What: Boyner has introduced Mustang, the iconic European denim brand, as an exclusive offering in Turkey, bringing a blend of European heritage and modern street style to fashion enthusiasts.

Why it is important: This collaboration strengthens Boyner's position as a leading lifestyle retailer, offering unique and exclusive products that appeal to Turkish consumers, while expanding Mustang's reach in the Turkish market.

Boyner, Turkey's premier lifestyle shopping destination, has launched a new collaboration with the European denim brand Mustang, bringing it exclusively to Turkey. The brand, known for its heritage and modern style, will be available only in Boyner stores, online at Boyner.com.tr, and the Boyner app. Mustang's collection features a range of stylish and comfortable pieces, including denim, knitwear, sweatshirts, and plaid shirts, catering to both men and women. Key items include color-blocked denim jackets and puffer coats, blending casual and feminine styles with a focus on comfort.

Boyner's Assistant General Manager of Private Brands, Burak Topçuoğlu, expressed excitement about the partnership, noting that Mustang's deep-rooted heritage and timeless designs will resonate with Turkish customers. The collection is expected to become a staple in Turkish wardrobes, offering exclusive, high-quality fashion pieces. This exclusive collaboration underscores Boyner's commitment to offering a curated selection of international brands, enhancing its appeal to fashion-conscious consumers in Turkey.

Boyner brings Mustang Denim to Turkey in exclusive partnership

What: Manor has partnered with Swiss skier Wendy Holdener for its 2024 Christmas campaign, showcasing a wide range of gift ideas available in stores and online.

Why it is important: This collaboration not only highlights Manor's diverse product offerings but also reinforces the brand's values of passion and authenticity, connecting with customers during the festive season.Manor, Switzerland's largest department store group, is ushering in the festive season with an exciting Christmas campaign featuring Swiss Olympic champion Wendy Holdener.

Launching on 1 November 2024, the campaign presents an array of gift ideas spanning beauty, food, home, fashion, and accessories, catering to a variety of wishes and budgets. Wendy Holdener, known for her passion and authenticity, embodies the spirit of the campaign, sharing personal gift recommendations from Manor's extensive range that she plans to give to her loved ones this Christmas.This partnership holds special significance for Holdener, who fondly recalls her childhood Christmas shopping experiences at Manor, a tradition she continues to cherish. Her involvement brings a personal touch to the campaign, inviting customers to find meaningful gifts that resonate with their own holiday memories.Manor's 2024 Christmas selection is available both in-store across Switzerland and online at manor.ch, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for all customers. This initiative reflects Manor's commitment to delivering a 360° omnichannel experience, enhancing the joy of gift-giving with products that come from the heart.The campaign also underscores Manor's dedication to supporting local producers through its sustainable "local" programme, which offers over 5,000 local products. This approach not only enriches Manor's product offerings but also strengthens its connection to local communities, aligning with the values that both Manor and Wendy Holdener hold dear.

Manor unleashes Christmas magic with Olympic champion Wendy Holdene

What: Falabella has introduced a new collection in its Mercadito Español section, featuring four Spanish fashion brands: Byan, María de la Orden, Iq Collection, and Cherubina.

Why it is important: This launch strengthens Falabella's position in the Chilean fashion market by offering exclusive Spanish styles, enhancing its appeal to customers seeking international trends.

Falabella, one of Chile's leading retail chains, has expanded its Mercadito Español section by introducing four new Spanish fashion brands: Byan, María de la Orden, Iq Collection, and Cherubina. These brands bring unique garments characterised by vibrant prints, diverse fabrics, and warm colours. The initiative is part of Falabella's strategy to offer the latest international trends to its customers. Pelusa Johnson, Women's Line Manager at Falabella Retail, highlighted that the Mercadito Español aims to showcase Iberian fashion's diversity and sophistication. The collection was launched with the support of influencers Irene Isaías from Portugal and Milagros Mir from Chile, who helped promote the new offerings. The collection is available at Falabella's Parque Arauco and Alto Las Condes stores in Santiago, as well as online through Falabella's e-commerce platform.

