The inclusion of surprise and immersive elements, as demonstrated by Hermès and Manor in June 2025, further underscores the importance of excitement and exclusivity in driving customer engagement.

John Lewis preps Beauty Advent Calendar launch as searches surge 50%

What: Falabella launches its personal shopper service in Santiago, integrating digital booking tools and focusing on customer well-being and style personalization.

Why it is important: Falabella’s strategy aligns with recent trends of blending online and offline experiences to enhance customer engagement and loyalty.

Falabella has introduced its personal shopper service at the Plaza Egaña store in Santiago, further expanding a network of personalized fashion guidance across the Chilean capital. The service offers 90-minute sessions with style specialists who help clients select garments tailored to their body type, color preferences, and lifestyle, while also incorporating the latest fashion trends in a practical, versatile way. This initiative responds to evolving consumer behavior, where shoppers increasingly seek not just products but experiences that boost confidence, reflect personal identity, and maximize wardrobe investment. The company highlights that 83% of users are women, with the service popular for work, special events, and everyday style updates. Customers can book appointments through the Falabella website or via in-store QR codes, reflecting a seamless integration of digital convenience with in-person expertise. The focus on customisation, efficiency, and sustainability positions Falabella at the forefront of experience-driven retail, catering to a growing demand for meaningful, guided shopping journeys.

IADS Notes:

Falabella’s expansion of its personal shopper service mirrors a wider industry trend, as seen in July 2025 with Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue investing in dedicated private shopping spaces and expert-led services to attract high-value clients. This shift is driven by the increasing importance of personalized experiences, with top-tier customers now representing a larger share of department store revenue. Simultaneously, the retail sector is embracing immersive, participatory environments and digital integration, as demonstrated by Decathlon’s video consultations and Selfridges’ AI-powered clienteling tools in May 2025. Falabella’s use of digital booking and in-store QR codes exemplifies this phygital approach, ensuring relevance for today’s digitally savvy, experience-oriented shoppers.

Falabella expands its personal shopper service in the Chilean capital

What: Galeries Lafayette is partnering with journalist and author Sophie Fontanel to curate a poetic, influencer-driven rentrée experience, blending social media storytelling with in-store product curation.

Why it is important: This collaboration demonstrates how department stores are leveraging influencer partnerships and digital storytelling to enhance customer engagement and drive experiential retail.

Galeries Lafayette’s rentrée will be animated by the creative vision of Sophie Fontanel, a prominent journalist and author known for her poetic and humanistic approach to fashion. Rather than focusing on a single designer or region, the department store is inviting customers to follow Fontanel’s curated journey through its spaces, where her seasonal favorites will be showcased in both window displays and Instagram-style mini-films. This initiative merges the immediacy and intimacy of social media content with the tactile experience of physical retail, offering a fresh perspective on product discovery. Fontanel’s selection spans established brands like Ami, Levi’s, Ferragamo, Stella McCartney, and Carven, as well as emerging labels such as Gauchère, Maison Jejia, and Zomer, with an emphasis on inclusivity and accessible price points. The campaign extends beyond the flagship Haussmann store to the entire French network, highlighting a commitment to diversity and multi-category curation, including non-leather goods and lifestyle finds. This approach positions Galeries Lafayette at the forefront of experiential, content-driven retail.

IADS Notes:

Galeries Lafayette’s collaboration with Sophie Fontanel for the rentrée exemplifies the department store’s ongoing strategy of leveraging high-profile partnerships and innovative marketing to drive engagement, as seen in its recent growth and experiential initiatives (July 2025, June 2025, September 2024). The integration of Instagram-inspired mini-films and curated wish lists into the store’s visual merchandising reflects a broader industry trend, where content and commerce converge to create immersive, social media-friendly retail environments that resonate with digital-native consumers (February 2025, March 2025). This approach is further supported by the retailer’s commitment to curating a diverse mix of established and emerging brands, aligning with its €400 million investment in network optimization and its efforts to spotlight new talent through dedicated showcases and pop-ups (February 2025, March 2025, May 2025). Finally, the inclusion of non-leather goods, accessible price points, and multi-category selections underscores Galeries Lafayette’s dedication to inclusivity and sustainability, building on its recent CSR strategy and expansion of second-hand and responsible product offerings (April 2025, January 2025, December 2024).

