What: Danish fashion brand Ganni has expanded its international presence by partnering with Mexican luxury department store chain El Palacio de Hierro.

Why it is important: This collaboration marks a significant step in Ganni's global expansion strategy, enhancing its visibility and market reach in Mexico, a key market for luxury fashion.

Ganni, the renowned Danish fashion brand known for its Scandinavian style, has officially launched in Mexico through a partnership with El Palacio de Hierro. The brand is now available in four of El Palacio de Hierro's eleven stores, with a focus on the capital city's prominent locations: Polanco, Perisur, and Santa Fe, as well as the Querétaro store. Ganni's collection can also be purchased online via the Mi Palacio app and El Palacio de Hierro's e-commerce platform. This move strengthens Ganni's presence in the Latin American market and aligns with its global expansion efforts, which include over 40 stores worldwide and e-commerce in 35 countries.

Ganni joins El Palacio de Hierro's fashion lineup

What: Ami Paris is launching a summer pop-up at Galeries Lafayette, featuring ground floor windows, a capsule collection, and a beach-themed rooftop terrace.

Why it is important: Timed with the Paris Olympics, this collaboration aims to boost brand visibility and create a memorable experience for tourists, showcasing Ami Paris' creativity and partnership with Galeries Lafayette.

Ami Paris has partnered with Galeries Lafayette to create a summer pop-up experience called "La Plage AMI." Running until September 2, the activation includes three street-level windows and a rooftop terrace inspired by Deauville's beach huts. The capsule collection features beach-ready wear and accessories in French flag colors. The rooftop offers crepes by chef Julien Sebbag, an ice cream stand, and selfie spots, providing a fun and engaging atmosphere for visitors. This initiative aligns with the influx of tourists for the Olympics, aiming to raise brand awareness and create a unique shopping experience.

Ami Paris opens Summer pop-up at Galeries Lafayette, with rooftop terrace and capsule collection

What: Fitch Ratings affirmed Grupo Palacio de Hierro's long-term national rating at 'AAA(mex)' with a Stable Outlook.

Why it is important: This affirmation highlights Grupo Palacio de Hierro's strong market position, financial flexibility, and solid brand recognition in Mexico, reflecting its resilience in a competitive environment.

Fitch Ratings has affirmed the 'AAA(mex)' rating for Grupo Palacio de Hierro (GPH), with a Stable Outlook. This decision underscores GPH's robust market position, diversified business operations, and conservative financial profile. Despite projected negative free cash flow due to significant capital expenditures from 2024 to 2026, the company's strong brand, diversified revenue streams, and low delinquency rates in its credit portfolio support its high rating. GPH's focus on enhancing its digital channels and maintaining a manageable leverage ratio further strengthens its financial stability. The company's strategic investments and solid shareholder support from Grupo Bal also contribute to its affirmed rating.

Fitch affirms Grupo Palacio de Hierro's 'AAA(mex)' ratings

What: Juvia, in collaboration with Glam-O-Meter, is showcasing a new loungewear collection at a pop-up space in Breuninger Munich.

Why it is important: This collaboration highlights the merging of luxury loungewear with fashion media influence, providing a fresh and trendy collection that appeals to modern consumers seeking stylish comfort.

Juvia has partnered with Glam-O-Meter, the fashion brand of journalist Annette Weber, to present a new loungewear collection at Breuninger in Munich. The collection features a variety of vibrant hoodies, shorts, pants, and sweaters in colors like pink, orange, ecru, yellow, light blue, white, lilac, and dark blue. The launch was celebrated with an event at Eduard's Bar, attended by notable guests including actress Uschi Glas and influencer Füsun Lindner. A highlight of the evening was a fashion talk led by Juvia founder Judith Dommermuth, Annette Weber, and moderator Jennifer Knäble. The pop-up space will be available until July 29th.

Juvia unveils Glam-O-Meter collection at Breuninger Munich

What: Valentino has launched a pop-up store at El Palacio de Hierro in the Andares shopping centre, Jalisco, Mexico, for the summer season.

