What: Breuninger invited the members of Ballet am Rhein to dance in the Dusseldorf store windows for its anniversary celebrations.

Why it is important: The spectacle showed Breuninger's support of the arts by partnering with the ballet to provide a low-threshold access event for visitors to enjoy.

The ballet dancers performed in the shop windows for two days, showcasing specially choreographed routines created for this occasion. The store's flagship location was transformed into a large dance floor with a special dance floor covering, providing an innovative and immersive experience of music and dance to the audience.

Breuninger brings Ballet am Rhein into its shop window

What: El Corte Ingles' growth in 2022 is progressing thanks to increasing retail sales and internationalization

Why it is important: Private labels can be a source of growth and market shares when considered as brands.

El Corte Inglés is continuing its international expansion of its own brands, which are already present in more than 30 countries through partnerships with local strategic partners. The company's annual report highlights its efforts to strengthen its international presence by introducing new product categories in the home sector, in addition to its existing offerings in fashion and food. In the food sector, it has formed an alliance with a Filipino company to sell El Corte Inglés and El Corte Inglés Selection products in its supermarkets and has expanded its collaboration in Ecuador. In the fashion sector, Sfera is the most internationally recognized brand, present in 18 countries with a total of 490 points of sale.

In 2022, El Corte Inglés Group reported global revenues of over EUR 15.327 billion, a 22.5% increase over the previous year. This strong growth has driven EBITDA to €951 million, with a strong recovery in profitability. The group's net recurring profit reached EUR 207 million, the highest in recent years, despite a EUR 150 million increase in energy costs. The group's net total profit also reached €870 million, the highest figure ever achieved.

The group's solid financial position is reflected in its reduced net financial debt of EUR .295 billion, the lowest level in the past 15 years. This financial strength, coupled with a strong recovery in profitability, will enable the group to undertake new projects in the future.

The main driver of growth has been the retail business, with sales of EUR 12.213 billion, a 7.8% increase over the previous year, with a strong focus on the fashion sector. Online sales continue to grow, with over 3.2 million active online customers and approximately 14 million orders in 2022.

The group has also seen significant growth in its non-retail businesses, including travel, financial services, and insurance. The travel business, in particular, has reported revenues of EUR 1.677 billion, compared to EUR 72 million the previous year, with an EBITDA of over EUR 50 million.

Overall, El Corte Inglés is in a strong position for the fiscal year 2023, with a positive start to the year driven by a successful spring-summer campaign. The group's solid balance sheet, ample liquidity, and optimized capital structure provide greater flexibility to operate in a changing macroeconomic environment.

El Corte Inglés closes 2022 at +22% and accelerates internationally

What: Breuninger names Thomas Hohn to the newly created role of Retail Director.

Why it is important: The new position signifies a change in the organisational structure within the company.

Thomas Hohn will begin the role on September 1st and report to Benjamin Fuest, Chief Sales Officer (CSO) at Breuninger.

Breuninger creates the position of retail director

What: El Corte Inglés Group has achieved AENOR Zero Waste certification for all its commercial establishments and logistics hubs, totalling 140 centres.

Why it is important: El Corte Inglés is committed to the circular economy, prioritizing reuse and recycling to minimize the environmental impact of its activities.

This certification ensures that the group has reused 94.34% of the waste generated by its activities, amounting to 56,086 tonnes in 2022. The next goal for the company is to obtain Zero Waste certification for all its outlets and supermarkets by 2026.

El Corte Inglés launched this initiative in 2018 and was the first Spanish distribution company to obtain AENOR Zero Waste certification for its shopping centres the following year. The success of this model lies in reusing over 90% of the waste generated. The company has implemented sustainable practices, such as reorganizing logistics routes, optimizing vehicle loading, and recycling electronic devices, to achieve Zero Waste certification.

El Corte Inglés achieves Zero Waste certification at its 140 centres 

What: Galeries Lafayette Champs Elysees displays Michael Kors's new AW collection in a pop-up space that resembles a private jet flight.

Why it is important: The immersive pop-up experience will offer an exclusive competition and prizes including a Paris-NYC round trip which will make customers interested and drive engagement.

Michael Kors set up a private jet display in the atrium of the Champs Elysees store which displayed its autumn-winter collection. Included in the presentation is the brand's Denim Jacquard collection and a space for its men's offer. The exhibit will last until September 11th.

Galeries Lafayette sets up Michael Kors space at Champs-Elysées location

What: EMSPHERE, the latest The Mall Group property, will open a major entertainment venue to attract more traffic

Why it is important: The goal is to provide the maximum of reasons to customers to come, and to do so, strategic partnerships are now required when it comes to having competences outside of the current sphere of competences.

