What: Chinese luxury malls, including SKP, are deploying aggressive discount strategies like "shock therapy" vouchers to stimulate local spending and improve second-half earnings in a challenging retail environment.

Why it is important: As China's domestic luxury market faces declining sales, the innovative use of discounts and vouchers by major malls like SKP highlights the intense competition for consumer spending and the evolving strategies needed to sustain growth in a value-conscious market.

In response to slowing luxury sales, Chinese malls such as SKP are introducing substantial discounts through "shock therapy" vouchers to attract middle-class shoppers and drive transaction volumes. This tactic, which has generated significant interest and foot traffic, reflects the broader challenges in China's luxury retail sector, where malls are seeking new ways to boost sales amid economic uncertainty and shifting consumer behaviours. The strategy has led to increased competition among luxury brands and malls, with a focus on retaining customers and navigating the complexities of a value-driven market. The initiative underscores the ongoing importance of the middle class in China's luxury landscape and the need for brands to adapt to changing market dynamics.

SKP leads the charge as Chinese malls use "Shock Therapy" vouchers to boost luxury spending

What: Magasin du Nord introduces "Small Store", a new store format, with the first location opening this autumn in SlotsArkaderne, Hillerød.

Why it is important: This concept serves as both a point of contact for e-commerce customers and an animation space that can be highly focused thanks to its small size, enhancing customer engagement and operational flexibility.

Magasin du Nord is launching a new retail format called 'Small Store' as part of its omnichannel strategy, with the inaugural location opening this autumn in SlotsArkaderne, Hillerød. This initiative, supported by over DKK 20 million in IT investments, aims to fuse Magasin's physical presence more tightly with its online platform. The concept focuses on offering a curated mix of fashion, accessories, beauty, and home products, targeting both local consumers and tourists, providing goods that are not widely available elsewhere.

Peter Fabricius, Managing Director of Magasin, emphasised that the 'Small Store' concept is designed to adapt to different local markets beyond Denmark, with additional sites already being considered. This model supports a more personalized shopping experience, integrating advanced IT solutions to enhance service offerings such as online order pickup and returns at any store.The strategy behind the 'Small Store' format is to utilize smaller, more specialized retail spaces to quickly adapt to market changes and consumer trends, potentially expanding this approach quickly based on its initial success in Hillerød.

Magasin du Nord introduces a new, smaller store format

What: Bloomingdale's has teamed up with luxury resale platform Rebag to introduce in-store kiosks offering high-end secondhand accessories and a buyback program across several of its locations.

Why it is important: This initiative marks a significant expansion of Bloomingdale's into the growing luxury resale market, catering to increasing customer demand for curated pre-owned luxury items and enhancing the department store's omnichannel shopping experience.

Bloomingdale's is making a strategic move into the luxury resale market by partnering with Rebag, a platform known for secondhand designer accessories. This collaboration introduces around 2,500 luxury items, including handbags, jewelry, and watches from brands like Hermès, Cartier, and Rolex, to select Bloomingdale's stores and its website. The partnership includes in-store kiosks where customers can purchase these items and participate in a buyback program. This is Bloomingdale's first foray into in-store resale, building on its previous online partnership with MyGemma, and reflects the retailer's commitment to offering customers a premium, omnichannel shopping experience.

Bloomingdale's partners with Rebag for in-store luxury resale initiative

What: Bloomingdale's flagship store in New York City is partnering with Salone del Mobile. Milano will host events, talks, and an installation celebrating Italian design and furniture.

Why it is important: This collaboration underscores Bloomingdale's commitment to elevating the in-store experience by integrating high-end international design and cultural events, positioning the retailer as a key player in the global luxury market.

Bloomingdale's has teamed up with Salone del Mobile. Milano for a special "From Italy, With Love" campaign will feature an installation and curated events from September 5 to 29 at its 59th Street flagship in New York City. The event, titled "Italian Design: From Classic to Contemporary," will showcase Made in Italy products from 23 brands, offering customers a unique cultural and shopping experience. This initiative reflects Bloomingdale's CEO Olivier Bron's strategy to enhance the store's prestige through innovative events, further aligning the brand with luxury and cultural sophistication.