New Mercadito Español collection arrives at Falabella, Press Release

Falabella Retail expands its fashion offering with Mercadito Español

What: Chalhoub Group has partnered with Emirates NBD to secure an ESG-linked working capital facility, supporting the retailer's sustainability strategy and net-zero goals.

Why it is important: This partnership highlights Chalhoub Group's commitment to sustainability and aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, promoting responsible business practices and environmental stewardship in the retail sector.

Chalhoub Group has secured its first ESG-linked working capital facility in Saudi Arabia through a partnership with Emirates NBD, marking a significant milestone in the retailer's sustainability journey. The agreement will support Chalhoub Group's efforts to implement its net-zero strategy and advance its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives. The signing ceremony brought together leaders from both organisations, emphasising their shared commitment to sustainable growth. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to foster a low-carbon economy. Emirates NBD has expressed pride in supporting Chalhoub Group's ambitions, noting that this facility exemplifies the bank's leadership in providing innovative ESG-linked solutions. Chalhoub Group plans to expand this sustainable finance initiative to other regions, including Egypt and India, further solidifying its role as a leader in responsible business practices across international markets.

Chalhoub Group secures ESG-linked working capital facility from Emirates NBD

What: The iconic facade of the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann flagship store in Paris has undergone a significant renovation, restoring its original grandeur after more than two years of work.

Why it is important: This renovation is crucial for preserving the historical and architectural significance of the building, which is a landmark in Paris. It also ensures the continued appeal and functionality of the store, which attracts 30 million visitors annually.

The Galeries Lafayette Haussmann flagship store, located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, has completed a major renovation of its facade. The facade, designed by architect Ferdinand Chanut in 1911-1912, is a notable example of Art Nouveau architecture and features metal structures with stone facings and large bay windows. The renovation project involved several key aspects:

Stone restoration: The restoration of 69 tonnes of stone to maintain the facade's original integrity.

Decorative elements: The cleaning and renovation of Art Nouveau decorative elements.

Colour restoration: The restoration of the original colours, including the gilding of the ironwork.

Structural reinforcement: The reinforcement of the metal structures, which were in poor condition.

To minimise disruption, the renovation work was primarily conducted at night, allowing the store to continue its operations and welcome its 30 million annual visitors. The facade had previously received the City of Paris facade prize in 1913, highlighting its historical and architectural importance.

Galeries Lafayette flagship undergoes major facade renovation

What: El Corte Inglés and Mutua Madrileña launch a pilot savings insurance product offering 3% guaranteed returns until January 2026, targeting both new and existing customers through select department store locations.

Why it is important: This launch represents a significant step in El Corte Inglés' business model transformation, combining their strong retail presence with financial services to enhance customer loyalty and compete in the changing retail landscape.

El Corte Inglés' securities agency, Ahorro & Inversión ECI, has initiated a pilot program offering a guaranteed savings insurance product with a 3% return rate until January 31, 2026. The program is being tested in three strategic locations: Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid), Málaga, and Bilbao. This financial product, called "Ahorro Garantizado," is designed to be highly accessible, with no minimum investment requirement or tied conditions, positioning it competitively against government bonds in the current interest rate environment. The initiative emerges from the partnership established in 2021 when Mutua acquired 8.5% of El Corte Inglés and 50.01% of its insurance societies. Since its launch a year ago, the securities agency has attracted 2,800 clients and EUR 400 million in assets, despite significant initial investments of EUR 12.2 million and operational expenses of €1.16 million in early 2024. After January 2026, interest rates will be adjusted quarterly, reflecting the long-term commitment to this financial services strategy.

IADS Notes: The initiative builds on El Corte Inglés' successful expansion into financial services, with their financial division exceeding three million customers . This strategic move aligns with their strong market position, evidenced by their second-place ranking in Spain's corporate reputation index. The careful pilot testing approach mirrors their successful strategic initiatives that have generated EUR 660 million in recent years , while advancing their 2025-2030 strategic plan for revenue diversification. The partnership with Mutua Madrileña continues to evolve beyond basicinsurance products, demonstrating the potential for further financial service innovations.

