What: Supaluck Umpujh shares her view on modern retail, including the need for differenciation.

Why it is important: For her, the biggest problem is not tech or rivals, but relationship with luxury brands.

Supaluck Umpujh, the chairwoman of the Mall Group, is a key figure in shaping Bangkok's retail industry, with 30 years of experience in building malls.

Her latest project, Emsphere, is set to open soon and is a 200,000 sq m mixed-use development with Ikea as its anchor tenant and American live-entertainment giant aeg as a partner for its first arena in southeast Asia.

Umpujh believes in the value of entertainment and the importance of difference to attract consumers. She also emphasizes the importance of compromise, striking deals through entertainment, and not becoming a retailer as a mall operator.

Despite the pandemic, Umpujh sees opportunity in every crisis and her retail masterplan for Bangkok includes the upcoming Bangkok Mall, which will be five times the size of Emsphere and is set to open in 2026 to cater to wealthy tourists from China, India, and Indonesia.

The Mall Group's Chairwoman Supaluck Umpujh in Monocle 

What: Jacquemus has brought its Mediterranean vibe and visual obsessions to the floors, shop windows, and sidewalks of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann.

Why it is important: The collaboration is an opportunity for Galeries Lafayette to attract younger customers and the first time an independent brand has taken over the store's 16  windows.

Visitors come across a variety of immersive experiences from a white cube hosting a café with flowers and coffee outside, to a giant toaster that ejects Jacquemus-branded slices of bread. A giant handbag welcomes customers in the entrance of the women's section while a laundry mat with a large washing machine invites visitors to take selfies in the store's men's section.

The store windows feature a bright, pared-down aesthetic with sunglasses, clotheslines, raffia, and many other cult objects which nod to the French designer's Provence upbringing and Mediterranean inspiration.

Jacquemus takes over Galeries Lafayette Haussmann in Paris

Jacquemus takes over Galeries Lafayette Haussmann in Paris article

What: The Spanish footwear brand has landed at Galeries Lafayette Hausmann and four El Corte Inglés stores.

Why it is important: The digital native brand has strategically formed long-term alliances with the two department stores as part of its goal to promote wholesale.

Augusta the Brand has added El Corte Ingles and Galeries Lafayette to its list of thirty points of sale.

The brand is setting international growth and the expansion of its catalog as its main challenges for 2023 and expects wholesale sales to account for 51% of its total sales this year.

Augusta the Brand expands its commercial network with El Corte Inglés and Galeries Lafayette

What: Galeries Lafayette is revealing the renewal of its men's fashion spaces this spring at its Haussmann location.

Why it is important: The department store is renovating and reinforcing its offer to meet the changing consumer behavior in men's fashion.

The project highlights a more sensitive man who is inspired by self-care, more casual fashion, sophisticated luxury, and fashionable outdoor style. The men's supply and purchasing director noted that men want to be more daring and dress for themselves, buying out of desire and love, rather than coming to the department store to meet a specific need.

On the first floor, the sports and outdoors categories are displayed with an "essentials of the season" space that features brands like Patagonia, Arc'teryx, and Element.

On the second floor, creative fashion flourishes with a focus on relaxed tailoring. New brands in this space include Walk in Paris, Maison Labiche, Iro, Les Deux, Blue Garage, and Officine Générale.

Tom Ford takes over a large measure of the men's building, with beauty products and leather goods on the ground floor and a large corner of the third floor which is now dedicated entirely to luxury ready-to-wear.

The third floor also features new brands such as Loro Piana, Nahmias, and JW Anderson who join existing brands like Prada, Celine, and Ami that have opted for larger sales areas.

The store's beachwear offer has also seen the addition of new brands like Orlebar Brown and Frescobol Caricoa.

Galeries Lafayette also hosts Café du Cycliste and has recently added the sneaker retailer Wethenew to its offer.

Additionally, each floor has multi-brand spaces installed with exclusive and creative brands for customers to discover.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann adapts to changes in men's fashion

What: SM Investments was recognized as among the Top Rated companies in the industry globally and in the Asia Pacific in a 2023 Top-Rated ESG Companies list by Morningstar Sustainalytics.

Why it is important: The rating reflects SM's commitment and initiatives towards sustainability, allowing them to affirm their stakeholders confidence in the company as a stable, sustainable, and responsible organization.

The company received an ESG Risk Rating of 13.3  and was assessed to be at low risk of experiencing material financial impacts from ESG factors.

With this rating, SM Investments belongs to the strongly performing 6.7 percent of companies with lowest ESG risk score within its defined peer group.

SM recognized as top rated sustainability company in both industry and Asia Pacific

What: After a successful pop-up in September 2022, the second-hand seller, Jaiio, will join Galeries Lafayette's (RE)STORE space permanently.