Galeries Lafayette partners with famous French journalist and influencer

What: Falabella achieved 9.2% sales growth in the first half of 2025, driven by strong performance in fashion and its multi-specialist retail strategy.

Why it is important: The group’s results demonstrate the effectiveness of combining fashion leadership, digital transformation, and shopping center expansion to sustain regional retail growth.

Falabella’s first-half 2025 results underscore the group’s position as a leading force in Latin American retail, with a 9.2% increase in sales and a remarkable tripling of profits compared to the previous year. The fashion segment, spanning both retail stores and shopping centers, remains the primary growth driver, propelling the company’s turnover to 6.3 trillion pesos ($6.532 billion) and earnings to 556.28 billion pesos ($576.4 million). This robust performance is attributed to Falabella’s multi-specialist strategy, which integrates physical stores, e-commerce, and a diverse retail mix, enabling the company to adapt to shifting consumer preferences and market conditions. Notably, Peru and Chile delivered double-digit sales growth, while Colombia faced a modest decline, reflecting the importance of local market adaptation. The expansion and optimization of shopping centers, particularly through Plaza S.A., have further reinforced Falabella’s competitive edge, with specialty retail and digital integration playing a crucial role in sustaining momentum. These results highlight how a balanced approach to traditional and digital retail, coupled with strategic real estate investments, continues to drive Falabella’s regional success.

IADS Notes:

Falabella’s 2025 performance builds on a series of strategic initiatives across Latin America, including a multi-format approach and significant investments in store openings, shopping center transformations, and logistics optimization. Peru’s contribution of 28% to regional revenue and Mallplaza’s 215% specialty retail growth exemplify the group’s ability to leverage both physical and digital channels. The company’s expansion in Colombia, supported by a major distribution center, and its customer-centric strategy have been pivotal in maintaining market leadership and driving sustainable growth, as documented in reports from February, March, May, and June 2025.

Falabella reports 9.2% sales growth in 2025 Q1

What: Manor will gradually exit food retail in German-speaking Switzerland, transferring supermarket sites to Coop and leasing its Morges location to Migros as it refocuses on Latin regions.

Why it is important: This move reflects a major shift in Swiss retail strategy, as Manor reallocates resources to strengthen its position in Latin regions while enabling market consolidation by Coop and Migros in German-speaking Switzerland.

Manor’s strategic withdrawal from food retail in German-speaking Switzerland, with the transfer of key supermarket sites to Coop and the leasing of its Morges location to Migros, signals a major realignment in the Swiss retail sector. This move is part of a broader transformation, supported by a CHF 200 million investment and a new digital strategy, which has enabled Manor to achieve record operational profits through a regionally targeted approach. By concentrating its food business on French- and Italian-speaking regions, Manor is optimizing its market segmentation and resource allocation, focusing on fresh, locally sourced products and in-store preparation. The company’s ongoing modernization of its physical footprint, including the closure of Jelmoli’s Zurich flagship and the planned opening of a new concept store in 2027, demonstrates a commitment to adapting its retail network to evolving consumer preferences and competitive dynamics. These changes reflect Manor’s ambition to reinforce its leadership in the Latin regions while navigating the challenges of Switzerland’s diverse retail landscape.

IADS Notes:

Manor’s withdrawal from German-speaking Switzerland and renewed focus on Latin regions align with its April 2025 strategy of regional differentiation and digital innovation. The company’s transformation, detailed in November 2024 and March 2025, emphasizes food business development in French- and Italian-speaking areas, while the reconfiguration of its physical footprint is illustrated by the closure of Jelmoli’s Zurich flagship and ongoing investments in modernizing stores in Geneva and Lausanne.

Manor sells 3 German-speaking side’s food departments to Coop

What: Breuninger’s “Read my Style” event in Düsseldorf merges fashion, literature, and urban culture into an immersive, multi-sensory retail experience.

Why it is important: By combining fashion, art, and interactive experiences, Breuninger demonstrates how multi-sensory events can drive footfall and deepen customer loyalty.