UOB, The EM District (property of The Mall Group), and AEG have announced a naming rights partnership to establish "UOB LIVE," an entertainment venue with a capacity of 6,000.

The venue, located at The EMSPHERE shopping mall, will offer a combination of entertainment spaces, dining options, and shopping outlets. ASM Global, a leading entertainment experience producer and venue management company, will manage UOB LIVE, ensuring world-class performances and events.

This partnership brings together the expertise of AEG, The EM District, and UOB, with the aim of redefining the entertainment landscape in Southeast Asia. The venue is set to become a premier entertainment destination, contributing to the local economy and attracting investors.

The Mall Group opens in partnership a new entertainment

What: The Mall Group attends the Techsauce Global Summit 2023 and reveals three new platforms.

Why it is important: The revealed platforms broaden the customer experience and connects the different stores under the group.

The Mall Group exhibited 3 platforms: M Card, M Online, and MNIVERSE, that work under the concept of M Experiences in which customers connect using M Points (accumulated points from online and in-store purchases using M Card), M Coin (accumulated points from participation in MNIVERSE platform activities), and E-Coupon rewards.

M Online is an app that allows customers to shop at all department stores from the group such as the Mall, The Mall Life Store, Emporium, EmQuartier, and the Paragon Department Store. There is an instant discount of THB 200 upon downloading the app; the services offered include free delivery on orders over THB 1,500 and special express delivery within 3 hours.

The MNIVERSE is a virtual world that uses 3D technology to allow users to create an avatar and enjoy various activities in which they can earn M Coin and receive E-coupons that can be used to buy products on M Online.

The Mall Group jointly presents three platforms from M Card at Techsauce Global Summit 2023 

What: Breuninger is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its department store with Kö-Bogen on September 1st and 2nd in Düsseldorf.

Why it is important: The occasion will be accompanied by eight fashion shows displaying the current autumn/winter collections, late-night shopping, live musical acts, and a live art show by Steffen Mumm who will paint the company's mascot, the Breuni bear.

The fashion show will have 32 models from the fashion and lifestyle company presenting looks for autumn/winter 2023 on a 228-metre-long open-air catwalk. This year, the catwalk behind the bridge was lengthened by 35 metres, creating a total catwalk length on the water of 112 metres.

Breuninger celebrates ten years at the Kö-Bogen mall

What: Breuninger advances its strategic marketing by expanding its retail media network into the premium and luxury sector.

Why it is important: This initiative makes Breuninger an appealing partner for companies that are looking to increase their market position in the premium and luxury sector using digital platforms.

Breuninger created the "Retail Media & Brand Cooperations" division last year to promote brand relationships and acts as an internal media agency. The company chose to partner with Microsoft Retail Media to give brand partners access to a new line of marketing products.

The company currently has a large reach of customers with over 200 million website visits and target groups in German-speaking countries of premium and luxury customers.

The goal is to connect brand partners to their target groups along the entire customer journey through visibility, branding measures, and campaigns along with personalised experiences.

From September, Breuninger will also be launching Sponsored Product Ads (SPA) and in 2024, new on-site formats that can be personalised.

Breuninger invests in the development of a retail media network in the premium and luxury sector

What: El Corte Inglés strengthens its international position according to its annual report.

Why it is important: The company's strong presence in multiple countries in thankful to its multiple strategic partnerships.

In its food department, the company has partnered with a Philippine company to market products from the El Corte Inglés and El Corte Inglés Selection brands in its supermarkets as well as expanded its collaboration in Ecuador.

In the fashion segment, the brands, Couchel, Southern Cotton, and Enfasis, are present in department stores in Ireland.

El Corte Inglés' fashion and accessories brand Sfera is present in 18 countries with a total of 490 points of sale. These include Mexico, Greece, Switzerland, Thailand, Ireland, Chile, Peru, El Salvador; Guatemala, Paraguay, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, UAE, and Qatar.

The group has also reinforced their presence in Latin America by signing an agreement to open spaces for home, food, and the Easy Wear fashion brand in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

El Corte Inglés boosts its internationalisation

What: Manor will participate in the Locarno Film Festival in Basel and give an award.

Why it is important: Manor will be awarding the 'Pardo d'onore Manor' to filmmaker Harmony Korine.

The Locarno Film Festival will take place from August 2nd to August 12th in Basel. One of the locations would be the Piazza Grande which houses the Manor department store and will showcase national and international film productions.