Why it is important: Jaiio offers a selection of premium brands products that are otherwise hard to find second-hand, and also allows customers to sell their own products.

The 43-meter-squared space will open in early March on the third floor of the Haussmann location.

Jaiio has the goal of simplifying selling second-hand pieces by offering a turnkey service, where they take care of posting and selling items for customers. Additionally, unsold merchandise is donated to partner charities.

Jaiio will offer a selection of premium designer clothes, bags, and accessories at up to 80% off the new price and 100% certified authenticity.

Jaiio is settling permanently at Galeries Lafayette

What: El Corte Inglés has been named among the 120 largest family businesses by the Family Business Index.

Why it is important: The report reveals that the most important family businesses globally grow twice as much as the world's main economies despite moments of uncertainty in the current economic climate.

El Corte Inglés was ranked 117th in the World Family Business Index of the 500 most relevant family businesses globally.

The department store is joined by other Spanish brands including Inditex and Mercadona.

El Corte Inglés named one of the 120 largest family businesses in the world

What: The Galeries Lafayette group continues to reduce its store portfolio. After franchising 38 of its department stores between 2018 and 2021, the group will sell BHV Marais, as well as the BHV located in Parly2 shopping mall. The buyer is SGM (Société des Grands Magasins), which already acquired 7 Galeries Lafayette stores in the past.

Why it is important: Galeries Lafayette focuses its efforts and investments on the continuation of works in its boulevard Haussmann flagship store (and its own network of 17 units), on its omnichannel strategy and on international growth (in China, India and the Middle East).

Galeries Lafayette will continue to operate Eataly Paris Marais.

The news comes at a troubled time for one of Galeries Lafayette's affiliates Hermione People group & Brands (HPB) which took over 25 stores through franchising. Employees were on strike to alert on the lack of transparency and on the financial situation of their parent company.

HPB stated that there are no layoffs or store closure plans, adding that the company is healthy, with a turnover increase of +4.1% in 2022 vs 2021, and of +9.8% increase in January 2023 vs 2022.

Galeries Lafayette to sell BHV 

Galeries Lafayette to sell BHV

What: The Mexican department store closed fiscal 2022 with an increase of 34% compared to 2019. Accumulated operating flow (EBITDA) increased by 38% and net income increased by 58%.

Why it is important: El Palacio de Hierro has once again outperformed the results of the entire retail sector in Mexico, which grew by 10.5% in like-for-like terms, and that of department stores in particular, which posted an increase of 15%.

During the year, the company reopened the doors of its store in Coyoacán, in Mexico City, with more than 38,000 square meters and five levels. The complex is located in the Mítikah shopping center, the largest in Latin America.

Grupo Palacio de Hierro also continued to boost revenue generation through the network, which jumped 40% in 2022 despite the fact that the comparable base was already high. The group plans to invest more than 115 million dollars in real estate projects going forward.

El Palacio de Hierro exceeds pre-pandemic revenues

What: El Corte Inglés has updated its app with a function that allows customers to pick up their order within one hour in addition to new interactive tools.

Why it is important: The new function is streamlining the shopping experience for customers as they can easily access new information, pay hands-free in store, and benefit from same-day delivery.

El Corte Inglés has introduced "Store Mode" to its app which makes shopping with the retailer easier than ever.

With this update, customers will be able to discover and learn about products, brands, services, and events at their selected location in addition to the ability to connect to wi-fi.

New interactive tools have also been added to the app that give direct access to coupons, promotions, and the status of orders.

Additionally, customers will be able to make one single payment in the app at the end of purchase, eliminating the need to carry bags around the store. The app also has a feature that allows users to request a turn in the cafeteria, supermarket, and in other departments to avoid wait times.

In addition to one hour pick up, the app also offers a same-day delivery service for more than 300,000 products which can be received as quickly as two hours later.

El Corte Inglés incorporates the "Store Mode" in its app to collect orders in one hour

What: Galeries Lafayette will be hosting Jacquemus from February 28th until April 2nd.

Why it is important: The French brand specifically wanted to partner with the department store as it works to establish itself as a luxury fashion house. Additionally, an independent brand has never taken over the store's 16 windows.

Galeries Lafayette will be hosting a Jacquemus event from February 28th until April 2nd. The store will have three pop-up shops in addition to the windows and street activations where fans of the brand can hang out and take pictures.

Over the past 2 years, Jacquemus has seen growth in popularity from its e-commerce site but has recently been focused on fun retail with its vending machines for bags and its first storefront opening in September of 2022, as well as a partnership with Selfridges.