Mutua and El Corte Inglés launch a 3% savings insurance and begin a commercial offensive

What: Magasin expects double-digit growth in Black Friday sales, with customer traffic up 10% in the pre-event week, boosted by the event's coincidence with payday.

Why it is important: The strong results demonstrate how traditional department stores can successfully navigate the holiday shopping season by balancing physical store service with online offerings while capitalizing on favorable calendar timing.

Magasin anticipates record-breaking Black Friday performance, with early indicators showing substantial growth compared to last year. The department store has already witnessed a 10% increase in store traffic during the pre-Black Friday week, creating optimism for a strong November finish. The timing of Black Friday coinciding with payday is expected to further boost sales performance. To manage the increased customer flow, Magasin has enhanced its staffing levels by 30% across its eight physical locations. The company reports strong performance across multiple categories, particularly in beauty and home departments, indicating a robust start to the Christmas trading period. Both physical stores and online channels are showing positive momentum, with the retailer expecting double-digit growth compared to last year's Black Friday figures.

IADS Notes: While department stores globally face mixed holiday results, Magasin's performance aligns with successful retail strategies that emphasize customer service and omnichannel capabilities. This approach proves particularly effective as retailers navigate cautious consumer spending patterns, demonstrating how traditional department stores can thrive by adapting to evolving market conditions while maintaining service excellence.

Magasin du Nord expects a record-breaking Black Friday

What: Khun Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman of The Mall Group, has been honoured with the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards (ACES) 2024.

Why it is important: This award recognises Supalak's visionary leadership in transforming Thailand's retail landscape through innovative projects like Siam Paragon and Em District, which have elevated Bangkok as a top shopping destination in Asia.

Khun Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman of Thailand's The Mall Group, has been awarded the prestigious Woman Entrepreneur of the Year title at the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards (ACES) 2024. The award highlights her significant contributions to Thailand's retail sector, including the development of iconic projects such as Siam Paragon, Em District (Emporium, EmQuartier, Emsphere), and the upcoming Bangkok Mall. These initiatives have not only boosted the Thai economy but also positioned Bangkok as a leading shopping hub in Asia. Under her leadership, The Mall Group has pioneered innovative retail concepts such as Gourmet Market and The Mall Lifestore, enhancing consumer lifestyles and generating employment. The ACES award further cements Supaluck's reputation as a visionary leader committed to excellence and sustainability in retail.

The Mall Group's leader won the prestigious Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award at ACES 2024

What: The Matter and Shape design fair has joined Galeries Lafayette, showcasing contemporary designers until January 6, 2025.

Why it is important: This collaboration between Galeries Lafayette and the Matter and Shape fair marks a unique opportunity for the public to experience high-end contemporary design, traditionally reserved for industry professionals, in one of Paris' most iconic retail spaces.

Galeries Lafayette is hosting the Matter and Shape design fair, organised by WSN Développement, from now until January 6, 2025. This event, previously exclusive to professionals during Paris Fashion Week, is now open to the general public. Located on the second floor of the department store, alongside renowned fashion brands like Rabanne and Jacquemus, the fair features a curated selection of 15 contemporary designers. These include BD Barcelona, Bocci, and sacai x Astier De Villatte, offering a diverse range of products such as silver cutlery from Copenhagen, marble trays from Italy, and blown glass vases from Canada. This initiative highlights a growing trend of blending business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) experiences in the retail space.

Galeries Lafayette brings the Matter and Shape design fair to the public

What: Falabella Retail has been recognised for the tenth consecutive year with the Quantification and Reduction Seals of the Huella Chile program for its efforts in reducing its carbon footprint.

Why it is important: This recognition highlights Falabella's consistent leadership in sustainability, particularly in quantifying and managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which is crucial for reducing the company's environmental impact and contributing to global climate goals.

Falabella has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by achieving the Quantification and Reduction Seals of the Huella Chile program for the tenth consecutive year. Since joining the program in 2014, the company has diligently worked on quantifying and managing its GHG emissions, reaching the level of Excellence in 2022 by covering its entire operation. A significant focus area is energy consumption, which accounts for nearly 65% of its Scope 1 and 2 emissions. To address this, Falabella has implemented several initiatives, including last-mile electromobility projects that have reduced emissions by 89% compared to traditional vehicles.