Breuninger’s “Read my Style” event in Düsseldorf reimagines the retail experience by intertwining fashion, literature, and the city’s evolving urban landscape. The 180-meter open-air catwalk, set against the flagship store, becomes a focal point for storytelling through both garments and literary quotes, inviting visitors to engage with fashion on a deeper, more personal level. Brand partners such as Luisa Cerano and Marc Cain present their collections in a vibrant, accessible setting, while interactive stations offer opportunities for personalization and creative expression. The event’s culinary and musical offerings, including signature drinks and DJ sets at Eduard’s, further enrich the sensory experience. This approach not only showcases the transformation of Düsseldorf’s city center into a modern retail destination but also positions Breuninger at the forefront of experiential retail, where narrative, culture, and customer engagement converge to create lasting impact.

IADS Notes:

Breuninger’s strategy in Düsseldorf echoes its recent collaborations and campaigns, such as the partnership with The Paradise Now in May 2025 and the capsule collection with artist Paul Schrader, both of which emphasized immersive, narrative-driven experiences. The AMI Paris pop-up café in Munich (April 2025) and the Spring/Summer 2025 art and fashion campaign in Berlin further illustrate Breuninger’s commitment to blending cultural elements with retail innovation. These initiatives, alongside Manor’s interactive pop-up events in June 2025, highlight a growing industry trend toward personalization, creative partnerships, and multi-sensory engagement.

Breuninger set fashion and literature event in Düsseldorf

What: The retailer is reinforcing its management board with a seasoned digital executive, signalling a strategic focus on digital transformation and omnichannel growth in the next phase of its turnaround.

Why it is important: The decision underscores how legacy retailers must prioritize digital transformation and leadership agility to adapt to evolving consumer expectations and market dynamics.

John Lewis has appointed Dom McBrien as chief digital and omnichannel officer, further strengthening its management board and signalling a renewed commitment to digital transformation. With over 20 years of experience in digital leadership roles at companies such as Body & Fit, Glanbia Performance Nutrition, The White Company, and Marks & Spencer, McBrien brings a wealth of expertise in driving omnichannel growth and innovation. Reporting directly to managing director Peter Ruis, he will play a pivotal role in shaping the retailer’s digital strategy and delivering on its ambition to become the UK’s most trusted omnichannel retailer. This appointment comes at a crucial time in John Lewis’s transformation journey, as the company invests heavily in technology, store refurbishment, and customer experience to differentiate itself in a competitive market. The move reflects a broader industry trend, with department stores increasingly recognizing the need for board-level digital expertise to ensure seamless integration of online and offline channels and to meet rapidly evolving consumer expectations.

IADS Notes:

John Lewis’s appointment of Dom McBrien as chief digital and omnichannel officer marks a pivotal step in the retailer’s ongoing transformation, as documented by Drapers (February 2025) and Retail Week (October 2024). This move follows a series of strategic leadership changes—including the addition of a new chief customer officer and chief commercial officer with strong digital backgrounds, as reported by Drapers (June 2025) and Fashion Network (February 2025)—that underscore the company’s commitment to digital innovation and omnichannel excellence. The Financial Times (October 2024) highlights the broader management restructuring and renewed focus on core retail, while recent investments in technology and customer experience have positioned John Lewis to better integrate digital and physical channels. Collectively, these developments reflect a clear ambition to become the UK’s most trusted omnichannel retailer, leveraging experienced digital leadership to drive growth, customer engagement, and competitive differentiation in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

John Lewis appoints Dom McBrien as chief digital and omnichannel officer

What: Strong financial results have enabled El Corte Inglés to boost salaries, reduce the gender pay gap to 3.2%, and reinforce its commitment to equality, professional development, and responsible supply chain management.

Why it is important: The company’s progress highlights the link between business performance, social responsibility, and talent retention in a competitive retail environment.

El Corte Inglés has reported a 3.9% increase in average employee remuneration, raising the average salary to €25,275, with the most significant gains seen among lower and technical staff. The company’s commitment to wage equality is reflected in a historic low gender pay gap of 3.2% in Spain and near parity in Portugal, supported by annual reviews and corrective measures. These advances are closely tied to the group’s strong financial performance, with sales reaching €16.7 billion, EBITDA up 11.9% to €1.2 billion, and net profit rising 6.7% to €512 million. Debt reduction and improved operational efficiency have further strengthened the company’s position. El Corte Inglés’s strategic plan emphasizes not only competitive pay but also diversity, professional development, and responsible supply chain management, aligning with broader ESG trends and reinforcing its reputation as one of Spain’s leading employers.

