What: Breuninger opened its first North German store in Hamburg's HafenCity on April 8, offering curated premium and affordable luxury brands across three experiential levels. The IADS prepared a pic report for you, enjoy!

Why it is important: This launch strengthens Breuninger's omnichannel strategy in a key urban market, reflecting the retailer's evolution through digital transformation and physical expansion.

The 13,000-square-metre store features exclusive brands, one of Hamburg's largest premium shoe departments, and services like Click & Collect and private shopping, making shopping an elevated experience.

Check out the photos of the new Breuninger Hamburg store

What: Printemps opened its debut U.S. location in Manhattan's Financial District on March 21st, marking a significant shift in the department store model by prioritising hospitality over traditional sales metrics.

Why it is important: This approach aims to redefine department stores by emphasiSing customer experience and dwell time, aligning with broader retail trends.

The 54,500-square-foot store features a vibrant space with food venues by chef Gregory Gourdet and a historic Red Room. It transforms shopping into a memorable experience.

Check out the photos of the new Printemps NYC store

What: Galeries Lafayette in Lyon Bron has reopened with a impressive 9,200 m² extension.

Why it is important: This renovation signifies a significant step in revitalizing the store, enhancing its offerings, and preparing for further expansion by 2026.

The iconic store, a Lyon landmark since 1964, now boasts revamped spaces and contemporary designs as part of a transformation project exceeding 100 million euros.

Check out the photos of Galeries Lafayette's revamped store

What: El Palacio de Hierro, a luxury department store chain, has officially opened its new store in León!

Why it is important: This opening highlights the brand's ongoing commitment to growth and its dedication to providing high-end consumers with a premium shopping experience in the León region.

Located inside the Plaza Mayor shopping center, the new El Palacio de Hierro spans over 18,000 square meters across three beautifully designed levels. The store features an exceptional mix of luxury brands, stunning interiors, and innovative services, including a fully operational "click&collect" point to enhance the customer experience.

This marks the 14th El Palacio de Hierro store in Mexico, further solidifying the brand's leadership in the luxury retail market.

Check out the photos of the new El Palacio de Hierro store in Leon

What: SKP has opened its fourth location in Wuhan, featuring a new luxury department store and an outdoor promenade with 44 high-end brands.

Why it is important: This expansion marks a significant development in Wuhan's luxury retail landscape, introducing over 1,000 international brands and creating a unique shopping experience focusing on sustainability and immersive design.

SKP has launched its newest luxury department store in Wuhan, located in the city's Wuchang District. The store, which includes an outdoor branded promenade called K Avenue, introduces more than 1,000 international first-tier brands to the market. Designed by Sybarite, the six-story, 2.1 million-square-foot store features innovative architecture and sustainability efforts, preserving 60 percent of the existing structure. SKP Wuhan aims to redefine the shopping experience in central China, attracting approximately 100,000 visitors daily since its soft opening on July 13. The grand opening on July 26 celebrated the store reaching its daily sales target, underscoring its potential impact on the local economy and luxury retail sector.

Check out the photos of the new SKP store in Wuhan

SKP lights up Wuhan with 'Glowing Lantern' department store and branded promenade article

What: Selfridges has opened its newly renovated beauty hall in its Oxford Street flagship store after a 12-month, multimillion-pound overhaul, featuring more than 300 beauty brands and over 200 beauty services.

Why it is important: The revamped beauty hall represents a significant enhancement in customer experience, with an emphasis on accessibility, sustainability, and immersive retail. By offering a wide range of brands and services, including exclusive and sustainable options, Selfridges reinforces its position as a leader in luxury and innovative retail.

Selfridges has unveiled its newly renovated beauty hall in its London Oxford Street store, a project completed after a year-long, multimillion-pound investment. The upgraded space features over 300 beauty brands, including 50 exclusive ones, and provides more than 200 beauty services. The renovation includes improved sightlines, a new LED lighting system, and the introduction of Beauty Spot, an area dedicated to creative and experimental beauty retail concepts. The revamped hall also emphasizes sustainability, with refill options from 74 brands and sustainable build guidelines for new counters. This launch is part of Selfridges' broader strategy to enhance customer experience and promote innovative, sustainable retail practices.

Check out the collection of pictures here

Selfridges unveils revamped beauty hall in London flagship

What: Manor's new fashion concept debuts in Lausanne, offering customers a modern store design, exclusive brands, and thematic fashion zones for a dynamic shopping experience.