The company is also committed to increasing the use of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency. Looking ahead, Falabella has set ambitious goals: to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 65% by 2030 compared to 2021, and to achieve carbon neutrality (Net-Zero) by 2035. This will be achieved through a decarbonisation strategy that includes a 90% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, adoption of renewable energy, improvements in energy efficiency, and innovative projects such as the use of electric vehicles in last-mile transport.

Falabella Retail reinforces commitment to sustainability and emission reduction

What: Chalhoub Group signs strategic partnership with SAP to implement RISE with SAP and S/4HANA, marking a comprehensive digital transformation that includes AI-powered solutions and cloud-based infrastructure.

Why it is important:This transformation represents a pivotal shift in Middle Eastern luxury retail, as the region's leading luxury retailer adopts advanced technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience, setting new standards for digital innovation in the market.

Chalhoub Group has entered into a strategic partnership with SAP to implement RISE with SAP, hosted on Microsoft Azure, as part of its Transform Chalhoub initiative. The comprehensive digital transformation includes the deployment of SAP S/4HANA and specialised retail and warehouse management applications. This move will transition the Group to a unified, cloud-based platform offering real-time data visibility and embedded Business AI capabilities. The implementation aims to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and automate tasks across the Group's extensive network of over 750 experiential retail stores across eight countries. Under this partnership, Chalhoub Group will enhance its entire business approach, from inventory management to customer engagement, leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver enhanced value to customers and partners. The initiative builds upon their existing relationship with SAP, where they already utilise SAP SuccessFactors for human resource management.

IADS Notes: This strategic partnership aligns with broader industry trends observed throughout 2024. As demonstrated in May 2024, luxury retailers are increasingly embracing AI capabilities, as evidenced by LVMH's partnership with Alibaba . The implementation mirrors successful digital transformations seen in October 2024, when Breuninger showcased how traditional retailers can modernise their infrastructure with cloud-native solutions . Chalhoub Group's focus on data-driven operations reflects industry best practices, with recent examples showing how AI and analytics can improve operational efficiency by 30-50% . The Group's regional leadership position is further strengthened by this initiative, building on their successful launch of innovative retail concepts in Saudi Arabia earlier in 2024  and their recent sustainability commitments.

Chalhoub Group accelerates digital future with major SAP partnership

What: Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is celebrating its 130th anniversary with a series of festive events, including themed decorations, special collections, and immersive experiences, marking its long-standing influence in Parisian retail.

Why it is important: This milestone highlights Galeries Lafayette's enduring legacy as a cornerstone of luxury retail in Paris, while showcasing its ability to innovate and engage customers with unique in-store experiences, which are critical for maintaining its iconic status amid evolving retail trends.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, the iconic Parisian department store, is celebrating its 130th anniversary in grand style. To mark the occasion, the store has unveiled a series of exciting events and immersive experiences, including breathtaking themed decorations and exclusive collections. The celebrations are designed to honour the store's rich history while attracting new generations of shoppers with unforgettable experiences. Visitors can expect festive window displays and decorations that pay homage to the store's heritage, alongside a variety of new product launches and collaborations with renowned designers and brands. As a leading name in luxury retail, Galeries Lafayette has been an integral part of Parisian shopping culture since 1894. Its innovative approach to customer engagement, blending tradition with modernity, remains a key factor in its ongoing success. The 130th anniversary celebrations reflect the store's commitment to staying at the forefront of retail, offering both locals and tourists a unique shopping experience that continues to evolve.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann celebrates 130 Years of festivities

What: El Corte Inglés acquires full ownership of KIO Networks España, marking its entry into the data center management business.

Why it is important: By entering the data center business, El Corte Inglés positions itself to capitalize on the growing demand for digital infrastructure, while potentially creating synergies with its existing retail and e-commerce operations.