Why it is important: This move showcases Valentino's strategy to expand its presence and market reach in Mexico, leveraging strategic alliances and adapting to dynamic retail formats like pop-up stores to attract customers and boost sales.

Valentino, under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele, has opened a pop-up store at El Palacio de Hierro in Jalisco's Andares shopping centre. This ephemeral store, active for the summer season, offers a curated selection of handbags, shoes, wallets, caps, and jewellery for both women and men. This initiative is part of Valentino's broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Mexico, where it already has established stores in Perisur, Polanco, and Cancún. The pop-up store highlights the brand's adaptive approach to retail, aiming to attract new customers and provide a unique shopping experience. Valentino's expansion comes on the heels of Michele presenting his first Cruise collection for spring 2025 in June, following his appointment as creative director in April.

Valentino launches pop-up store at El Palacio de Hierro in Jalisaco

What: Ms. Voralak Tulaphorn, Chief Marketing Officer of The Mall Group Co., Ltd., will speak at Marketing Oops! Summit 2024, focusing on sustainable retail practices through ESG principles.

Why it is important: The Mall Group's participation underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into business strategies, emphasizing innovation, responsibility, and profitability.

Ms. Voralak Tulaphorn, CMO of The Mall Group, will be an Exclusive Speaker at the Marketing Oops! Summit 2024. The event, themed "Vision Meet Reality: From Vision to Action," will explore sustainable business practices via ESG principles. Tulaphorn will discuss The Mall Group's commitment to sustainable retail, highlighting four key pillars: ongoing sustainability journeys, collaborative impacts, customer-centric development, and technological advancements. The Mall Group will also present environmental innovations and the M HEART Sai Lohit Sai Jai project, aligning with sustainable development goals related to health and well-being.

The Mall Group to highlight sustainable retail at Marketing Oops! Summit 2024

What: El Corte Inglés is hosting Kurt Geiger's "Floral Couture" capsule collection in three pop-up stores in Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona until August 25.

Why it is important: This collaboration highlights El Corte Inglés's strategy to attract premium brands and offer unique shopping experiences. The visually appealing, floral-themed installations are expected to draw significant attention, enhancing both Kurt Geiger's and El Corte Inglés's brand visibility and customer engagement.

El Corte Inglés is featuring Kurt Geiger's latest "Floral Couture" capsule collection in three temporary pop-up stores located in its Castellana (Madrid), Pintor Sorolla (Valencia), and Diagonal (Barcelona) locations. Available until August 25, the collection is presented through stunning floral installations inspired by the English countryside, created with botanical artist Tattie Isles. The range includes bags, footwear, jewelry, and unique accessories such as dog coats, picnic blankets, and teapots, all with vibrant floral prints. Kurt Geiger, founded in 1963 by the Austrian designer of the same name, is renowned for its inclusive and creative approach. The brand's Kindness Foundation, established in 2022, supports young talent in the creative industry.

El Corte Inglés hosts Kurt Geiger's "Floral Couture" collection in three new pop-up stores

What: El Palacio de Hierro has introduced the Italian fashion brand Pucci to its product catalogue, both in physical and online stores.

Why it is important: This marks Pucci's first entry into the Latin American market, reflecting El Palacio de Hierro's strategy to expand its luxury offerings and attract a younger clientele.

El Palacio de Hierro, a luxury department store chain in Mexico, has announced the addition of the Italian brand Pucci to its portfolio as of July. Pucci's products are available both in El Palacio de Hierro's physical store located in Polanco, Mexico City, and through its online platforms, including its e-commerce site and mobile app. This move marks Pucci's first steps in the Latin American market, expanding beyond its single flagship store in Brazil. Owned by LVMH, Pucci aims to break away from traditional luxury formats and seasons, targeting a younger audience.

El Palacio de Hierro adds Italian Pucci fashion to its catalogue

What: El Corte Inglés has appointed Gastón Bottazzini as the new CEO, reinstating the position that has been vacant since 2022.