As a result, many department stores have approached the brand but Jacquemus has strategically partnered with Galeries Lafayette as a celebration of its loyalty and support of the brand since 2017.

An independent designer brand has never taken over the 16 windows of the men's and women's stores at Galeries Lafayette. The brand is working towards establishing itself as a luxury fashion house and wants to refresh the notion of luxury by provoking emotion, then a transaction.

Galeries Lafayette will play a strategic role in this strategy as the event will create an experience for all to discover and immerse themselves in the universe of Jacquemus. Additionally, the brand will join many luxury houses at the department store and gain exposure to Galeries Lafayette's international clientele.

Jacquemus loves the sun, life, and Galeries Lafayette

What: Contrary to what was previously reported, the 26 Galeries Lafayette franchises owned by Hermione People & Brands will be placed under safeguard proceedings.

Why it is important: The 'safeguard' status will allow Hermione People & Brands to negotiate a restructuring plan under the court's direction. HPB's owner declared the business is healthy.

Galeries Lafayette Franchises to enter safeguard procedure, not receivership

What: UNIQLO Philippines and SM Foundation came together to upgrade 4 health centers.

Why it is important: SM and UNIQLO have a collective mission to uplift the lives of Filipinos, especially those in grassroots communities.

The four centers were improved to provide local residents easy access to health care services.

The collaboration rebuilt the facilities and reconstructed its layout to aptly meet the specialized needs of the community.

SM Foundation and UNIQLO also provided Emergency GoKit+ and Mobile Play Cabinets to each of the centers.

UNIQLO, SM Foundation unveil 4 health centers in Bulacan

What: SM Group has rolled out additional Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in multiple Supermall locations nationwide.

Why it is important: SM Supermalls is also the first mall chain to establish in-mall e-Vehicle charging sites in the Philippines.

SM is making traveling sustainably throughout the Philippines possible and more convenient.

SM Group initially rolled out 15 EV charging stations in Metro Manilla and one in SM City Baguio last year. The group will now be opening EV charging stations at SM Supermalls from Luzon to Mindanao, so shoppers and travelers can charge anywhere there is an SM mall.

The free EV charging stations further advance SM's Zero Emissions agenda and supports the SM Green Movement, helping decrease carbon footprint and enabling more Filipinos to make sustainable lifestyle changes.

SM Supermalls rolls out PH's biggest chain of e-Vehicle charging stations nationwide

What: According to the report, Global Powers of Retailing by Deloitte, El Corte Inglés is the 93rd largest firm in the retail sector worldwide.

Why it is important: The 250 countries on the list increased their income by 8.5% in relation to 2021 and El Corte Inglés has contributed to Spain being the sixth country in Europe with the highest share of revenue in retail sales, with an average turnover of 16.8 million euros among the five main national companies in the ranking.

El Corte Inglés ranked among the hundred largest firms in the retail sector

What: Spanish luxury brand, Loewe, has set up a dedicated point of sale at El Palacio de Hierro.

Why it is important: Thanks to El Palacio de Hierro, Loewe Perfumes has made a nod to Mexico with its second permanent location in North America.

El Palacio de Hierro confirmed that Loewe will have a permanent space for its fragrances at the luxury department store. The luxury brand will display a wide variety of its perfumes, flavorings, and candles in various presentations and prices.

Loewe brings its line of fragrances to El Palacio de Hierro

What: Galeries Lafayette is launching the theme 'Mediterranean Mania' for the spring-summer 2023 season.

Why it is important: Galeries Lafayette is supporting Fondation de la Mer through the event, as customers will have the opportunity to round up their total to donate to the foundation.

From April 5 to May 28, the department store will host 'Mediterranean Mania', inspired by the shores of the Mediterranean.

The event will highlight the Mallorcan shoe brand, Camper, two pop-up stores from Valentino and Aquazzurra, Spanish sandals from Hereu, Levantine cuisine, and a partnership with Maison de l'artisian du Maroc.

Galeries Lafayette sets sail for spring-summer 2023 

What: SM Investments Corporation reported its net income grew 53% to PHP61.7 billion in 2022 from PHP40.4 billion in 2021. Consolidated revenues hiked 28% to PHP553.8 billion compared with PHP432.4 billion last year.

Why it is important: Banking contributed 45% to net income with property accounting for 23%, retail contributing 21% and portfolio investments the remaining 11%. SM Retail reported revenues of PHP378.2 billion, from PHP304.0 billion, up 24%. Net income increased 86% to PHP17.9 billion from PHP9.6 billion.