IADS Notes:

El Corte Inglés’s 3.9% increase in average employee remuneration and ongoing progress in wage equality are closely linked to its robust financial performance and strategic transformation. As detailed by Press Release (June 2025), the group achieved €16.7 billion in sales, an 11.9% EBITDA increase, and significant debt reduction, validating the effectiveness of its operational and digital investments. Economia Digital (June 2025) highlights the company’s 2025-2030 strategic plan, developed with McKinsey, which prioritizes performance-based incentives, cost optimization, and digital transformation. Fashion Network (November 2024) reports on profit growth and seasonal hiring, while Revista for Retail (September 2024) underscores El Corte Inglés’s strong corporate reputation and commitment to sustainability. El Pais (September 2024) provides additional context on the group’s long-term strategy and adaptation to new retail realities. Together, these sources illustrate how El Corte Inglés is leveraging business success to improve employee conditions, reinforce diversity and inclusion, and align with evolving ESG standards in the retail sector.

El Corte Ingles increased by +3.9% its staff’s average salary

What: John Lewis is accelerating its fashion transformation by adding 100 new brands, exclusive collaborations, and premium own-label collections as part of an £800m turnaround strategy.

Why it is important: The retailer’s fashion push highlights the critical role of leadership, data-driven assortment, and store investment in driving differentiation and growth amid shifting consumer expectations.

John Lewis is making a decisive move to reposition itself in the UK fashion market by launching a major expansion of its clothing offer, adding 100 new menswear and womenswear brands alongside exclusive collaborations with high-end labels like Mulberry. This initiative, which builds on the addition of 49 brands earlier in the year, is part of an ambitious £800 million turnaround programme that also includes store refurbishments and increased shop floor staffing. Under the leadership of Peter Ruis, the retailer is focusing on premium, curated assortments and own-label innovation, such as its largest-ever cashmere collection, to attract discerning customers and differentiate from competitors Next and M&S. The strategy is designed to give shoppers more reasons to visit stores and to double fashion revenue from £1.2bn to £2.5bn. With M&S’s recent cyber attack disrupting its operations, John Lewis is well positioned to capture additional market share, leveraging its refreshed brand mix, exclusive partnerships, and enhanced in-store experience to drive growth and customer loyalty.

IADS Notes:

John Lewis’s bold fashion expansion and strategic transformation are well documented by Drapers (July 2025), which details the retailer’s AW25 collection, new premium menswear brand, and leadership appointments under Peter Ruis, as well as the ambition to double fashion revenue. Retail Week (February 2025) highlights the addition of 49 new brands for spring/summer, reflecting a focus on emerging designers and a dynamic evolution of the fashion range. Fashion Network (May 2025) and Drapers (July 2025) showcase the launch of the Editions collection and exclusive collaborations with designers like Rejina Pyo, underscoring a data-driven approach to portfolio management and premium positioning. WWD (October 2024) reports on the £800 million investment in store renovations and experiential retail, while Retail Week (October 2024) explores Peter Ruis’s vision for brand curation and customer engagement. The retailer’s opportunity to capture market share amid M&S’s cyber-attack disruption is noted by Drapers (June 2025), and Retail Week (July 2025) confirms John Lewis’s improved customer satisfaction and the positive impact of its transformation investments. Collectively, these sources illustrate how John Lewis is leveraging leadership, investment, and brand curation to reposition itself as a leading force in UK fashion retail.

John Lewis adds 100 premium fashion brands to challenge Next and M&S

What: Manor is exiting smaller food retail locations like Morges to focus on flagship stores and ambitious modernization, reallocating resources to drive growth and differentiation in Swiss retail.

Why it is important: This move highlights the growing trend of reinvesting in flagship locations and digital innovation as key drivers of competitiveness and differentiation in Swiss retail.