El Corte Inglés has completed the acquisition of KIO Networks España, purchasing the remaining 50% stake from the Mexican KIO Networks. This move marks the company's entry into the business of managing and administering data centers for third parties. The transaction, which closed recently, is part of El Corte Inglés' strategy to diversify its revenue sources.

KIO Networks España currently operates a data center in Murcia and is developing a second center in Paterna (Valencia), set to open in 2025. The new facility is expected to triple the service capacity of El Corte Inglés' new subsidiary.

This acquisition aligns with El Corte Inglés' broader strategic vision for growth and diversification. The company is preparing for a new growth phase, focusing on traditional retail with increased digitalization as part of its strategic plan through 2030. Additionally, El Corte Inglés has been exploring opportunities in new sectors, such as potentially purchasing a DTT TV channel to expand its media presence.

The move into data center operations represents a significant step in El Corte Inglés' efforts to adapt to changing market dynamics and leverage new technologies to support its business growth.

IADS Notes: El Corte Inglés is actively pursuing a strategy of diversification and growth, as evidenced by several recent developments. The company is preparing for a new growth phase, focusing on traditional retail with increased digitalization as part of its strategic plan through 2030. This plan includes exploring opportunities in new sectors, such as the potential purchase of a DTT TV channel to expand its media presence and boost its teletienda(teleshopping) business. These initiatives are part of a broader strategic vision, outlined in the company's new strategic plan for 2025-2030, which aims to build on recent financial successes and ensure sustained growth. The plan, developed following a successful financial year, is expected to drive further growth and solidify the company's market position, reflecting El Corte Inglés' commitment to adapting to changing market dynamics and consumer behaviours.

El Corte Inglés acquires KIO Networks data centers

What: Ms. Supaluck Ampuch, Executive Chairman of The Mall Group, was named one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Asia by Fortune in 2024.

Why it is important: This recognition underscores Ms. Ampuch's significant impact on the retail industry and her role as an inspirational leader, promoting gender equality and empowering women in business.

Ms. Supaluck Ampuch, the Executive Chairman of The Mall Group, has been honored as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Asia for 2024 by Fortune magazine. This accolade highlights her leadership and the substantial growth and development of The Mall Group over the past four decades, establishing it as a leading retail entity in Thailand. Her influence extends beyond business as she has also been recognized with the Her Awards, UNFPA Thailand 2024: Female Population Inspiration, celebrating her contributions to gender equality and women's empowerment. This award ceremony was held at the ESCAP Hall meeting room at the United Nations in Bangkok. Ms. Ampuch's achievements reflect her dedication to inspiring future generations of female leaders and her pivotal role in advancing the global retail industry.

Supaluck Ampuch recognised among Asia's most influential women

What: Marc Norbert Hörler has been named the winner of the Manor Art Prize for the Canton of St. Gallen in 2025.

Why it is important: The Manor Art Prize is a significant platform for emerging Swiss artists, providing them with opportunities to exhibit their work and potentially launch international careers.

The Manor Art Prize, a prestigious award in Switzerland, has named Marc Norbert Hörler as the 2025 winner for the Canton of St. Gallen. This accolade is part of a long-standing tradition of recognising promising artists across 12 Swiss cantons every two years. Hörler, born in 1989, is an artist known for his interdisciplinary work that combines performance, singing, and language into expansive installations. His artistic practice involves poetry, scents, and fabrics, underpinned by extensive linguistic research and poetic writing. Hörler holds a Master in Art Practice from the Dutch Art Institute and a Bachelor in Fine Arts from the Academy of Art and Design FHNW in Basel. He has also received studio residencies at the Textile and Design Alliance in Arbon and the Rupert Art Center in Vilnius. The Manor Art Prize aims to support young Swiss artists, offering them a platform for exposure and growth within the art community. Established in 1982 by Philippe Nordmann, it has been instrumental in launching several artists' international careers.

Marc Norbert Hörler wins Manor Art Prize 2025 for St. Gallen

What: Danish retailer Magasin continues its strategic expansion with the local 'Small Store' concept, this time in Odense's Rosengårdcentret

Why it is important: This 'Small Store' concept underscores the shifting retail landscape, where success increasingly depends on providing personalised, convenient shopping experiences that cater to local markets while maintaining a strong omnichannel presence.

