What: Manor released a press release announcing the Manor Cultural Prize for 2024, which showcases six exhibitions featuring emerging talents from the Swiss art scene. It provides details about each exhibition, including the names of the featured artists and their respective locations.

Why it is important: The Manor Cultural Prize promotes exhibitions by young artists across various Swiss cantons each year.

The Manor Cultural Prize aims to generate interest and excitement about the upcoming exhibitions and to promote awareness of the cultural initiative. From May 24 to September 1, 2024, Gina Proenza, winner of the 2024 Manor Cultural Prize for the canton of Vaud, will hold an exhibition in the Project Space of the Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts in Lausanne. At the KBCB, Kunsthaus Biel Art Center Bienne, the exhibition L'Air du Temps (Air Conditions) by PRICE (*1986) is on view from March 1 to May 19, 2024. From September 21, 2024 to March 30, 2025, the artist winner of the Manor Valais Cultural Prize, Raphael Stucky, will exhibit at the Valais Art Museum in Sion (in the Ancienne Chancellerie building) with works created for the occasion. In Ticino, Johanna Kotlaris will exhibit from October 6, 2024 to January 5, 2025 at the Museo d'arte della Svizzera italiana (MASI Lugano). At the Kunstmuseum Luzern, Mahtola Wittmer will exhibit from November 30, 2024 to February 16, 2025. With her works, Mahtola Wittmer sharpens our attention and targets the absurdities of everyday life with irony. In Aargau, Ishita Chakraborty will develop an exhibition specifically for the Aargauer Kunsthaus which will be staged in spring 2025. The artistic practice of the Manor Culture Prize winner from West Bengal in India encompasses drawings, installations, poetry, sounds and performances.

Manor Cultural Prize 2024: six exhibitions of talents from the emerging Swiss art scene

What: Manor, a prominent department store chain, is set to close two of its locations in Ticino by spring 2025, affecting over a hundred employees.

Why it is important: This move highlights the ongoing shifts within the retail sector, impacting employment and the availability of local shopping options. Manor's decision to implement a social plan for affected employees underscores the challenges businesses face in balancing operational changes with social responsibility.

In a significant development for the retail industry in Switzerland, Manor has announced plans to shut down its stores in Balerna and Sant'Antonino by spring 2025, directly impacting 55 and 49 employees, respectively. The company is initiating a consultation phase and promises to support the affected employees through a social plan, including attempts to relocate staff to other Manor locations where feasible.

Despite these closures, Manor has clarified that this decision does not indicate a withdrawal from the Ticino region. Instead, the retailer intends to enhance its presence in other cities within Ticino such as Ascona, Bellinzona, Biasca, Locarno, Lugano, and Vezia, along with expanding its product and service offerings. Additionally, a new Manor Outlet is set to open in Grancia, signaling the company's commitment to maintaining its footprint in the region. Manor operates 59 department stores, 27 food supermarkets, and 23 restaurants across Switzerland, employing around 7,500 individuals. This move reflects the broader challenges and transformations facing the retail sector, as companies strive to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and economic pressures while ensuring support for their workforce.

Manor will close two sites in Ticino in 2025

What: PdPaola opens its first store in El Palacio de Hierro, expanding its presence in Mexico.

Why it is important: This launch marks a significant step in PdPaola's expansion strategy within Mexico, emphasizing the country's importance as a key market for luxury goods in Latin America. It demonstrates the brand's commitment to enhancing its retail footprint and solidifying its position in the international jewelry market.

PdPaola, in partnership with Europrisma, inaugurated a new sales space in El Palacio de Hierro Perisur, building on its initial success at its flagship store in Antara Fashion Hall. This move is part of the brand's broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Mexico, recognized as a vital market for luxury sales in Latin America. The expansion highlights PdPaola's ambition to increase its international visibility, adding to its existing network of over 30 stores across global cities such as London, Milan, and Riyadh, and within Spain. Founded in 2015 by Paola and Humbert Sasplugas, PdPaola has transitioned from a digital-first approach to establishing a significant physical retail presence, complemented by shop-in-shop points in El Corte Inglés across Spain and 2,800 multi-brand outlets worldwide. With plans for further growth in 2024, PdPaola aims to continue its retail expansion, targeting both established and new markets to bolster its global reach.