Why it is important: This launch is a pivotal element of Manor's modernisation efforts, aiming to elevate the shopping experience in Lausanne and attract fashion-forward customers with diverse style preferences.

Manor has unveiled its cutting-edge fashion concept in Lausanne as part of a significant modernisation initiative aimed at transforming the shopping experience. Starting from 30 October 2024, the newly designed store introduces customers to an inspiring environment with a fresh store design, an expanded selection of brands, and themed fashion worlds—Contemporary, Casual, and Classic. This approach allows fashion enthusiasts to explore trends and find outfits that reflect their unique styles.

The Lausanne store showcases a carefully curated range of international brands, including Maje, Samsøe Samsøe, and Drykorn, with some labels available exclusively in Switzerland. Manor's 360-degree customer experience integrates digital platforms such as the manor.ch web shop and the Manor app, ensuring a seamless and engaging shopping journey.

Customers can enjoy exclusive promotions, styling advice, and events like DJ sets and drinks, creating a vibrant and interactive atmosphere. Roland Armbruster, CEO of Manor, highlighted the company's commitment to providing enriching lifestyle experiences and reinforcing its position in the upper mid-range fashion market.

This launch in Lausanne is part of Manor's broader strategy to modernise its fashion areas in 12 large department stores across Switzerland, with a significant investment aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction and engagement. The innovative approach in Lausanne sets a precedent for further expansions, promising a unique and personalised experience for every visitor.

Check out the photos of the modern concept at Manor in Laussane

Manor reveals new fashion concept

What: Manor has launched its innovative fashion concept in Basel, offering a refreshed shopping experience featuring a modern store design, new brand portfolio, and themed fashion worlds.

Why it is important: This initiative marks a significant step in Manor's comprehensive modernisation strategy, aiming to revitalise customer engagement and enhance the brand's presence in the competitive fashion retail market.

Manor has introduced a fresh and inspiring shopping experience in Basel as part of a sweeping modernisation initiative. The revamped fashion concept showcases a visually striking store design, an expanded brand portfolio, and themed fashion worlds—Contemporary, Casual, and Classic—that cater to various style preferences. The Basel store, which began showcasing this new approach on 24 October 2024, offers customers exclusive access to international brands like American Vintage, Hugo Red, and Michael Kors, among others, reflecting Manor's commitment to bringing diverse and quality fashion to Switzerland.

The 360-degree customer experience is a cornerstone of this new concept, integrating digital communication through Manor's web shop, app, and social media channels. Customers can enjoy curated fashion selections for both men and women, along with tailored services such as personal styling advice and exclusive events. The modernised store design aims to create a welcoming and stylish atmosphere, encouraging customers to linger and explore.

Check out the photos of the modern concept at Manor in Basel

Manor reveals new fashion concept

What: A new Frasers department store has opened at Meadowhall shopping center.

Why it is important: The opening of the Frasers store marks a significant expansion for the brand, enhancing its presence in a major UK retail location and offering a wide range of products to consumers.

Frasers has launched a new department store at the Meadowhall shopping center, marking a key development in its retail strategy. This store opening is part of Frasers' effort to expand its footprint in prominent retail locations across the UK. The Meadowhall store features a diverse array of products, including fashion, beauty, and homeware, aiming to attract a broad customer base. The strategic location within Meadowhall, one of the UK's largest shopping centers, provides Frasers with substantial consumer traffic and visibility. This move underscores Frasers' commitment to strengthening its brand presence and adapting to evolving consumer preferences by offering an extensive and curated shopping experience.

Check out the photos of the new Frasers store in Meadowhall

Frasers expands with new department store at Meadowhall

What: Macy's has opened a new small format store in Mount Laurel, New Jersey.

Why it is important: This new store model is part of Macy's strategy to adapt to changing retail landscapes and consumer preferences by providing a more curated shopping experience in a smaller, more manageable space. This format allows Macy's to reach suburban markets more effectively and can serve as a test for future expansion strategies.

Macy's has quietly initiated a "soft open" for its new small format store in Mount Laurel, NJ, taking over a space previously occupied by Bed Bath & Beyond. The store covers 30,000 square feet, significantly smaller than typical Macy's department stores. This store features a variety of brand apparel and includes a special section dedicated to its "On 34th" collection, which aims to bring the allure of its famed New York City flagship to suburban shoppers. Additionally, the store layout is segmented by lifestyle, including a designated area for Toys R Us, complete with a playful setup featuring Geoffrey the Giraffe. This smaller store format represents a strategic shift by Macy's to enhance accessibility and tailor its retail offerings to the local community in a more intimate shopping environment.