Why it is important: The appointment of a new CEO signifies a strategic move to enhance leadership and drive transformation within the company. Bottazzini's experience with Falabella is expected to bring valuable insights and strategies to El Corte Inglés, aiming to strengthen its market position and operational efficiency.

El Corte Inglés has reinstated the CEO position with the appointment of Gastón Bottazzini, former CEO of Falabella. Bottazzini joined El Corte Inglés earlier this year as an advisor and will now oversee the work of the two general directors, José María Folache and Santiago Bau. The executive committee, including Marta Álvarez Guil, will monitor his performance. This leadership change comes as the company reported a 5.4% increase in turnover to EUR 16,333 million and a significant rise in recurring net profit by 73.7% to EUR 359 million for the 2023-2024 financial year.

El Corte Inglés appoints Gastón Bottazzini as CEO

What: Galeries Lafayette is using a Low Code approach with Microsoft's Power Platform to develop small applications for its diverse business needs efficiently

Why it is important: This strategy accelerates the creation of applications, improving efficiency and productivity while maintaining control over the application landscape and avoiding Shadow IT issues.

Galeries Lafayette has implemented a Low Code approach using Microsoft's Power Platform to industrialise and accelerate application development across its various business functions. This method is structured around three teams responsible for identifying use cases, technological modelling, and creating user-friendly application prototypes. The approach has already digitised the clothing alteration process, significantly reducing administrative tasks for alteration workers and improving operational efficiency. The platform currently supports numerous alterations monthly and provides customers with visibility on their orders. The centralised data from these applications allows Galeries Lafayette to identify and develop new applications, enhancing interactions between sales and back office, optimizing product relabeling, and improving HR management. This initiative aims to boost productivity across the company's 290 stores and e-commerce sites, involving 8,500 employees and generating €4.5 billion in annual retail sales.

Galeries Lafayette adopts Low Code to multiply business applications

What: Breuninger has enlisted Macquarie to explore options for its property portfolio, including property sales and sale-and-leaseback deals, to generate cash.

Why it is important: With rising interest rates impacting the real estate market, Breuninger's move to reassess its property assets could provide financial flexibility and strengthen its overall business strategy.

German department store Breuninger has engaged Macquarie to advise on its property portfolio, considering various options such as property sales and sale-and-leaseback arrangements to generate cash. This strategic move follows Breuninger's interest in acquiring the luxury department store KaDeWe, which was ultimately bought by Central Group. Breuninger operates 13 stores and 25 restaurants, generating EUR 1.4 billion in revenue in 2022. The company is also involved in property developments but has not disclosed financial details for its real estate holdings. CEO Holger Blecker emphasized that the company continually monitors all projects, especially in light of rising interest rates.

Breuninger seeks Macquarie's advice on property strategy

What: Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann offers guided tours of its historic department store every weekend in French or English.

Why it is Important: These tours provide a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and heritage of Galeries Lafayette, showcasing its iconic architecture and backstage areas, thus enhancing visitors' appreciation for the cultural and artistic significance of such establishments. Department stores increasingly want to show the richness of their history and heritage.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann organizes guided tours every weekend, allowing visitors to discover the historic and emblematic aspects of the store, including backstage areas and the famous Art Nouveau dome from 1912. These tours, offered in French on Saturdays and in English on Sundays, provide an intimate and exclusive look at the department store outside of regular opening hours. New slots are available from July 3 to September 1, with tours now also offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 9 am, and on Sundays at 10 am. The tours cost €20 for adults and €8 for children, with a maximum of 15 participants per session. Similar to Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marché also organizes visits showcasing their heritage and the design and art pieces scattered throughout the store.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann offers guided heritage tours

What: Spanish startup Skinvity has partnered with El Corte Inglés to sell its smart cosmetics products in 21 locations across Spain.

Why it is important: This strategic alliance marks Skinvity's significant move from e-commerce to physical retail, expanding its reach and enhancing its market presence in the beauty sector through a renowned retail partner.