El Palacio de Hierro hosts new PdPaola store, bolstering brand's expansion in Mexico

What: Stuttgart-based fashion retailer Breuninger is reportedly interested in acquiring the insolvent luxury department store operator, KaDeWe Group, for over EUR 100 million.

Why it is important: This move signifies Breuninger's ambitious expansion into the luxury retail sector, highlighting the competitive landscape among potential buyers for the prestigious KaDeWe Group, which includes iconic stores like KaDeWe in Berlin, Alsterhaus in Hamburg, and Oberpollinger in Munich. The deal's progression underscores the challenges and opportunities within the luxury retail market, particularly after KaDeWe Group's insolvency due to high rental costs.

Breuninger's interest in the KaDeWe Group emerges amidst the group's bankruptcy, driven by burdensome rents from its flagship stores. With more than twelve interested parties, the acquisition process is competitive, with a deadline for initial offers set for March 22. The sale is orchestrated by Roland Berger, while Breuninger collaborates with investment bank Macquarie, potentially considering an investor partnership for the takeover. This acquisition interest comes after KaDeWe Group's financial strain linked to investor Signa's difficulties, stirring market speculation about the future ownership of the luxury retailer.

Breuninger interested in acquisition of KaDeWe Group amid insolvency

What: Breuninger is introducing a new brand identity and launches the "Style Portraits" campaign for Spring/Summer 2024, featuring a diverse cast of style-conscious personalities, including actress Florence Kasumba and digital creator Marie von Behrens.

Why it is important: This campaign and brand refresh signify a new era for Breuninger, blending tradition with contemporary zeitgeist. It aims to inspire customers to find and celebrate their own style, reinforcing Breuninger's commitment to diversity, accessibility, and emotional connection in fashion and lifestyle.

Launched on March 14, 2024, across various European markets, the "Style Portraits" campaign by Breuninger showcases inspiring figures from creative fields, each expressing personal style as an extension of individuality. The campaign is part of a broader brand refresh, introducing changes to Breuninger's logo, signet, and visual identity, ensuring a consistent and impactful presence across all channels. This initiative not only highlights the retailer's evolution but also emphasizes the importance of personal style and attitude in fashion. Additionally, a secondary campaign phase titled "Moin, Hamburg" will spotlight talent from Hamburg, ahead of Breuninger's flagship store opening in the city, further showcasing the brand's commitment to diversity and personal expression in the fashion retail landscape.

Breuninger starts spring with a new brand identity

What: Victoria Beckham inaugurates a corner at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann in Paris.

Why it is important: This new opening symbolizes Victoria Beckham's ongoing commitment to establishing a significant presence in the fashion capital of Paris. It showcases the brand's luxury ready-to-wear collections and strengthens its position among other prestigious brands housed in Galeries Lafayette. The initiative highlights the brand's growth and success, reflecting a strategic expansion in key global retail destinations.

British designer Victoria Beckham has launched a retail space within Paris's iconic Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, joining other high-end brands like Marni, Dries Van Noten, and Jil Sander. This marks another step in Beckham's engagement with Paris's luxury retail scene, complementing previous ventures into Parisian department stores. The Corner, personally inaugurated by Beckham, presents her Spring-Summer 2024 collection, featuring contemporary chic designs. Having launched her brand in 2008, Beckham has diversified her offerings into accessories, perfumes, and cosmetics. Despite past challenges, the brand reports a promising financial outlook, with a notable increase in sales and reduced losses. The only standalone Victoria Beckham store remains in London, but the brand enjoys widespread international distribution.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann welcomes Victoria Beckham's new Parisian corner

What: Kurt Geiger has launched a pop-up store in Galeries Lafayette, Paris, showcasing its SS24 campaign and a range of colorful, embellished footwear and accessories.

Why it is important: This pop-up exemplifies Kurt Geiger's strategic international expansion and reinforces its position in the global luxury market. By selecting a prime location in a renowned department store, the brand demonstrates its selective distribution approach and commitment to engaging with a global audience.