Bloomingdale's brings Italian elegance to NYC with Salone del Mobile.Milano

What: El Corte Inglés partners with Akhom Consulting to enhance its luxury shopping experience for Middle Eastern travellers in Spain and Portugal.

Why it is important: The collaboration showcases innovative approaches to international retail, combining tax incentives with personalized services to attract high-value customers.

El Corte Inglés has partnered with Akhom Consulting to enhance its presence in the Middle East, particularly in GCC countries. This collaboration aims to provide an unparalleled luxury shopping experience for Middle Eastern travellers visiting Spain and Portugal.

The partnership introduces a range of exclusive services tailored for international customers. These include an Instant Tax Refund system allowing non-EU residents to save up to 15.7% on purchases with no minimum spend, and the ability to combine multiple purchases on a single tax-free form. Additionally, a 10% Reward Card enables visitors to accumulate credit for future purchases across El Corte Inglés stores in Spain and Portugal.

Further enhancing the offering is a Gold Card system, where customers choosing the El Corte Inglés Gift Card as their tax refund method receive an additional 20% of the total taxes. The stores also provide dedicated personal shoppers to assist clients in curating their shopping experience, offering personalized advice and exclusive access to the latest collections.

El Corte Inglés named Akhom Consulting's official representative in the GCC

What: Bloomingdale's is launching a large-scale, two-month Italian-themed campaign titled "From Italy, With Love," showcasing over 150 brands, with 300 exclusive products, across its stores and online starting September 5.

Why it is important: This event marks a significant return to Bloomingdale's tradition of immersive, culturally themed promotions, while also serving as a key initiative under CEO Olivier Bron's leadership to enhance the store's experiential offerings and elevate its brand positioning.

Bloomingdale's is reviving its tradition of grand cultural promotions with "From Italy, With Love," a two-month event celebrating Italian fashion, design, cuisine, and culture. The campaign will take place across all Bloomingdale's locations, with the flagship 59th Street store in Manhattan being the central hub. The event will feature over 150 brands, including 30 new to the store, and offer 300 exclusive products. The campaign will include pop-up shops, food carts, cooking demonstrations, and exclusive collaborations, all aimed at creating a memorable and immersive shopping experience. This initiative is part of CEO Olivier Bron's strategy to differentiate Bloomingdale's in a competitive retail landscape by focusing on unique, large-scale events that resonate with customers.

Bloomingdale's "From Italy, With Love": A grand Italian celebration across stores

What: Dolce & Gabbana Casa, the Italian luxury brand's home and decor line, has expanded its presence in Mexico with a new retail space at Casa Palacio in the Antara shopping centre, marking its third location.

Why it is important: This expansion underscores the growing demand for luxury home and decor products in Mexico and highlights El Palacio de Hierro's strategic role in facilitating the brand's growth. The collaboration enhances El Palacio de Hierro's prestige and reinforces its position as a key player in the high-end retail market.

Dolce & Gabbana Casa has launched its third space in Mexico at Casa Palacio in the Antara shopping centre, featuring collections like Leopardo, Carretto Siciliano, and Blu Mediterraneo. This new location follows the brand's first Latin American flagship store in Artz Pedregal, which opened in May 2023, and a second store in Guadalajara at Midtown Jalisco. The partnership with El Palacio de Hierro marks a significant step in Dolce & Gabbana Casa's expansion strategy, offering a range of luxury home items such as blankets, bathrobes, plates, cutlery, glassware, candles, and furniture.

El Palacio de Hierro boosts Dolce & Gabbana Casa's presence in Mexico

What: El Corte Inglés is promoting the Façonnable brand by introducing it in six of its centers in Spain and expanding to El Palacio de Hierro in Mexico.

Why it is important: This strategic partnership signifies a major step in expanding Façonnable's market reach, leveraging the extensive retail networks of El Corte Inglés in Spain and El Palacio de Hierro in Mexico, enhancing the brand's visibility and customer base.

All We Wear Group (AWWG), the parent company of Façonnable, is collaborating with El Corte Inglés to promote the brand in Spain and Mexico. Since spring/summer 2024, Façonnable has been available in six El Corte Inglés centers in Spain and online through the retailer's marketplace. Simultaneously, the brand is expanding in Mexico with three shop-in-shop formats in El Palacio de Hierro and plans to enter the department store's online channel from August. The partnership aims to further strengthen Façonnable's retail presence in 2025, including new openings and collaborations.