Magasin du Nord is set to open a new 'Small Store' in Rosengårdcentret, Odense, Denmark's largest shopping centre, by Black Friday. This strategic move marks Magasin's second such store, emphasising their commitment to bringing the brand closer to customers through localised, smaller-format outlets.

The new 700-square-meter store will offer a carefully curated selection of fashion, beauty, and home accessories, while also providing access to Magasin's full online inventory directly in-store. This approach aligns with the global trend of department stores adapting to changing consumer behaviours by blending physical and digital experiences.

Frederik G.G.G. Nielsen, Retail Director at Magasin, highlights that this expansion is part of a broader strategy combining smaller stores, traditional department stores, and a robust e-commerce platform to shape the future of retail. The location in Rosengårdcentret, a hub for shopping in Odense and Funen, is seen as ideal due to its central location and large customer base.

Magasin expects this new format to create synergies with their existing Odense city center store, supporting each other in sales, experiences, and staffing. The company plans tdo unveil more locations for similar local stores in the near future, reinforcing their commitment to personalised, local shopping experiences.

IADS Notes: Recent trends in department store strategies show a shift towards smaller, more focused store formats that blend physical and digital experiences. The focus on curated product selections and integration with online platforms reflects the industry's response to changing consumer behaviours and the need for more personalised, convenient shopping experiences. This approach allows department stores to maintain relevance in key locations while optimising their physical footprint and enhancing omnichannel capabilities. At the same time, department stores are facing challenges and implementing various strategies to navigate a difficult market environment, including closing stores and expanding off-price businesses, highlighting the need for continuous adaptation in the evolving retail landscape.

Magasin du Nord launches a second "small store" unit in Odense

What: Falabella Retail has added a new space for "Active Woman".

Why it is important: It highlights Falabella's response to the growing demand for women's sportswear and athleisure, a fast-growing market driven by evolving lifestyles. It showcases how the brand is supporting both global trends and local talent by offering diverse, high-quality products in their new Active Woman space.

Falabella recently launched Active Woman, an exclusive space for women at Mall Parque Arauco, aimed at those blending an active lifestyle with modern fashion. This new concept reflects the growing demand for women's sportswear, which has seen a 30% increase in recent months, making it one of Falabella's fastest-growing categories. Global trends, including the rise of athleisure—a fusion of fashion and functionality—are driving this demand. Falabella's Sports Product Manager, Alfonso Navarro, emphasised the brand's commitment to offering products that align with women's evolving lifestyles, providing both style and practicality through a wide assortment of local and international brands.

The Active Woman space features popular brands like Adidas, Nike, and Under Armour, as well as local Chilean brands such as Thea, Mali, and Joyfitters, which support Falabella's initiative to promote local talent. Among the highlights is the new Diadora collection, showcasing the brand's revamped approach with improved quality and diverse offerings for activities like yoga, running, and paddle tennis. The space spans over 1,100 m² across multiple locations in Chile and online at Falabella.com, reinforcing Falabella's dedication to addressing the growing demand for athleisure and sportswear that blends comfort and fashion.

Check out the photos of the new "Active Woman" space

Falabella Active Woman, Press Release

What: Falabella marks its 18th anniversary in Colombia, highlighting its achievements as a leading retailer in the region.

Why it is important: Falabella's initiatives in sustainability, local talent support, and inclusivity demonstrate its commitment to innovation and social responsibility, contributing to its leadership in the Colombian retail market.

Falabella has celebrated 18 years of operations in Colombia, having established itself as a key player in the retail sector since opening its first store in Bogotá's Santafé shopping centre in 2006. The company achieved Carbon Neutral certification in 2019 and has maintained it for five years by managing emissions efficiently and using renewable energy. In 2020, Falabella eliminated plastic bags, opting for recycled paper alternatives. The Taller F service, launched in 2021, extends the life of garments through personalisation and repair. The "Colombia Diseña" initiative supports local designers by providing store space for their brands. In 2024, Falabella joined the Chamber of Diversity and was recognised for fostering an inclusive environment. Currently, it operates 26 stores across 10 cities, employing over 3,600 permanent and nearly 1,000 temporary staff.