Manor’s decision to close its Morges supermarket and lease the space to Migros signals a strategic pivot toward larger, high-potential locations and a more focused investment in modernization. While the closure may disappoint local customers, it aligns with Manor’s broader plan to invest over CHF 200 million in the renovation and digital transformation of its department stores over the next two years. This shift is part of a comprehensive strategy under CEO Roland Armbruster, emphasizing fashion expansion, food innovation, and digital integration. Recent initiatives include the launch of new fashion concepts in Basel and Lausanne and the return to Zurich’s city centre with a major flagship store. By reducing its footprint in less profitable sites and concentrating resources on flagship destinations, Manor aims to enhance customer experience, boost profitability, and reinforce its leadership in the Swiss retail market. The move also reflects a wider industry trend, as department stores adapt their networks to evolving consumer expectations and the competitive pressures of digitalization.

IADS Notes: Manor’s decision to close its Morges supermarket and focus on larger, more differentiated formats is part of a sweeping transformation strategy that has accelerated over the past year. As reported by Zone Bourse (March 2025), Manor is investing CHF 200 million over two years to modernize its stores and strengthen digital operations, marking a shift from restructuring to growth. PME (April 2025) highlights CEO Roland Armbruster’s targeted regional approach and digital innovation, which have driven the company’s highest operational profit in years. The CEO Magazine (November 2024) details Manor’s three-pillar strategy—fashion expansion, food innovation, and digital integration—supported by significant investments in store upgrades. Press Release (October 2024) documents the CHF 50 million investment in new fashion concepts in Basel and Lausanne, while Swiss Info (March 2025) notes Manor’s return to Zurich’s city centre with a 13,000 sqm flagship as part of its broader modernization. Collectively, these developments illustrate Manor’s commitment to optimizing its retail network, prioritizing high-potential locations, and adapting to evolving consumer expectations in Swiss retail.

Manor trades a supermarket to Migros to open a larger one

What: John Lewis revolutionizes its beauty retail concept with a 16,000-square-foot experiential space in Liverpool, replacing traditional counters with interactive zones and expanding its premium brand portfolio by 40%.

Why it is important: This strategic renovation represents a pivotal shift in department store beauty retail, where success depends on creating immersive, digitally integrated spaces that transform traditional shopping into interactive experiences.

John Lewis has unveiled a major transformation of its Liverpool beauty hall, setting a new standard for experiential beauty retail. The extensively renovated space, expanded by almost 40% to 16,000 square feet, represents a fundamental shift from traditional counter-based retail to open, sensory-focused environments. The hall now houses 132 premium brands, including 23 new or expanded counters, and introduces exclusive brands such as Trinny London, Byredo, and Maison Francis Kurkdjian to Liverpool for the first time. This renovation, which includes a new partnership with Rihanna's Fenty Beauty, emphasizes service and social shopping, creating a seamless integration between in-store atmosphere and online convenience. The transformation forms part of John Lewis's £800 million brand investment and reflects the retailer's success in the beauty category, where sales have grown by more than 40% over the past five years. The Liverpool concept will serve as a blueprint for five additional beauty hall transformations planned this year, including locations at Bluewater, Solihull, and Cambridge.

IADS Notes:

John Lewis's transformation of its Liverpool beauty hall reflects broader industry trends in luxury beauty retail. According to WWD in October 2024, the retailer's £800 million investment in store renovations, particularly in beauty departments, has already driven 7% growth in beauty sales. This strategic focus aligns with successful models seen elsewhere, as Fashion Network reported in April 2025 that La Samaritaine achieved significant foot traffic through its 3,400-square-metre beauty space. The shift from traditional counter-based layouts to open, sensory spaces mirrors industry-wide changes, with Business of Fashion noting in November 2024 how department stores were revamping beauty counters with modern designs and interactive experiences to compete with specialty retailers. The timing is particularly significant, as Fashion Network reported in March 2025 that Harvey Nichols' closure of its Liverpool Beauty Bazaar demonstrated the increasingly competitive nature of the beauty market. However, Fashion Network's June 2025 coverage of Debenhams' successful beauty showroom concept showed how retailers can effectively combine physical and digital experiences, suggesting that John Lewis's approach to seamless channel integration could prove crucial for success.

John Lewis unveils new beauty hall concept in Liverpool

What:

Planning delays and viability concerns force John Lewis to reconsider the affordable housing component of its Reading residential development, part of the retailer's strategy to diversify revenue streams.