El Corte Inglés boosts Façonnable's presence in Spain and Mexico

What: Manor is opening a new multi-storey flagship store in Zurich's Jelmoli building, featuring diverse shopping worlds across fashion, beauty, home & living, and more.

Why it is important: This significant investment revitalizes Manor's presence in Zurich, offering a broad customer base an enhanced shopping experience with a mix of international brands and Manor's own products, while emphasizing sustainability and local sourcing.

Manor, Switzerland's largest department store group, is set to open a new flagship store in Zurich's city center in 2027. Spanning around 13,000 square meters across three floors, the store will be located in the iconic Jelmoli building. It will feature a wide range of products, including fashion, beauty, home & living, toys, stationery, sport, multimedia, and electronics, along with a diverse catering service offering freshly made dishes using locally sourced ingredients. The new store aims to provide an inspiring customer experience with a mix of renowned international brands and Manor's private label at attractive prices. This investment is part of Manor's broader strategy to modernize its offerings and reinforce its position as Switzerland's leading omnichannel retailer.

Manor returns to Zurich City Centre with multi-storey flagship store

What: Galeries Lafayette has redesigned its Jodhpur brand, targeting modern forty-somethings with distinctive, travel-inspired fashion pieces.

Why it is important: This revamp aims to rejuvenate the brand's market presence and align it with current fashion trends, enhancing its appeal to both loyal customers and a younger demographic.

Galeries Lafayette has relaunched its Jodhpur brand, updating its style and identity to better resonate with contemporary fashion trends. The new Jodhpur collection, limited to under 200 references, emphasizes distinctive, travel-inspired designs, including updated versions of classic pieces like trench coats and sailor shirts. The brand incorporates sustainable materials, earning the 'Go for good' label, and offers a range of accessories to complete the wardrobe. With a mid-high-end price point, the collection aims to attract new consumers and rejuvenate Galeries Lafayette's clientele. The revamped Jodhpur will be showcased in updated store layouts, starting at the Haussmann flagship, with plans to achieve 30-50% sales growth within three years.

Galeries Lafayette revamps Jodhpur brand for modern appeal

What: Bloomingdale's has appointed David Thielebeule as its new men's fashion director.

Why it is important: The appointment of David Thielebeule, a seasoned editor and stylist with extensive experience in the fashion industry, reflects Bloomingdale's commitment to maintaining a strong editorial presence and authority in the market. His role will focus on discovering new brands, building relationships with vendors, and amplifying the store's storytelling capabilities.

David Thielebeule, previously the founding editor-in-chief of Grazia USA, has joined Bloomingdale's as the men's fashion director. With over 15 years of experience, including roles at the Wall Street Journal Magazine and Harper's Bazaar, Thielebeule is expected to bring a strong editorial perspective to the department store. Reporting to Kevin Harter, group vice president of integrated marketing, Thielebeule will oversee men's fashion, attend shows, and enhance Bloomingdale's storytelling. He succeeds Justin Berkowitz, who left to join NN.07 as a strategic partner.

Bloomingdale's names new men's fashion director

What: El Corte Inglés has opened a new supermarket in El Escorial, featuring a 2,600 m² space with a Gourmet Club, various specialised sections, and a UNIT store on the first floor.

Why it is important: This new supermarket enhances the shopping experience with innovative features like a Gourmet Club, pre-cooked dishes, specialised departments, and convenient services such as Click&Car and online order collection. It signifies El Corte Inglés's commitment to expanding and modernising its retail offerings.

El Corte Inglés has inaugurated a new supermarket in El Escorial, replacing the previous Supercor location. The spacious 2,600 m² ground floor offers a variety of fresh products, including fruit, meat, and fish, along with special features like a Gourmet Club with a tasting bar, a section for pre-cooked dishes, a renovated wine cellar, and a dedicated Joselito ham area. Additional amenities include a Nutrition and Wellness department, a pharmacy, and a makeup section. The first floor houses a UNIT store with a wide range of products for the whole family and an El Corte Inglés Travel agency. The new supermarket, located on Carretera de Guadarrama Road, offers free shipping, two-hour delivery, and a convenient Click&Car service, catering to customers in the north and west of Madrid.