Falabella celebrates 18 years in Colombia

What: Manor has launched a new fashion concept in Basel and Lausanne, featuring a modern store design, exclusive brands, and themed fashion worlds.

Why it is important: This initiative represents Manor's strategic effort to enhance customer experience and strengthen its position in the mid to premium fashion segment, reflecting broader trends in retail modernisation and consumer engagement.

Manor has introduced a completely revamped fashion concept aimed at providing a unique shopping experience. The new concept, first implemented in Basel and Lausanne, includes a modern store design with themed worlds such as Contemporary, Casual, and Classic. Manor is expanding its brand portfolio with 19 new international labels, including sustainable options like American Vintage and Hugo Red. The redesigned stores feature digital elements and curated offers to inspire fashion enthusiasts.

The initiative is part of a CHF 50 million investment to modernise over 20,000 square metres of fashion space across 12 department stores in Switzerland. This includes renovations planned for Lugano, Vevey, Geneva, and others by 2027. Manor aims to enhance its market leadership by focusing on customer experiences through exclusive events and promotions tied to the Manor loyalty card.

CEO Roland Armbruster emphasised the company's commitment to attractiveness and sustainability, aiming to solidify its position in the mid to premium market segment. The launch events in Basel and Lausanne will feature personal styling advice, entertainment, and refreshments to engage customers with the new Manor Fashion Destination.

Manor reveals new fashion concept with exclusive brands

What: Rains has opened a 30-square-meter pop-up store in the atrium of the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann men's building in Paris, as part of its European expansion strategy.

Why it is important: This pop-up highlights Rains' efforts to increase its presence in Europe, offering exclusive and limited-edition products to a targeted audience and enhancing the brand's visibility in a prominent retail location.

Rains, known for its coats, parkas, and other seasonal clothing, has inaugurated a pop-up store in the atrium of the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann men's building in Paris. Located at 40 boulevard Haussmann, this 30-square-meter space is part of Rains' broader European expansion strategy. The pop-up features the new Askim parka from Rains' Thermal range, available in a limited-edition khaki colourway exclusively at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann.

The store's design combines industrial and minimalist elements with touches reminiscent of Rains' brand identity, including grey tones, windows covered in water drops, and a fog effect. This initiative follows a series of pop-ups launched by Rains across Europe, aiming to strengthen the brand's presence and engage with customers in key markets.

Galeries Lafayette hosts Rains pop-up in Haussmann atrium

What: The Golden Goose ready-to-wear boutique has opened in Beijing SKP, offering a luxurious shopping experience infused with traditional Italian craftsmanship.

Why it is important: This new boutique enhances the luxury retail landscape in Beijing, providing a unique and personalised shopping experience that showcases Golden Goose's commitment to craftsmanship and customer customisation.

The Golden Goose ready-to-wear boutique in Beijing SKP is designed to evoke the brand's Venetian origins, featuring exposed concrete walls and floors, and decorated with souvenirs collected from around the world. The store has an industrial style aesthetic, complemented by recycled vintage wooden furniture and elegant mirrored display cabinets. A central "Co-Creation" zone allows customers to work with brand craftsmen to personalise their items using various materials like Swarovski crystals, leather, and suede, and techniques such as distressing, embroidery, and hand-painting. The boutique showcases the latest men's and women's ready-to-wear, footwear, and handbag series, including the Venezia handbag, which can also be customised through the "Co-Creation Experience" service. This personalised approach enables customers to incorporate their own design elements and stories into the products.

Beijing SKP welcomes Golden Goose boutique

What: Nicolas Houzé, the new president of Galeries Lafayette, is leading the company into a new era with a focus on store renovations, international expansion, and digital innovation.

Why it is important: This transition marks a significant shift in leadership and strategy for Galeries Lafayette, aiming to strengthen its market position through modernisation and global growth, while maintaining its legacy as a leading department store.