Skinvity, a smart cosmetics e-commerce company, has signed a strategic partnership with El Corte Inglés, bringing its innovative beauty products to 21 locations in Spain. Starting this July, Skinvity's PressTech pressotherapy pants and Silicone Led Mask phototherapy facial mask will be available in El Corte Inglés stores in major cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville. Mariana Romero García from El Corte Inglés highlighted the collaboration's aim to enhance the shopping experience and support innovative brands. Skinvity's CEO, Blanca Miñano, emphasized the partnership as a significant milestone, boosting their position in the cosmetic technology market and promoting the techno-beauty category in Spain. Founded in 2020, Skinvity is focused on developing its own technology and expanding its B2B and international presence.

Skinvity makes the leap to physical retail with El Corte Inglés

What: Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann is partnering with the international campaign to showcase France's audacity and innovative spirit.

Why it is important: This collaboration highlights Galeries Lafayette's role in promoting France's economic dynamism, cultural vitality, and tourist attractions to millions of international visitors, especially during the 2024 summer's major sporting events in Paris.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, an iconic Parisian department store, has partnered with the Government Information Service to participate in an international campaign aimed at promoting France's innovative and bold spirit. The campaign focuses on France's economic dynamism, cultural and artistic vitality, and tourist attractions. As part of this initiative, Galeries Lafayette is offering an XXL photocall experience, "Make it iconic. Choose France," from July 3 to August 28, 2024, in front of its historic dome. This event coincides with the third edition of the Galeries Lafayette summer event, French Touch 2024, which is expected to attract 10 million tourists during the Paris Olympic summer. The partnership aims to enhance France's international appeal and share its rich heritage and contemporary lifestyle with global visitors

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann joins France's global promotion campaign

What: Galeries Lafayette Haussmann has opened (Re)-Store Kids, a new second-hand goods area in its children's section, offering pre-loved clothing and toys across three specialized spaces.

Why it is important: The initiative underscores the growing trend and demand for sustainable and circular economy practices in retail. By expanding its second-hand offerings, Galeries Lafayette is catering to environmentally-conscious consumers and promoting sustainability in children's fashion and toys.

Three years after launching (Re)-Store, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann has introduced (Re)-Store Kids, a second-hand retail space on the fifth floor of its Parisian department store. Spanning 85 square meters, the new area focuses on children's ready-to-wear and toys. It features three main operators in the circular economy: Family Affaire, offering brands like Bonpoint and Petit Bateau; Club Trésor, showcasing vintage and upcycled pieces from the 50s to the 2000s; and Kidibam, presenting a selection of vintage and second-hand toys. This expansion highlights the department store's commitment to sustainability and catering to the growing market for pre-loved goods.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann expands second-hand offerings with (Re)-Store Kids

What:

El Palacio de Hierro is collaborating with AWWG to promote Façonnable in Mexico, featuring shop-in-shop formats and online sales.

Why it is important:

This partnership is pivotal in boosting Façonnable's presence in the Latin American market, aligning with AWWG's strategic vision to enhance the brand's footprint in key international regions.

All We Wear Group (AWWG) is working with El Palacio de Hierro to expand the Façonnable brand in Mexico. Since this year, Façonnable has established three shop-in-shop formats in El Palacio de Hierro stores, with plans to launch on the department store's online channel from August. This initiative is part of AWWG's broader strategy to increase Façonnable's retail presence, which also includes collaborations with El Corte Inglés in Spain, Galeries Lafayette in France, and Printemps in Belgium, aiming for substantial growth in the coming years.

El Palacio de Hierro expands Façonnable's reach in Mexico

What: The Mall Group declares its intention to achieve Thailand's Net Zero goal by reducing and eliminating plastic usage by 100% by 2027, through its campaign "THE MALL GROUP GO TO ZERO."

Why it is important: This initiative aligns with global sustainability efforts and positions The Mall Group as a leader in environmental responsibility within the retail sector in Thailand, promoting significant behavioural change in waste management among the public.