Kurt Geiger's pop-up in Paris's Galeries Lafayette runs until April 15, immersing visitors in the brand's vibrant aesthetic, inspired by its London flagship. Highlighting the SS24 campaign featuring Adwoa Aboah, the installation mirrors the brand's colorful and creative DNA through a unique pavilion-like structure adorned with stained glass window panes. The pop-up, strategically placed to captivate over 100,000 daily visitors, marks another milestone in Kurt Geiger's international success, which includes plans for new stores in the US, Mexico, Spain, and Italy. Chief International Officer Steven Sousa highlights the brand's careful distribution choices and the universal appeal of its colorful, embellished products, which have propelled sales to record highs. Kurt Geiger's global presence, bolstered by this pop-up, showcases its mastery in blending luxury with vivid design to delight customers worldwide.

Galeries Lafayette hosts vibrant Kurt Geiger pop-up as brand's global success expands

What: El Corte Inglés is set to transform its nine Sportown stores into Sfera locations, integrating its entire sports merchandise into its department stores.

Why it is important: This strategic move aims to centralize and strengthen El Corte Inglés' sports offering, reflecting the company's broader strategy to enhance and expand its fashion business, particularly through the Sfera brand.

El Corte Inglés, a leading department store group, is making a significant shift in its sports retail strategy by discontinuing its Sportown chain, which was launched in 2009 to target the youth market and capitalize on streetwear trends. The nine existing Sportown stores will be rebranded as Sfera stores, a fashion chain established in 2001 that has become a key player in El Corte Inglés' international expansion. Sfera currently operates 490 stores across eighteen countries, with a strong presence outside the Iberian Peninsula, especially in Mexico. This consolidation move comes as part of El Corte Inglés' efforts to enhance its sports offering within its department stores, which have seen an expanded sports category in recent years. The decision aligns with the company's successful fashion business growth, which saw a 16% increase in 2022, reaching 4.7 billion euros. The transformation of Sportown into Sfera also coincides with the appointment of Ángela Goitia as the director of Sfera, signaling a focus on managing the store network and pursuing further expansion. El Corte Inglés' overall performance in 2022 showcased a robust recovery, with a turnover of 15,327 million euros and a gross operating result (EBITDA) of 951 million euros, indicating a strong post-pandemic rebound.

El Corte Inglés revamps sports strategy, converts Sportown to Sfera

What: El Palacio de Hierro, a prominent department store group, reported an 11% increase in sales and a 41% rise in profit for the fiscal year 2023.

Why it is important: This significant growth, particularly in the online channel, underscores the company's successful adaptation to digital retail trends and its strong position in the competitive department store market.

El Palacio de Hierro, a key player in the department store sector and part of Grupo Bal, has showcased remarkable financial performance in 2023. The company achieved a turnover of USD 3 billion, marking an 11% increase from the previous year, and a net profit of USD 145 million, up by 41% compared to 2022. A notable driver of this success was the online channel, which saw a 28% increase in turnover, largely fueled by the launch of a mobile application. The company's EBITDA also rose by 15% to USD 400 million. These achievements significantly outpaced the industry average, with El Palacio de Hierro's sales growth more than double the 4.4% annual increase reported by the National Association of Self-Service and Department Stores (Antad) for the department store segment. Operating fourteen warehouses across Mexico and exclusive distributorships with luxury brands, El Palacio de Hierro, under the leadership of Juan Carlos Escribano, continues to solidify its market dominance.

El Palacio de Hierro records stellar growth in 2023

What: Achara Sophonpanich, Executive Vice President of The Mall Group, has been nominated to join Thailand's National Soft Power Strategy Committee (NSPSC) after the entire subcommittee resigned. Her background in retail and real estate is expected to bring valuable insights to the committee.

Why it is important: Sophonpanich's nomination represents a strategic effort to enhance Thailand's global influence through cultural, economic, and diplomatic means. Her experience could significantly contribute to shaping the country's soft power strategy, especially in an era where such power plays a crucial role in international relations.