Why it is important:

The case highlights how regulatory hurdles and economic pressures can impact retailers' efforts to diversify beyond traditional retail operations through property development.

John Lewis Partnership's Reading residential scheme faces significant challenges as planning delays and funding demands threaten its viability. The retailer, which had initially committed to making 10% of the flats affordable, has already reduced the development from 215 to 170 homes due to concerns over local service pressures. The company's advisers have warned that the scheme "would cost more to build than it is worth on paper" and cautioned that without timely planning approval, providing any affordable housing may become unviable. Despite these challenges, John Lewis has demonstrated commitment to the project by making design improvements and increasing green space to enhance community benefits. The Reading development is one of three such schemes being pursued by the partnership, with developments in West Ealing and Bromley having faced similar planning setbacks before eventual approval, illustrating the complexities of retail property transformation.

IADS Notes:

John Lewis Partnership's challenges with its Reading build-to-rent scheme reflect broader shifts in retail property strategy throughout 2024-2025. As reported by Drapers in May 2025, the company achieved a significant milestone with the approval of its 428-apartment West Ealing development, including 83 affordable homes, as part of a £500 million joint venture with Abrdn. This success followed September 2024's Retail Gazette coverage of the company's innovative approach to property assets, converting a former warehouse into affordable housing. However, these developments occurred against a backdrop of strategic refocusing, with February 2025's Drapers report revealing an £800 million investment in core retail operations under Peter Ruis's leadership. The company's property strategy has evolved alongside its retail transformation, as evidenced by March 2025's Retail Bulletin coverage of tripled profits to £126 million, demonstrating how property development complements rather than replaces retail excellence. The Reading scheme's challenges, particularly regarding affordable housing commitments, mirror broader industry tensions between commercial viability and social responsibility, while highlighting the complexities of obtaining planning approval for retail property transformation, as noted in October 2024's coverage of the Peter Jones store redevelopment plans.

John Lewis may cut affordable flats development as delays pose challenge

What:

As part of its €3 billion strategic investment through 2030, El Corte Inglés introduces a new Sustainability Plan focusing on environmental impact reduction, social responsibility, and governance innovation, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Why it is important:

This development shows how traditional retailers are evolving their business models to address environmental challenges while maintaining operational excellence and financial performance.

Summary:

El Corte Inglés's new Sustainability Plan 2025-2030 establishes three key pillars of action: environmental, social, and governance objectives. The environmental focus centers on reducing energy consumption and decarbonizing the group's value chain, laying the groundwork for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Social initiatives include participation in circular economy projects and the implementation of a comprehensive environmental, social, and governance risk mitigation program. The governance aspect emphasizes active board participation in sustainability oversight and the development of sustainable corporate policies, including alignment with the EU's upcoming Digital Product Passport requirements. This plan, launched alongside the company's broader strategic transformation that began on March 1st, demonstrates how sustainability goals can be integrated with business objectives. The initiative follows a strong financial year, with net profits reaching €512 million, representing a 6.7% increase from 2023.

IADS Notes:

El Corte Inglés's new Sustainability Plan 2025-2030 represents a significant evolution in their comprehensive transformation strategy. This development builds on the company's October 2024 partnership with McKinsey, as reported by Modaes, establishing the framework for integrating sustainability into their broader strategic vision. The €3 billion investment commitment aligns with their existing transformation initiatives, including February 2025's €428 million investment in store renovations and digital innovation, as detailed by America Retail. The company's commitment to environmental and social governance builds upon their strong market position, evidenced by their second-place ranking in corporate reputation reported by Revista for Retail in September 2024, where social commitment accounted for 15% of their score. The integration of sustainability goals with business objectives is further supported by their robust financial performance, with June 2025's Press Release reporting 4.3% like-for-like growth and EBITDA reaching €1.2 billion. March 2025's El Confidencial coverage of their new leadership structure, including the creation of a Transformation Office under CEO Gastón Bottazzini, demonstrates how the company is aligning organizational capabilities with their sustainability ambitions. This comprehensive approach to combining environmental goals, social responsibility, and governance innovation, while maintaining strong financial performance, positions El Corte Inglés at the forefront of retail sustainability transformation in Spain.

El Corte Inglés releases a plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050

What:

Through a strategic partnership with UnionPay International, The Mall Group introduces a comprehensive tourism retail initiative combining cultural performances, payment solutions, and shopping incentives to strengthen Thai-Chinese retail connections.