Galeries Lafayette is embarking on a new chapter under the leadership of Nicolas Houzé, who has taken over as president of the company. This change comes as the iconic department store celebrates its 130th anniversary and aims to adapt to modern retail challenges. The company plans to invest EUR 400 million over the next five years to modernise its flagship stores, including significant renovations at its historic Haussmann location in Paris. The store has already undergone extensive updates, such as moving shoe departments to higher floors and enhancing its wellness offerings.

In addition to domestic improvements, Galeries Lafayette is pursuing international expansion with plans to open new stores in India and explore opportunities in the Middle East and China. The company is also investing in digital transformation, focusing on enhancing customer relationships through technology and artificial intelligence.

Despite challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, Galeries Lafayette has returned to profitability, with sales increasing by 8% last year. The company aims for a 4% growth this year, striving to reach pre-pandemic sales levels. The leadership transition is part of a broader strategy to ensure long-term success by balancing tradition with innovation and meeting evolving consumer demands.

Galeries Lafayette's new chapter under Nicolas Houzé

What: Bloomingdale's is launching a "Wicked Good Holiday" campaign in collaboration with Universal Pictures' movie "Wicked," featuring exclusive products, immersive experiences, and festive events.

Why it is important: This partnership not only enhances Bloomingdale's holiday offerings but also leverages the popularity of "Wicked" to attract customers, drive store traffic, and provide unique shopping experiences, thereby boosting its market presence during the competitive holiday season.

Bloomingdale's is set to captivate shoppers with its "Wicked Good Holiday" campaign, a collaboration with Universal Pictures' film "Wicked." The campaign kicks off online on November 5 and in stores on November 7, featuring an exclusive Aqua collection inspired by the film's characters, Glinda and Elphaba. This collection includes over 70 items spanning women's and kids' apparel and accessories. The campaign will transform the 59th Street flagship into a magical world reminiscent of Oz, complete with immersive pop-up shops and a reimagined Santaland. The holiday festivities will be highlighted by a window unveiling event on November 13, hosted by Cynthia Erivo and featuring performances by Broadway stars. Bloomingdale's aims to enhance customer experience through interactive displays, exclusive gifts, and themed merchandise. The initiative also supports the Child Mind Institute through the sale of Oz-inspired bears. This strategic partnership underscores Bloomingdale's commitment to providing unique holiday experiences and elevating customer engagement.

Bloomingdale's enchants the holiday season with 'Wicked' collaboration

What: Breuninger, a traditional department store founded in 1881, has transformed into a digital, internationally positioned multi-channel retailer with a strong online presence.

Why it is important: This transformation highlights the company's successful adaptation to the digital age, leveraging cloud-native technologies and data-driven strategies to remain competitive in the luxury and premium fashion market.

Breuninger, once a traditional department store in Stuttgart, Germany, has undergone a significant transformation into a digital multi-channel retailer. Under the leadership of CTO Frank Postel, the company has shifted its focus towards online retail, which now accounts for over 50% of its sales. This transition began in 2016 with the replacement of the outdated Hybris online shop with a cloud-native, high-performance e-commerce platform built using AWS, Google, and Oracle Cloud.

The new platform has enabled Breuninger to expand its international e-commerce business in ten countries, offering premium and luxury fashion and lifestyle products. The IT organization has grown substantially, with over 90 in-house software developers, 20 product owners, UX designers, architects, and system engineers. A data platform team was also established to provide state-of-the-art reporting and data science services, supporting around 6,500 Breuninger employees.

The transformation has also led to cultural changes within the company, adopting a New Work approach with modern working time models, flexible work arrangements, and a more relaxed office environment. The IT department now operates on an equal footing with other business units, influencing strategic decisions and managing IT-supported customer processes, merchandise services, and corporate services.

Key innovations include the introduction of a new e-shop, a redeveloped Breuninger app, and advanced data analytics tools. The company has also implemented forecasting models for customer returns and customer value development, as well as product and outfit recommenders based on customer purchase data.

Breuninger's transformation into a digital multi-channel retailer