Check out the collection of pictures here

What: Boyner Büyük Mağazacılık has unveiled its completely renewed store at İstinyePark Istanbul, introducing a unique shopping experience themed "Sky Magic," blending fashion, lifestyle, art, and technology.

Why it is important: This launch marks a significant step in Boyner's journey to redefine retail by transforming its stores into immersive living spaces. The event, designed by Bompas & Parr, showcased a magical environment where guests explored various unique and special experiences inspired by the sky. This initiative highlights Boyner's commitment to creating enjoyable life experiences through innovative retail concepts.

The store, redesigned by Toner Architecture, spans six thousand square meters and offers exclusive collections, artist collaborations, a nail art bar, product customization, digital experience points, and coffee areas, emphasizing Boyner's focus on delivering dynamic, engaging, and enjoyable shopping experiences.

Boyner İstinyePark also features the works of artists from different fields of art, from ceramics to glass art, sculpture to mural art. The works designed by each artist using different materials such as ceramics, mirrors, wire, epoxy, waste glass and waste metal, which are special to the spirit of Boyner and the interior architectural texture of the store, create a feeling of an exhibition for the visitors.

Boyner İstinyePark Istanbul, press release

What: The Mall Group's Emsphere opens its doors to the public.

Why it is important: The aim is to develop the EM district into a distinctive urban district in Bangkok, mirroring iconic districts in Dubai, Tokyo, and Shanghai.

The complex offers 24-hour dining, entertainment, and luxury amenities. Situated on Sukhumvit Road, it caters to late-night arrivals and local night explorers. The fifth and sixth floors are dedicated to entertainment with approximately 25 pubs and bars, including beach clubs and supper clubs. Additionally, the complex features UOB Live, a 12,000sqm arena designed for events and conferences, Southeast Asia's first 12,000 sqm city-center Ikea store, and luxury car brands such as Rolls-Royce and Porsche.

Emsphere is a significant component of the 650,000 sqm EM district mega project, which also includes the shopping complexes Emporium and Emquartier.

Emsphere: Bangkok's 24-Hour "Sleepless Metropolis" unveiled by The Mall Group

What: Central Department Store Group has unveiled a new 19,000 sq m store in Westville, Bangkok's Ratchaphruek district.

Why it is important: The department store integrates sustainability, a pet-friendly approach, and a wide array of leading brands and dining options, making it a unique and attractive destination for visitors of all generations.

This expansive space is home to over 300 brands and 80 restaurants, featuring innovations such as a mid-shop escalator with a slide for a quicker descent and Kiztopia, a learning and entertainment area for kids from Singapore. The exterior boasts an airy appearance with significant greenery, contributing to its eco-friendly design. Efforts toward sustainability include 22 EV charging points and collaborations with eco-conscious establishments to minimize throwaway items.

There are various activities for visitors, including a swing challenge to generate clean energy, charging phones while cycling, and enjoying an outdoor running track.

Central's massive new department store, Bangkok

Central's massive new department store, Bangkok Article

The IADS had the opportunity to visit Siman stores in El Salvador. You can view the full photo report below, and read the exclusive article!

Check out the collection of pictures here

Siman exclusive article

The IADS had the opportunity to visit Cencosud and Falabella stores in Chile. You can view the full photo report below, and read the exclusive article!

Check out the collection of pictures here

Chile exclusive article

The IADS had the opportunity to visit El Palacio de Hierro stores in Mexico. You can view the full photo report below, and read the exclusive article!

Check out the collection of pictures here

El Palacio de Hierro exclusive article

What: Luxury department store, Flannels, opens in Nottingham.

Why it is important: The opening of the store in Nottingham is part of Frasers Group's commitment to investing in retail and expanding its luxury shopping destinations across the UK.

The 15,000 sq. ft store is located on Nottingham's high street and features two floors of curated luxury designer clothing and accessories for men, women, and juniors. The store carries brands like Gucci, Christian Louboutin, Saint Laurent, and Valentino. Frasers Group now has over 60 stores in the UK and Ireland, with plans for additional flagship stores in Leeds and Cardiff.

Flannels opens store in Nottingham article

Flannels opens store in Nottingham 

What: Frasers Group has unveiled its new upmarket format department store in Norwich.