Thailand's NSPSC is undergoing a significant transformation with the nomination of Achara Sophonpanich. This move comes in response to the unexpected resignation of the previous subcommittee, signaling a fresh start for the committee's efforts to bolster Thailand's position on the global stage. Sophonpanich's extensive experience with The Mall Group, a leading retail conglomerate in Thailand, positions her as a valuable asset in driving the country's soft power initiatives. Her potential contributions could include insights into consumer behavior, retail innovation, and economic development, all of which are pivotal in strengthening Thailand's cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties. As the NSPSC looks to the future, Sophonpanich's role could be instrumental in navigating the complexities of global diplomacy and cultural exchange, underscoring the importance of soft power in today's interconnected world.

Achara Sophonpanich of The Mall Group: a strategic addition to Thailand's Soft Power Committee

What: UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, awarded the Parent-friendly Label (PFL) by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) to Chalhoub group.

Why it is important: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the significance of creating a work environment supportive of parents in the retail industry, emphasizing that it strengthens family bonds, promotes effective parenting, and positively impacts children, families, and society. Retail businesses often face high turnover rates, and providing parent-friendly policies can help retain valuable employees. When working parents feel supported in balancing their work and family responsibilities, they are more likely to stay with their current employer. The article also mentions that the President emphasized the broader social, cultural, educational, and workplace efficiency benefits of such a culture.

Supporting working parents with flexible schedules, remote work options, and leave policies can lead to increased productivity and efficiency. Employees who can manage their family obligations effectively are likely to perform better at work. Many retail companies have embraced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Promoting a parent-friendly work culture aligns with CSR goals and demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility by supporting families and communities.

Chalhoub Group received the Parent-friendly Label that outlines their commitment to supporting parents through policies such as maternity and paternity leave, flexible working hours, remote work options, and communication initiatives.

Chalhoub Group recognized as one of the most supportive organizations in the UAE. 

What: The 26 Galeries Lafayette stores owned by Michel Ohayon have received a crucial endorsement for their business continuity plan from the Galeries Lafayette group, their main creditor, ensuring a new lease on life for these establishments.

Why it is important: This development is a significant turning point in the ongoing financial saga involving the 26 branches, which had been facing uncertainty since filing for a protection procedure in February 2023. The Galeries Lafayette group's acceptance of the revised recovery plan not only prevents potential closures and job losses but also demonstrates a commitment to supporting the retail sector's stability, especially in medium-sized French towns.

In a pivotal moment for the retail industry, the 26 Galeries Lafayette branches owned by Bordeaux businessman Michel Ohayon have been granted a reprieve. The stores, which had been under financial strain and entered a protection procedure in early 2023, received crucial support from their main creditor, the Galeries Lafayette group. The group has agreed to a modified recovery plan proposed by Ohayon, which includes a significant concession on the debt owed by Ohayon, amounting to several tens of millions of euros.

Under the terms of the revised plan, Galeries Lafayette will waive 70% of their credit claims, with the remaining 30% to be repaid over a decade. Additionally, there will be a reassessment of the commission rate in two years, and the revenue growth forecast for the stores has been adjusted from an unrealistic 11% to a more feasible 4%. This agreement has garnered support from creditors and court-appointed representatives, marking a positive step towards the stores' financial stability and the preservation of approximately 1,000 jobs.

The decision by Galeries Lafayette to support the recovery plan highlights the group's recognition of the challenging circumstances faced by the stores and its willingness to contribute to a viable solution. The Bordeaux trade court is set to make a final ruling on the revised continuity plan on March 20, offering hope for a sustainable future for these Galeries Lafayette branches.

Galeries Lafayette: a new reprieve for the 26 stores owned by Michel Ohayon

What: Breuninger has introduced a Suitsupply retail space within its Munich flagship store, marking the Dutch men's fashion brand's first presence in Germany outside its standalone stores.

Why it is important: This collaboration enriches Breuninger's product offering, aligning with its commitment to providing a unique and exclusive shopping experience. It represents a strategic move to attract a discerning clientele with a penchant for timeless elegance and innovative men's fashion.