El Corte Inglés opens a large Supermarket at street level in El Escorial

What: El Corte Inglés is finalizing a new Strategic Plan for 2025-2030 following a successful financial year.

Why it is important: The new Strategic Plan aims to build on El Corte Inglés' recent financial successes and ensure sustained growth and market leadership in the coming years.

During its General Meeting of Shareholders, El Corte Inglés announced it is finalizing a Strategic Plan for 2025-2030. The meeting also approved the renewal of Manuel Pizarro as director and highlighted the company's strong financial performance for 2023, with revenues rising by 5.4% to EUR 16.333 billion and net profit reaching EUR 480 million. This follows the recent appointment of Gastón Bottazzini as CEO. The new plan is expected to drive further growth and solidify the company's market position.

El Corte Inglés unveils new strategic plan for 2025-2030

What: El Palacio de Hierro reported a 23% increase in net profit, reaching USD 71 million in the first half of the year, with a total turnover of USD 1.37 billion.

Why it is important: This growth highlights the robust performance and strategic success of El Palacio de Hierro, particularly in its online sales channel, which saw a significant 36% increase. This success is indicative of the company's ability to adapt and thrive in the evolving retail landscape, maintaining strong growth amidst broader market challenges.

El Palacio de Hierro, led by CEO Juan Carlos Escribano, closed the first half of the year with a 23% increase in net profit, totaling USD 71 million. The company's turnover reached USD 1.37 billion, marking a 9.2% year-on-year increase. This growth is largely attributed to the impressive 36% rise in online sales.

The company's EBITDA also saw a 17% rise, amounting to USD 198 million. El Palacio de Hierro outperformed the average market growth reported by the National Association of Self-Service and Department Stores (ANTAD), with same-store sales growth of 6.6%. The company has also expanded its commercial offerings, adding more Spanish brands and maintaining exclusive partnerships with major luxury brands.

El Palacio de Hierro reports 23% profit increase

What: Galeries Lafayette has launched a 3,200-square-foot shop-in-shop dedicated to pre-owned watches and jewelry at its Haussmann flagship store.

Why it is important: This new space enhances the store's luxury offering by addressing the growing demand for secondhand luxury items, particularly among younger shoppers. It includes Rolex's certified pre-owned program, ensuring authenticity and attracting new clientele.

Galeries Lafayette has unveiled "Hojo Vintage," a dedicated shop-in-shop for pre-owned watches and jewelry, on the ground floor of its Haussmann flagship store. This 3,200-square-foot space features Rolex's certified pre-owned timepieces, alongside selections from French secondhand specialists Kronos 360 and Castafiore. The initiative is part of a broader overhaul of the store's luxury offering and aims to cater to the increasing demand for authenticated secondhand luxury items. The store's offerings include iconic brands like Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Boucheron, with a selection of items ranging from 500 to 35,000 euros. Future plans may include a buyback program and a concierge service to enhance customer experience.

Galeries Lafayette opens secondhand watch and jewelry space, including Rolex certified pre-owned

What: El Palacio de Hierro, a luxury department store chain, is set to open a new store in León

Why it is important: This expansion signifies the brand's commitment to growth and enhancing its presence in key markets, catering to the high-end consumer demand in the region

El Palacio de Hierro is on track to inaugurate its new store in León, located inside the Plaza Mayor shopping centre, on September 26, 2024. The luxury department store chain has been developing this project for two years, and the new store will feature over 18,000 square meters across three levels. Currently, a "click&collect" point is operational at the location, allowing customers to access the digital catalog and pick up purchases. With this opening, El Palacio de Hierro will have 14 department stores across Mexico, including in major cities like Mexico City, Puebla, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. The company has reported a net profit of 515 million pesos for the first quarter of 2024, a 39.5% increase from the same period in 2023, underscoring its strong financial performance and strategic expansion efforts.

El Palacio de Hierro successfully heads its official opening in León

What: Boyner has launched InClub, a new influencer platform designed to enhance the content creation experience for influencers.

Why it is important: This initiative aligns with evolving shopping habits and the growing influence of personalized offers and artificial intelligence in e-commerce. It represents a strategic move to integrate influencers more deeply into Boyner's business model, creating a sustainable and engaging partnership.