SM continued to expand its retail footprint. THE SM STORE opened four new stores in 2022 in Cubao, Makati, Quiapo and Delgado. The food group, which includes SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, Savemore, Alfamart and Waltermart added 231 new stores in 2022. By the end of the year, SM Retail added a total of 348 new stores across the entire portfolio for a total of 3,512 outlets, consisting of 72 The SM Stores, 1,611 specialty retail stores, 65 SM Supermarkets, 54 SM Hypermarkets, 215 Savemore, 82 WalterMart and 1,412 Alfamart stores.

The total assets of SM grew 9% to PHP1.5 trillion. SM maintains a healthy balance sheet with a conservative gearing ratio of 35% net debt to 65% total equity.

SM grows net income by 53% in 2022 

What: The retailer has presented an incentive redundancy plan for employees over 59 years old. The plan includes transferring staff from HQ to stores.

Why it is important: The goal is to strengthen the stores and improve customer service. The initiative will be agreed upon, coordinated and managed with the workers' representatives, with whom conversations have already begun.

In 2021, El Corte Inglés already undertook a workforce adjustment plan, based only on voluntary departures. At the end of last year, the group commissioned Accenture with a strategic plan to reduce structural costs with the aim of improving efficiency and margins and automating tasks in the areas of logistics and customer service.

At the end of 2021, the group employed 79,804 people, with an average seniority of 16.1 years. 93% of workers had a permanent contract and 70.7% worked full-time. The number of employees who may join the incentive redundancy plan at 500.

El Corte Inglés incentive redundancy plan 

What: Benjamin Fuest, who has been Chief Sales Officer at Breuninger since October 2020, is now also taking over the Human Resources department.

Why it is important: In this position, Fuest is responsible for around 6,500 employees. CFO Marcus Weller had previously managed the department on an interim basis.

Fuest joined the company in 2012 as managing director of the Stuttgart store. He took over the management of the purchasing department in June 2016. Before joining Breuninger, Fuest worked for the Calvin Klein brand and the Düsseldorf fashion retailer Peek & Cloppenburg.

Breuninger's Chief Sales Officer takes over HR management

What: Breuninger has partnered with RECUP for a cross-location circular deposit system, offering a reusable alternative across all its restaurants, bars, and cafés.

Why it is important: With a focus on its guests, Breuninger is offering an environmentally friendly solution in its shopping areas, allowing customers to use their gastronomic offer sustainably.

Breuninger has partnered with RECUP for a cross-location circular deposit system, offering a reusable alternative across all its restaurants, bars, and cafés. They are offering an attractive, reusable solution for guests in all of their gastronomy destinations. The circular deposit system allows customers to save packaging waste and sustainably experience the restaurants, bars, and cafés Breuninger has to offer.

Breuninger Gastronomy offers RECUP / REBOWL at all locations

What: El Corte Inglés has remodeled its representation on the Sephora board in Spain by appointing José Maria Folache as president of the board of directors for the Sephora Cosméticos España.

Why it is important: Until now, the representation of El Corte Inglés in the company was through the financial director.

Sephora, which operates in Spain through a joint venture with El Corte Inglés, has appointed José María Folache, general director of retail for the group, as president of the board of directors for Sephora Cosméticos España. El Corte Inglés has also incorporated its new director of strategy, corporate development and investees in the department store group, Jaime de la Hera to the board.

The group's presence in the country is widespread, with 120 points of sale

El Corte Inglés places José María Folache on the Sephora board of directors

What: Porsche brand pop-up opened at Breuninger in Karlsruhe

Why it is important: Breuninger has developed a new concept area that offers customers curated experiences, unique visits, and shopping moments with the goal of creating a special shopping experience for is customers.

In an exclusive collaboration with Porsche Center Karlsruhe, the B_place area is transformed into a place of full inspiration, individual pieces, and the opportunity to realize oneself. The "Create Your Own Masterpiece" concept allows visitors to design their own masterpiece for the Porsche Taycan which is then projected on the vehicle. The pop-up can be found at Breuninger in Karlsruhe until March 4th, 2023.

B_place by Breuninger is the place to be

What: Department store group, El Corte Inglés has increased its sales by 7% during its Christmas sales.

Why it is important: The department store group has reported revenues above pre-pandemic levels and could close the year with a profit of more than the 120 million euros it obtained last year.

In the first two weeks of its sales, El Corte Inglés has increased its sales by 10%. The department store's revenues are above 2019 levels and is headed towards recovery.

Experts forecast El Corte Inglés will register a gross operating result of 1,000 million euros in the period and could close the year with a profit of more than 120 million euros.

The group's success comes in the middle of an adjustment period for the company as they aim at reducing structural costs. In 2021, El Corte Inglés closed with a growth of 21.9% in its turnover, up to 12,508 million euros, and a net result of 120 million euros.

El Corte Inglés increases its sales by 7% in the Christmas campaign