Why it is important:

This collaboration illustrates how major retailers are leveraging payment partnerships and cultural celebrations to transform traditional shopping destinations into comprehensive tourism experiences.

The Mall Group's partnership with UnionPay International launches a multi-faceted initiative across its retail portfolio, including The Mall Lifestore, EM District, and Paragon Department Store. The centerpiece "Parade of Friendship Troops" features symbolic panda and elephant mascots performing at the EM District every weekend throughout July and August 2025. The program includes extensive promotional offerings, with UnionPay cardholders receiving up to THB 2,500 in discount coupons for purchases over THB 2,000 through the U Plan platform. International tourists shopping at Emporium, EmQuartier, Emsphere, and Paragon can receive additional EM District Cash Coupons valued up to THB 2,500 for future visits. The initiative, running through June 30, 2026, also includes complimentary Panda-Elephant Tote Bags for UnionPay transactions, demonstrating a long-term commitment to enhancing the tourist shopping experience.

IADS Notes:

The Mall Group's partnership with UnionPay International represents the latest evolution in Thai retail's comprehensive approach to international tourism and payment innovation. This development builds on the company's June 2024 expansion of its tourism network to include 35 strategic partners, as reported by the Bangkok Post, establishing a foundation for integrated payment and tourism experiences. The cultural integration strategy has proven effective, as demonstrated by January 2025's Inside Retail analysis of Bangkok malls' transformation into cultural destinations, and February 2025's successful Middle Eastern tourism initiatives. The focus on payment innovation aligns with broader regional trends, exemplified by August 2024's Retail Asia coverage of Central Retail's Alipay+ partnership. The Mall Group's commitment to long-term market development is evidenced by their technological investments, including December 2024's smart cart rollout reported by Retail Tech Innovation, and their participation in Thailand's Economic Recovery Project in October 2024. This comprehensive approach to combining payment solutions, cultural experiences, and tourism development has positioned The Mall Group as a leader in Asian retail innovation, as recognized by their triumph at the March 2025 Future Trends Awards. The strategy demonstrates how successful retailers are creating integrated ecosystems that blend payment convenience, cultural authenticity, and tourist engagement to drive sustainable growth.

The Mall Group and UnionPay International celebrate 50 Years of Thai-Chinese Diplomatic Relations

What: El Corte Inglés reports 1.39% growth in real estate portfolio value to €15.716 billion, while generating €83 million from ‘Space Marketing’ initiatives.

Why it is important: The growth in both portfolio value and ‘Space Marketing’ revenue demonstrates how traditional retailers can effectively monetise their real estate assets while maintaining core retail operations.

El Corte Inglés has strengthened its position in the real estate sector with its portfolio now valued at €15.716 billion, representing a 1.39% increase from the previous year's €15.500 billion. The company's retail network encompasses 70 department stores in Spain and two in Portugal, complemented by various retail formats including hypermarkets, supermarkets, and Sfera stores. The ‘Space Marketing’ segment, which includes real estate leasing and third-party commercial relationships, contributed €83 million to the group's €14.786 billion revenue, marking an 11.5% increase year-on-year. The company maintains an investment portfolio valued at €538.2 million, showing a 6.2% growth despite the strategic sale of 40 Supercor stores to Carrefour. This transaction generated a capital gain of €43.08 million, demonstrating effective portfolio management. The company's successful divestment strategy has generated €660 million over the past four years through strategic asset sales, enabling a reduction in liabilities to €2 billion.

IADS Notes:

El Corte Inglés's latest real estate portfolio valuation of €15.716 billion reflects its strategic approach to asset management. In March 2025, the company demonstrated its commitment to optimizing existing assets by investing €428 million in renovating 25 locations, while simultaneously showing prudent development decisions, as seen in July 2025 with the postponement of its Castellana office project despite favorable market conditions. This balanced approach has yielded positive results, with June 2025 financial reports showing robust performance across retail segments, including an 11.5% increase in Space Marketing revenue to €83 million, validating the company's strategy of maximizing value from existing assets while carefully managing new developments.

El Corte Inglés increases the value of its real estate portfolio to €15.716 billion