The Mall Group has announced its commitment to achieving Thailand's Net Zero goal by completely eliminating plastic use by 2027. This announcement was made with the presence of Mr. Komen Teethananon, Advisor to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, who chaired the opening ceremony. As Thailand's first green retailer, The Mall Group continues to lead by example through its "THE MALL GROUP GO TO ZERO" campaign. This project includes setting up Recycle Stations to encourage waste separation and promote recycling, in line with the circular economy concept. The initiative aims to convert waste materials into new products or energy, significantly reducing environmental impact and fostering sustainable practices in public areas.

The Mall Group aims for Thailand Net Zero goal

What: Voralak Tukaphorn, CMO at The Mall Group, reviews the recent advances made by the group in marketing and customer satisfaction.

Why it is important: Thailand is way ahead when it comes to service customisation

The Mall Group, a prominent Thai retail conglomerate, is driving a significant shift in retail through enhanced digital integration and customer-centric strategies, as shared by their Chief Marketing Officer, Voralak Tulaphorn, in an interview with Retail Asia. The company has revamped its online platforms to offer more personalised shopping experiences, with a focus on understanding individual customer preferences for faster and more tailored service.

Key innovations introduced by The Mall Group include "chat and shop" and "call to order" services, which facilitate personalized interactions and streamlined shopping processes. Tulaphorn highlighted the trend towards omni-channel shopping, noting the group's initiatives like live stream shopping events and augmented reality features that aim to create immersive, engaging consumer experiences.

Additionally, the group is navigating challenges in the e-commerce sector, such as high delivery costs, by promoting "click and collect" services that also offer upselling opportunities during store visits. Despite the labor-intensive nature of implementing AI for personalization, The Mall Group remains committed to enhancing its digital capabilities, including the future integration of more AR and VR technologies to improve in-store navigation and engagement.

Inside The Mall Group's approach to customer satisfaction

What: Mexican women are increasingly investing in beauty products, with El Palacio de Hierro playing a significant role in the booming cosmetics market and driving growth for brands like L'Oréal.

Why it is important: The rapid growth of the cosmetics market in Mexico highlights economic and sociological shifts, including rising female employment and financial independence. This trend presents substantial opportunities for El Palacio de Hierro and international cosmetics brands to expand and thrive in a dynamic and growing market.

El Palacio de Hierro is at the forefront of Mexico's burgeoning cosmetics market, fueled by rising female employment and increased spending on beauty products. The upscale department store, alongside major retailers like Walmart and Sephora, has seen significant growth driven by the increasing demand for cosmetics. In 2023, the Mexican beauty market grew by 17%, generating 7 billion euros in sales, with L'Oréal as a key player. The country's stable economy and sociological changes, such as higher female employment rates, are boosting this trend. El Palacio de Hierro's strategic positioning, high-end product offerings, and innovative marketing strategies, including the use of influencers and local events, are capitalizing on the growing demand. Supported by robust retail infrastructure and strategic investments, El Palacio de Hierro is helping position Mexico as a key player in the global cosmetics industry.

El Palacio de Hierro drives Mexico's cosmetics boom

What: Boyner Group organised a get-together with 350 suppliers end of May, to share with them their results and their vision for the future.

Why it is important: the purpose of this event is to give even more reasons for suppliers to deepen their partnership and increase the surface of business with Boyner, thanks to a glimpse of the group's vision and projects.

At the annual partner meeting, Boyner revealed significant business expansions and strategy refinements under the leadership of Chairman Cem Boyner and CEO Eren Camurdan. Cem Boyner highlighted the company's growth in purchase volumes, from 300 million units in 2022 to 400 million in 2023, amounting to 2.5 billion Turkish Liras. Despite the challenging Turkish market, Boyner plans to continue its expansion with 26 new stores adding to the existing 110, totaling an increase of 320,000 sqm of retail space. The company also reported a substantial 85% growth in its online channels.

Eren Camurdan emphasized the company's adaptive retail strategy, likening it to creating a new impression every day akin to the movie '50 First Dates'. Boyner focuses on enhancing customer experience and assortment, currently offering 600 brands across 12 categories, including local collaborations and private labels. A new retail concept was successfully launched in Istinye Park and is set to evolve at the Tersane site, integrating Costa Coffee into the store design.