Breuninger, the Stuttgart-based fashion retailer, has expanded its Munich flagship store by welcoming Suitsupply, a specialist in men's fashion from the Netherlands. Occupying a 100 square meter area, Suitsupply offers a wide selection of suits, shirts, trousers, shoes, and accessories. An added feature is an on-site tailoring station for immediate garment adjustments, enhancing the customer experience with personalized service. Breuninger CEO Holger Blecker expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing its contribution to the store's goal of daily customer inspiration and its commitment to timeless elegance and innovative men's fashion. This move signifies Breuninger's ongoing efforts to innovate and expand its luxury and fashion offerings, further establishing its flagship as a premier shopping destination.

Breuninger enhances Munich flagship with Suitsupply addition

What: Breuningerland Ludwigsburg, a prominent shopping center, welcomes Eva Jansen in de Wal as its new center manager, succeeding Nadia Seniuta.

Why it is important: This leadership change marks a significant transition for Breuningerland Ludwigsburg, aiming to blend tradition with innovation under Jansen in de Wal's guidance, ensuring the center remains a pivotal regional anchor.

Breuningerland Ludwigsburg, a key shopping destination for over 50 years, has announced a change in leadership with Eva Jansen in de Wal taking over as the new center manager at the start of the year. She replaces Nadia Seniuta, who after two years at the helm, moves to Berlin to lead the Neukölln Arcaden for URW. Jansen in de Wal brings a wealth of experience from her 12 years in retail and shopping center management, including her transformative work at the Haus der Mode in Frankfurt Eschborn and her role as center manager for Loop5 in Weiterstadt.

Eager to embark on this new role, Jansen in de Wal aims to honor the center's longstanding traditions while injecting fresh innovations and developments to enhance the shopping experience. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration with rental and business partners, the Breuninger team, and maintaining a vibrant dialogue with visitors and the Ludwigsburg community. This leadership transition signals a promising future for Breuningerland Ludwigsburg, focusing on continuity and progress in serving the region.

Leadership transition at Breuningerland Ludwigsburg: a new era of management

What: El Corte Inglés is celebrating the Chinese New Year of the Dragon with a unique artistic collaboration. The company has commissioned Spanish artist Okuda San Miguel to create a series of artworks, including a spectacular dragon sculpture, to mark the occasion.

Why it is important: The celebration highlights the cultural connection between Spain and China, showcasing the fusion of traditional symbolism with contemporary art. Okuda San Miguel's reinterpretation of the Chinese Dragon, a symbol of power, nobility, and good fortune, reflects modernity, innovation, and cultural splendor. This initiative not only celebrates the Chinese New Year but also promotes cross-cultural appreciation and understanding.

El Corte Inglés Castellana in Madrid is celebrating the Chinese New Year of the Dragon with a special art installation by renowned Spanish artist Okuda San Miguel. The highlight of the celebration is a futuristic dragon sculpture, symbolizing strength, health, harmony, and good luck, displayed at the store's atrium. Okuda's work, known for its vibrant colors and geometric patterns, aims to bridge cultural gaps between Spain and China, showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary elements. Other pieces by the artist, including a Soulkeeper statue and limited series artworks, will also be featured. This collaboration underscores El Corte Inglés's commitment to cultural diversity and innovation, while honoring the deep-rooted traditions of the Chinese New Year.

Add icon Add cover El Corte Inglés celebrates Chinese New Year with Okuda San Miguel's majestic dragon art installation

What: El Corte Inglés, a leading department store group, has appointed Gastón Bottazzini as advisor to the presidency and the delegated commission, aiming to drive the company's transformation.

Why it is important: This strategic move signifies El Corte Inglés's commitment to adapting to the evolving retail landscape, particularly in e-commerce and management efficiency. Bottazzini's extensive experience in retail and his successful tenure at Falabella highlight the company's focus on leveraging expertise to navigate the challenges of digital transformation and market competition.

Marta Álvarez Guil, the executive leader of El Corte Inglés, has appointed Gastón Bottazzini, former CEO of Falabella, as a key advisor. Bottazzini's role will focus on aiding the transformation of El Corte Inglés alongside general directors José María Folache and Santiago Bau. His experience in leading Falabella through significant e-commerce growth positions him as a valuable asset in El Corte Inglés's ongoing efforts to enhance its digital and operational strategies.