Boyner has unveiled its new influencer platform, InClub, aimed at revolutionizing the content creation process for influencers. InClub allows content creators to design special collections on Boyner's website, recommend them to their followers, produce content through exclusive campaigns, and monitor their performance in real time. This platform not only enhances the collaboration between Boyner and influencers but also professionalizes influencer marketing by streamlining business processes. Boyner's innovative approach invites content producers who meet the platform's criteria to join InClub and leverage this new marketing tool to create unique shopping experiences for their followers.

Boyner InClub Press Release

What: Falabella has improved its e-commerce and logistics systems, enabling one-day delivery in Lima and Callao, and two-day delivery in urban areas of other provinces in Peru.

Why it is important: This enhancement significantly boosts Falabella's customer service by reducing waiting times for online orders, thus improving customer satisfaction and competitiveness in the e-commerce market.

Falabella Peru has optimized its e-commerce and logistics systems to offer one-day delivery for online orders in Lima and Callao, and up to two-day delivery in urban areas of other provinces. During the Cyber WOW campaign in April 2024, Falabella demonstrated this capability by delivering 166,000 units the day after purchase, with 86% of nationwide purchases delivered within 48 hours. This improvement is supported by a USD 27 million investment in automating its distribution center. The company now ensures swift deliveries to numerous locations, including Cusco, Arequipa, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Ancash, Junin, Cajamarca, and Piura, while maintaining varied timelines for products from external sellers and remote areas like Loreto, Ucayali, Madre de Dios, Amazonas, and San Martín. CEO Alex Zimmermann emphasizes that these improvements aim to continually enhance delivery speeds and customer satisfaction.

Falabella reduces order delivery times to one day in Peru: What is its coverage?

What: Falabella's Basement brand will design and produce the uniforms for the Chilean delegation at the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Why it is important: This collaboration highlights Falabella's commitment to supporting national athletes and showcasing local design talent on an international stage. It also reinforces the company's brand presence and dedication to high-quality, fashionable attire.

Falabella has announced that its brand Basement will design and produce the uniforms for the Chilean athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics opening ceremonies. The uniforms, crafted by designers Paula Breve and Catalina Undurraga, feature handmade finishes, noble materials like linen, and the colors of the Chilean flag. The creation process involved over 20 collaborators and took place at Mavesa, Falabella's factory in Chile. Loreto Santa Cruz, general manager of the Olympic Committee, and Angela Casassa, marketing manager of Falabella Retail Chile, expressed their pride and gratitude for this collaboration, which aims to ensure the athletes' comfort and style at this prestigious event. The Olympic opening ceremony will be held on July 26 along the Seine River, and the Paralympic ceremony on August 28 at the Place de la Concorde.

Falabella to dress Chilean delegation for Paris 2024 Olympics

What: Galeries Lafayette in Berlin is closing its doors on July 31, leaving uncertainty about the future use of its iconic location on Friedrichstrasse.

Why it is important: The closure signifies a major shift in Berlin's retail landscape, highlighting the challenges faced by traditional department stores amidst changing consumer habits and economic pressures. It also raises questions about the future of retail spaces and their potential new uses in urban environments.

After nearly 29 years of operation, the Galeries Lafayette on Friedrichstrasse in Berlin will close on July 31, 2024. The decision to close follows years of financial struggles exacerbated by shifting consumer behaviours. The store, once a significant cultural and commercial hub, leaves behind a legacy as Berlin's beacon of French luxury and lifestyle. While the closure impacts the store's 150 remaining employees, a social plan has been set to support them. The future of the prime location remains uncertain, with discussions ongoing about potentially transforming the space into the Berlin Central and State Library, although funding and final decisions are pending. The closure mirrors broader challenges faced by department stores both in Germany and France, as the retail industry undergoes significant transformation.

Galeries Lafayette faces closure: What happens next?

What: El Corte Inglés unveils 'New Motel' at the Mad Cool festival, featuring interactive brand experiences from Converse, Nike, L'Oréal, and Green Coast.

Why it is important: This initiative is part of El Corte Inglés' strategy to rebrand and attract Gen Z customers, aiming to transform its image and engagement with younger demographics. For more information, please check the takeaways from the IADS Operations meeting dedicated to Marketing Directors.