Why it is important: The opening of the new Frasers department store in Norwich expands the premium clothing and accessories offerings available in the area and demonstrates the continued growth and success of the Frasers format.

The 100,000 sq ft department store in Chantry Place offers premium clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. It features a beauty hall with brands like Chanel and GHD, as well as a homeware concept called Frasers House.

Three more Frasers flagships are planned to open in the coming months.

Frasers Group rolls out upmarket Frasers format to Norwich article

Frasers Group rolls out upmarket Frasers format to Norwich

The IADS had the opportunity to visit the THAT Concept store in Dubai, UAE. You can view the full photo report below, and read the exclusive article!

Check out the collection of pictures here

That concept store exclusive article

The IADS had the opportunity to visit two Ahlens department stores in Sweden. You can view the full photo report below, and read the exclusive article!

Check out the collection of pictures here

Ahlens exclusive article

The IADS had the opportunity to visit three De Prati department stores in Ecuador. You can view the full photo report below, and read the exclusive article!

Check out the collection of pictures here

De Prati exclusive article

What: The British luxury department store is investing GBP 200 million in storewide refurbishments, and has revealed its plans for womenswear, starting with the opening of its "Lingerie and Lounge Universe."

Why it is important: The refurbishment of its womenswear departments is focused on comfort, discovery, and engagement rather than hard selling as the department store aims to become a luxury destination for womenswear.

The new space features 47 brands across its lounge, lingerie, and sleepwear categories across 16,000 square feet, which is 50% larger than its previous space.

Designed by David Collins Studio, the renovated space is a true testament to the retailer's refurbishment plans and creates a space that is welcoming and inviting.

The space is laid out to make shopping easy, with brands being grouped by category and price point so customers can easily find what they want. Additionally, a certain level of privacy is conveyed and tills have more discreet locations.

Harrod's goal with the renovations is to become the ultimate destination for womenswear,  competing with luxury brands and providing an experience that meets consumers' expectations.

All 330 departments inside the store will be given a makeover as part of the department store's biggest overhaul in its 170-year history.

Two more womenswear rooms will be redeveloped this year with four more in 2024.

Harrod's unveils vision for future of multi-brand womenswear retail

Harrods' New Lingerie Space Is an Ode to Luxury, and Practicality WWD ARTICLE

Harrod's unveils vision for future of multi-brand womenswear retail Vogue business ARTICLE

What: John Lewis has revamped its childrenswear department at its Oxford Street store with a new kids trail design concept.

Why it is important: The remodeled department creates an immersive in-store experience that makes the store a destination for parents and children.

The new concept features a monster hunt, reading corner, and an interactive play corner in addition to an expanded range of children's clothes and toys.

Each department is linked together by a colorful path that leads to interactive displays.

The retailer is building on parents' trust with its bigger and better range as well as its immersive in-store experiences.

John Lewis's new kidswear concept in Oxford Street flagship 

John Lewis's new kidswear concept in Oxford Street flagship article

What:  Printemps unveils in its historical Deauville store a taste of its New York upcoming store

Why it is important:  The concept gets rid of brand-specific corners and instead promotes a coherent multi-brand concept applied to the whole store.

Printemps, a department store chain based in France, has transformed its store in Deauville, originally opened in 1912, into a concept store featuring mixed brands and environments. After five months of renovations, the store has done away with brand-specific corners and instead created a series of interconnected rooms styled like a "Norman house." The store claims 85% new brands and 85% exclusive products in Deauville.

The layout of the store has been revised, with ready-to-wear moving to the ground floor, and city shoes, sneakers, beauty products, jewelry, and home goods on the upper level. Decor items, which were previously absent but in high demand, have been added. The men's fashion area has doubled in size with brands like Palm Angels, Stone Island, Coperni, Ami, and Comme des Garçons. Women's section showcases labels like Rotate, Farm Rio, Jacquemus, Antik Batik, and Nanushka. There's also a section for vintage clothing and accessories.

The store no longer has brand corners with their own decoration, fitting room, and salespeople. All staff are employed by Printemps. The company anticipates a sales increase of at least 25% next year due to this transformation. The clientele consists of 43% tourists, 22% second home residents, and 35% locals. Printemps, owned by the Qatari fund Disa, plans to open a store in New York in 2024 with a similar 'product mix' strategy.

Printemps opens its new multi-brand concept in its historical Deauville store 

Printemps opens its new multi-brand concept in its historical Deauville store Fashion Network article

Printemps opens its new multi-brand concept in its historical Deauville store WWD article