Bottazzini, with a rich background in retail management and consulting, including a significant stint at McKinsey, brings a wealth of knowledge to El Corte Inglés. His appointment comes at a time when the company is navigating a complex retail environment, marked by shifting consumer behaviours and the need for digital innovation.

El Corte Inglés anticipates a sales improvement of over 4% for the 2023-2024 financial year, indicating a positive trajectory despite broader economic uncertainties. The company's performance, particularly in retail sectors like food and fashion, underscores its resilience and the potential impact of strategic leadership additions like Bottazzini.

As El Corte Inglés prepares for future challenges, Bottazzini's advisory role will be crucial in steering the company towards sustained growth and innovation. His expertise in finance, retail, and digital transformation aligns with El Corte Inglés's objectives, marking a significant step in the company's ongoing evolution.

El Corte Inglés welcomes Gastón Bottazzini to spearhead transformation

What: El Palacio de Hierro has introduced three new high-profile international fashion and design brands to its offerings.

Why it is important: This recent move solidifies El Palacio de Hierro's stronghold in the luxury retail market, showcasing its commitment to offering exclusive and high-quality fashion and design to its discerning clientele.

The newly added brands include the iconic Alaïa, American streetwear brand Market, and Italian jewellery brand Pasquale Bruni. These brands are exclusively available at selected physical locations and channels of El Palacio de Hierro, emphasizing the chain's commitment to luxury. Alaïa's exclusive pieces, now under the creative direction of Pieter Mulier, can be found at El Palacio de Hierro Polanco, while Market's offerings, founded by Mike Cherman, are also available at specific locations. Pasquale Bruni's presence is centered in the recently renovated Satélite store of the chain.

El Palacio de Hierro expands its fashion offer

What: The Commercial Court of Bordeaux is set to review the continuity plan proposed by businessman Michel Ohayon for about 20 Galeries Lafayette stores he owns in French provinces.

Why it is important: This hearing is crucial for the future of these Galeries Lafayette stores and their employees. The decision will impact the viability of the stores, the livelihood of the staff, and the financial stability of Ohayon's business ventures. It also reflects broader challenges in the retail sector, particularly for traditional department stores adapting to changing market conditions.

The plan, submitted by Hermione Retail, aims to address the challenges faced by these stores, which have been under safeguard proceedings since last February, employing around 1000 staff. The Galeries Lafayette group, as the main creditor and supplier, plays a crucial role in the decision-making process. The continuity plan includes selling the Pau store and forgiving 70% of the debts, but employees and a judicial administrator have expressed skepticism about its feasibility. Additionally, the court will review the situation of Financière immobilière bordelaise (FIB), Ohayon's main holding company, which has faced financial difficulties.

Galeries Lafayette: Future of Michel Ohayon's stores to be reviewed on February 14

What: The Chalhoub Group launches "The Visitor," a new travel retail concept at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Why is it important: "The Visitor" offers an innovative retail space that combines luxury and travel, aiming to enhance the shopping experience for the millions of passengers passing through the airport annually. The concept is designed to cater to the expectations of the younger generation of travellers by amplifying the travel experience and offering a curated selection of over 200 luxury brands, including fashion, beauty, fragrances, jewelry, eyewear, and electronics.

The launch aligns with the significant growth projections of the global travel retail market, indicating the potential for "The Visitor" to contribute to the expanding market in the Kingdom and beyond. The statements from Chalhoub Group's KSA Managing Director and the Vice President of Commercial at Jeddah Airport Company emphasize the commitment to excellence, dedication to customer needs, and the creation of an unmatched shopping experience for travellers.

Chalhoub Group's commitment to retail excellence and its mission to redefine the travel retail landscape in Saudi Arabia and beyond indicates the strategic importance of "The Visitor" as a flagship store.

Chalhoub Group opens new travel retail concept at King Abdulazis International Airport, Saudi Arabia

What: El Palacio de Hierro has secured the title of "Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ 2024" in the fashion sector.

Why it is important: El Palacio de Hierro expressed pride in this recognition and emphasized its commitment to furthering an inclusive and diverse work environment for all employees, spurred on by this distinction in the HRC EquidadMX 2024 index. These developments signify a positive trend in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion within corporate settings and underscore the company's dedication to diversity and inclusion.