The 'Pardo d'onore Manor' will be given to Harmony Korine on August 11th and his two films, Gummo (1997) and Spring Breakers (2012) will also be screened during the Locarno76 festival.

Manor partakes in the Locarno Film Festival 

What: The Breuninger flagship store is among the stores that are have partnered with Westfield Hamburg-Uberseequartier and is celebrating the topping out ceremony with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield.

Why it is important: The celebration thanked all partner companies and construction workers on site and announced the opeining of the shopping centre to be in spring 2024.

Over 300 guests from partner companies and 1,300 construction workers were in attendance of the celebration.  The construction is progressing constantly with 14 building currently being built and completed as well as interior design gaining momentum.

Partnered brands that have signed a lease with Westfield Hamburg-Uberseequarteier include Breuninger, Boss, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Zara, Bershka, Pull & Bear, Mango, H&M, Derbe, JD Sports, Snipe, Foot Locker, Knudsen, Douglas, and Rituals.

Breuninger flagship store among projects being celebrated by Westfield Hamburg-Uberseequartier 

What: El Palacio de Hierro reports strong results from the first half of 2023.

Why it is important: The company maintains its stable position in the competitive Mexican market.

El Palacio de Hierro reported USD 1,330 million in billings which represents an 18.5% growth. The department store segment increased its revenue by 4. 8% and the online channel grew by 36% in the first half of the year. Net profit increased as well by 33% to a sum of USD 62 million.

Fitch ratings ratified the company with the AAA rating which reflects the company's strong market position and brand recognition in Mexico.

El Palacio de Hierro grows by 18.5% and improves its profit by 33% in the first semester

What: Manor is laying the groundwork for its future strength with the aim of strengthening its attractiveness and differentiation.

Why it is important: Six months after his arrival as CEO of Manor, Roland Armbruster details its strategy for the department store which will go through the strengthening of the leadership in cosmetics & beauty, the modernisation of women's and men's fashion and the strengthening of homemade and local offerings at Manor Food. Digitalization will also be a key element, particularly at the company's headquarters with simpler, more agile and more efficient processes and organization. The goal is to consolidate our leading position in omnichannel retailing in Switzerland.

Manor's leading position in the cosmetics & beauty market will be continuously reinforced by new, trendy, innovative and sustainable brands (Green Beauty). In the women's and men's fashion departments, Manor will rethink its customer experience, renovating more than 20,000 square meters in its 12 main stores. Manor Food's range of homemade products will be further expanded, as will "local" sourcing, based on ever-closer partnerships with producers in regions that already supply more than 5,000 products.

Manor wants to increase the attractiveness of its online channels. By the end of the year, customers will be able to benefit from a brand-new version of the mobile app offering simplified and intuitive access associated with a more attractive assortment.

Finally, to gain agility and focus on the future, the company will carry out reorganizations at the head office which will be implemented gradually until the end of 2024, based on natural turnover and early retirements as well as the elimination of 80 jobs in central services. Alternative solutions will be sought after for these, whether within Manor or outside the company.

Manor details its priorities for the future

What: Breuninger opens its fifth bar concept and restaurant, Eduard's Bar, in its Munich flagship store on Sendlinger Strasse.

Why it is important: Eduard's Munich, named after founder, Eduard Breuninger, combines lifestyle and enjoyment complementing the flagship store and boosting the customer experience.

Eduard's is open on Mondays to Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. with an all-day menu that features breakfast, coffee specialties, signature drinks, and cocktails with alcoholic and non-alcoholic variations, as well as sweet and savoury bar snacks.

Breuninger opens Eduard's Bar 

What: Manor supports the emerging art scene in Switzerland by recognizing and awarding young artists.

Why it is important: The award has encouraged Switzerland's art scene for over 40 years by offering the promoted artist an exhibition.

The Cultural Prize allows the public to visit exhibitions by young artists in a dozen cities- six in two consecutive years- and nominate six artists working in the industry to win the prize.

The winners include Mathias Ringgenberg from Bern, Mahtola Wittmer from Central Switzerland, Johanna Kotlaris in Ticino, and Gina Proenza in Lausanne. Their works will be showcased in exhibitions across Switzerland, accompanied by an exhibition catalogue. One of their pieces will also be acquired by Manor.

Manor Cultural Prize 2024 celebrates Switzerland's emerging art scene 

What: Chalhoub signed a new strategic partnership to enhance customer centricity.

Why it is important: The group recently signed a strategic partnership with STC, the largest telecom in Saudi.