Further digital innovations include a new influencer platform, an expanded marketplace featuring 1,000 brands in 27 categories, and 'Boyner Now', which promises delivery of 700,000 products from 75 locations within 78 minutes. Lastly, Boyner plans to host the second Dynamic Fest to promote a youthful and healthy lifestyle in Turkey.

Boyner shares its strategy with suppliers to prepare the future

What: he Mall Group, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, One Siam, and various partners, is organizing the "Bangkok No.1 Shopping Festival 2024," a large-scale sale event featuring significant discounts, special promotions, and celebrity appearances from May 29, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

Why it is important: This festival represents a significant effort to boost Thailand's economy by attracting both local and international shoppers through extensive discounts and promotions.

The "Bangkok No.1 Shopping Festival 2024," organized by The Mall Group in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and One Siam, is set to be the biggest retail event of the year. Running from May 29 to December 31, 2024, the festival features up to 80% discounts at The Mall, Emporium, EmQuartier, Siam Paragon, and other participating locations. The campaign, which includes online shopping options via M Chat & Shop and Call to Order, is expected to increase foot traffic by 20% and generate over 9,000 million baht in sales. The festival will also promote Thai culture, with Buakaw Banchamek serving as a presenter to celebrate Muay Thai's inclusion in the 2024 Olympics. Special events, promotions, and collaborations with various financial institutions and tourism partners aim to attract a diverse range of shoppers and bolster the Thai economy.

The Mall Group presents Bangkok No.1 Shopping Festival 2024: a grand retail extravaganza

What: Bloomingdale's has taken a new direction in terms of product management.

Why it is important: Bloomingdale's is the only US department to carry all categories The Chief Merchant at Bloomingdale's, reflects on the significant strides the 150-year-old department store has made recenrly. Bloomingdale's made substantial enhancements in product assortments, curation, and both the digital and physical shopping experiences. She highlights the role of footwear in driving the store's growth, representing the transition from accessible to aspirational offerings.

Bloomingdale's Chief Merchant on Leading the Retailer's Evolution

What: The Mall Group Company Limited is hosting "Innovation Keeping the World 2024," an event focused on sustainable innovation and environmental issues.

Why it is important: The event aims to address global warming and environmental sustainability through showcasing business innovations and promoting sustainable practices. It also encourages customer participation in environmental conservation.

From June 6 to December 31, 2024, The Mall Group Company Limited is organizing "Innovation Keeping the World 2024," an event dedicated to sustainable innovation to combat the global environmental crisis. The event will feature business showcases highlighting sustainable practices through ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. Among the highlights is the PET Bottle Machine, an automatic bottle return machine that has garnered significant interest from attendees. The event also includes various campaigns aimed at engaging customers in environmental conservation efforts.

The Mall Group hosts Innovation Keeping the World 2024

What: Breuninger and Adidas have partnered to celebrate the European Football Championship by transforming the 650 square meter facade of Breuninger's Stuttgart flagship store and offering various in-store activities and exclusive competitions.

Why it is important: This partnership highlights the shared values of team spirit and collaboration between Breuninger and Adidas, enhancing the shopping experience and fostering a sense of community among football fans.

Breuninger and Adidas have launched an exclusive partnership to celebrate the European Football Championship. For the first time since 2005, Breuninger's 650 square meter Stuttgart flagship store facade is being redesigned by Adidas, featuring portraits of famous footballers like Toni Kroos, İlkay Gündoğan, and Florian Wirtz. This campaign includes numerous in-store activities across various Breuninger locations, such as pop-up areas for jersey customization and exclusive competitions to win signed jerseys and balls by German national team players. The collaboration aims to create a unique shopping experience, celebrating the championship atmosphere and fostering a sense of community among football fans. Breuninger CEO Holger Blecker emphasized the importance of the long-standing partnership with Adidas and the special significance of the 2024 European Championship in showcasing their mutual enthusiasm for sport and football.

Breuninger and Adidas celebrate European championship with fans