The title was announced in December when it received the HRC Equidad MX certificate from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Additionally, it emerged as the top-ranking company in the category of "clothing, fashion, textiles, and department stores" within the HRC Equidad MX 2024 index, surpassing well-known industry players such as Grupo Axo, Nike de México, Under Armor México, C&A México, and Pirma.

El Palacio de Hierro is the "Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ 2024" in the fashion sector

What: El Corte Inglés Joins Spain's First Textile Recycling Association to Propel Sustainability Efforts.

Why is it important: The Association for the Management of Textile Waste, Spain's first collective entity dedicated to textile recycling, has recently included El Corte Inglés, a European leader in department stores. This addition strengthens the association's capacity to tackle challenges and innovate in textile recycling. The collaboration aims to develop an efficient recycling system, contributing to the circular economy and sustainability within the Spanish textile industry. This union is part of Spain's response to the Extended Producer Responsibility, in line with the new Law 7/2022 for a circular economy, effective from 2025. The association's proactive approach aligns with the European directive and positions it as one of the largest inter-business alliances in Europe for textile waste management.

This collaboration is crucial as it represents a unified effort by major Spanish retail companies in fashion and related sectors to address environmental challenges and adhere to upcoming legal requirements for a circular economy.

El Corte Inglés joins the Association for the Management of Textile and Footwear Waste

What: French department store chain Galeries Lafayette is set to open a new luxury department store in Macau, marking its latest expansion in China.

Why it is important:  Operated by Forward Fashion Holdings, the 35,000 sqft store will open on January 26 at the Yoho Treasure Island Resorts World Shopping Centre. The store will feature over 100 international and designer brands, including more than 10 brands debuting in the territory. It will also house a seven-meter-tall indoor replica of the Eiffel Tower and host a joint drone show with Charlotte Tilbury to celebrate the launch.

This opening is a significant step in Galeries Lafayette's ambitious expansion plan in China, aiming to establish 10 department stores by 2025. The Macau store's launch not only strengthens the brand's presence in the Asian market but also showcases its commitment to bringing luxury retail experiences to diverse regions. This strategic move highlights the growing importance of the Chinese market for global luxury retailers and Galeries Lafayette's role in shaping the future of luxury shopping in the region.

Galeries Lafayette Expands in China with New Macau Store Opening

What: Em District is unfazed by the uncertain economy, posting growth from high-spending customers at its three malls during the final quarter of 2023.

Why it is important: The successful performance and growth of the Em District retail at its three malls, indicating positive economic trends and prospects for Thailand's tourism industry.

Chief executive Kriengsak Tantiphipop expressed confidence in the Thailand tourism industry, citing increasing foot traffic from both domestic and foreign visitors, particularly high-spending independent tourists. Despite the number of Chinese tourists not reaching 2019 levels, the majority of visitors were high spenders. The retail sentiment is expected to continue into the first quarter, driven by pent-up travel demand after the pandemic, with an anticipated increase in foreign visitors as flight numbers resume to 2019's level.

Em District recently opened its latest mall, EmSphere, which has surpassed expectations in terms of daily visitor numbers. Furthermore, a concert and multi-purpose hall called UOB LIVE was launched at EmSphere, aiming to host numerous events annually, including a special concert by international singer Ed Sheeran. The venue has state-of-the-art facilities and strategic surroundings in proximity to five-star hotels, positioning it as the preferred concert location for regional tours of global acts.

The Mall Group's EmDistrict posts growth at three malls

What: Galeries Lafayette Haussmann dedicates space to young sustainable and circular fashion brands.

Why it is important: The space reflects a broader push for more responsible fashion consumption and production.

This space, set to open on the second floor, will showcase sustainable and more responsible fashion, including upcycled gender-neutral pieces and second-hand offerings. Featured creators and brands include Marine Serre, Jeanne Friot, Kévin Germanier, and Laani Raani, all known for their eco-friendly and innovative designs. The initiative aligns with the group's commitment to highlighting innovative collections and promoting good practices in the industry.

The group has also launched an eco-responsible program called "Go for Good," featuring about 800 brands on its e-shop and in its network of boutiques.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann opens a space dedicated to sustainable and circular brands