El Corte Inglés has set up a 'New Motel' at the Mad Cool festival from July 10-13, featuring four themed rooms sponsored by Converse, Nike, L'Oréal, and Green Coast. This initiative, aimed at attracting Gen Z, includes unique experiences such as a Converse-themed reception, a Nike pre-party space, a L'Oréal beauty room, and a Green Coast Glam Cam. Visitors can enjoy photo booths, Instax instant cameras, and various gifts from the brands. This activation is part of El Corte Inglés' broader 'New' campaign, which focuses on rebranding efforts and engaging younger audiences through modern communication strategies and events.

El Corte Inglés launches 'New Motel' experience at Mad Cool Festival

What: Turkey's Boyner Group has appointed top executives from rival retailer Beymen to lead a new luxury and contemporary fashion retail concept.

Why it is important: This strategic move signals Boyner Group's ambition to expand and enhance its position in the luxury and contemporary fashion market, leveraging the expertise of experienced industry leaders.

Boyner Group is developing a new retail concept focused on luxury and contemporary fashion, with Polat Uyal, former merchandising group president at Beymen, appointed as CEO. Uyal, along with Sebla Refig Devidas as chief merchandising officer and Demir Aslanoglu as buying and merchandising director, will spearhead the launch of this new venture. The exact name and opening date of the new store have not been finalized, but the project is progressing rapidly in terms of concept design, brand mix, and talent recruitment. Boyner Group, a prominent textile and retail company with over 250 stores, aims to leverage the extensive experience of these executives to enhance its market presence and appeal to a broader range of luxury and contemporary fashion consumers.

Boyner Group taps Beymen executives for new retail concept

What: Voralak Tulaphorn, Chief Marketing Officer of The Mall Group, has been named one of the "TOP 10 CMOs IN THAILAND 2024" by CEO Insights Asia for her vision in sustainable business development.

Why it is important: This award highlights Voralak Tulaphorn's exceptional marketing skills and her contributions to The Mall Group's success in the competitive retail market of Thailand, recognizing her ability to drive sustainable growth and innovative customer engagement strategies.

Voralak Tulaphorn, the Chief Marketing Officer of The Mall Group, has been recognized as one of the "TOP 10 CMOs IN THAILAND 2024" by CEO Insights Asia, joining distinguished marketing leaders from global brands like Electrolux, McDonald's, and PepsiCo. This accolade, now in its third year, honors marketing executives who have demonstrated exceptional skills and contributed to the dynamic growth of their organizations. Voralak's career spans various industries, including advertising, food services, real estate, and finance, before joining The Mall Group 11 years ago. Her innovative approach to marketing management, focusing on digital platforms, customer engagement, and sustainability, has significantly enhanced The Mall Group's market position. By leveraging customer data for personalized marketing campaigns and forging strategic collaborations, Voralak has expanded The Mall Group's customer base, attracted new market segments, and reinforced the company's image as a forward-thinking and socially responsible organization. Her leadership continues to drive The Mall Group's success and sustain its leadership in Thailand's retail sector.

Voralak Tulaphorn honoured as top 10 CMO in Thailand

What: El Corte Inglés increased its workforce by 0.3% in 2023, totaling 81,714 employees across the group.

Why it is important: This growth reflects El Corte Inglés' continued expansion and commitment to maintaining a strong and stable workforce, with a focus on permanent contracts and inclusivity.

El Corte Inglés has reported a workforce increase of 0.3% in 2023, bringing its total number of employees to 81,714. The average number of full-time employees reached 73,279, excluding the insurance group staff. The majority of its workforce (97.3%) holds permanent contracts. The company emphasized its commitment to society by employing 1,649 workers with disabilities. The workforce distribution includes professionals, base staff, managers, technicians, and coordinators, with a notable increase in base staff due to new hires. The company completed a process of incentivized redundancies for staff over 59 years old, with EUR 21 million pending payment out of an initial provision of EUR 30 million. El Corte Inglés operates numerous department stores, supermarkets, outlets, and travel agency branches across Spain and Portugal, and its fashion chain Sfera expanded internationally with 166 own stores and 287 franchises.

El Corte Inglés workforce grows by 0.3% in 2023, reaching nearly 82,000 employees