This partnership allows Qitaf Loyalty Programme members to redeem their points at selected Chalhoub Group brands, enhancing their shopping experiences. The partnership enables Chalhoub to provides its customers with a new and convenient method of payment, aligning with our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences, as customer centricity remains at the core of its mission.

Read more here!

What: Elivisha and Constance collaborate with Casa Armida to open a jewellery boutique in the El Palacio de Hierro Polanco department store.

Why it is important: El Palacio de Hierro showcases Mexican talent in its new boutique.

The department store launched and inaugurated the collaborative boutique with an exclusive event on July 26th. The boutique will cover 180 square metres and feature pieces from both brands and their new collections.

El Palacio de Hierro opens a new boutique with Elisheva and Constance and Casa Armida

What: El Corte Inglés has been recognised as the 6th strongest retail brand in the world.

Why it is important: The international brand valuation and strategy consultancy, Brand Finance, released its ranking of the top ten retail brands for 2023.

El Corte Inglés was ranked sixth, an increase of 10 points from the prior ranking.

Mercado Libre, Decathlon and Amazon among others were included in this year's report.

El Corte Inglés recognised as the 6th strongest retail brand

What: El Corte Inglés increases its workforce to have a total of 81,434 workers distributed among all the companies in the group.

Why it is important: The company is expanding and relays its staff figures.

The increase of about 3,000 employees came in part from the company's acquisition of Logitravel.

The chairwoman, Marta Alavrez, shared that the average number of group employees stood at 71,426 people in 2022 not including the insurance group staff and that most of El Cortes Inglés' employees have permanent contracts (96.7%).

The workforce was made up of 50,674 women and 30,760 men, while its employees with disabilities greater than or equal to 33% amounted to 1,600 workers.

El Cortes Ingles has allocated EUR 30 million, in agreement with unions, for a plan to reorganise their staff in the central and regional administrative services that will affect 2,100 people, including 630 over 59 years old.

El Cortes Inglés increase its workforce by 3.7% in 2022, to more than 81,000 people 

What: More than 12,500 square meters of retail space are being redesigned in the new Breuninger flagship store in Munich.

Why it is important: The department store has been remodeled to provide customers with a new shopping experience that is full of inspiring product worlds, hip brands, and innovative concepts.

The extensive renovation work, which is worth tens of millions of dollars, is entering its final phase and the final completion of all floors is set to take place in the fall.

The company offers one of the largest women's shoe departments in the upscale and high fashion segment in southern Germany with around 1,000 square meters of space.

Breuninger has collaborated with various institutions in Munich as it takes root in the Bavarian capital and with the new building, the company is creating around 100 new jobs.

New Breuninger flagship store opens in Munich

What: Chairwoman of The Mall Group, Supaluck Umpujh, reported to be worth IDR 30 trillion and her path to success.

Why it is important: The success of Chairwoman Umpujh is a result of her reliant work with The Mall Group for 3 decades.

Forbes reported the wealth of Supaluck Umpujh to be at USD 2 billion or IDR 30 trillion making her the 15th richest person in Thailand and the most successful woman in Thai retail.

Umpujh had studied pharmacy in university and continued to further her studies in the field. She moved back to Thailand from the US at the age of 39 in the early 80s to take care of the family business.

After some primary misfortunes, she was entrusted to being the boss of The Mall Group and under her leadership, the company successfully opened a wide network of retail businesses and grew into what it is today.

Supaluck Umpujh, Boss Lady Jejaring Mal Thailand Berharta Rp30 T

What: El Corte Inglés' shareholders unanimously approved the motions presented by the Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting.

Why it is important: The company announces its growth, positive financial results, and commitment to social and environmental initiatives.

Motions passed included the approval of the 2022 management report, financial statements, non-financial statements, and earnings appropriation.

The Chairwoman, Marta Alvarez, highlighted the group's growth in 2022, with all businesses delivering profits and significant investments made in refurbishing stores such as the Castellana, Serrano, Preciados, and Pozuelo; the retail business, particularly the fashion division, drove growth.

The company welcomed more than 1.5 billion visits to physical stores, websites, and apps.

They are committed to societal and environmental initiatives, including the completion of the 'zero waste' project in all El Corte Inglés department stores.

El Corte Inglés held its Annual General Meeting and all motions tabled by its directors were passed

What: Galeries Lafayette joined forces with last year's Grand Prix of the Hyères Fashion Festival, to highlight winner Jenny Hytönen through a clothing capsule.

Why it is important: The objective is to allow young talents to produce and distribute their creations to the general public. It is also a way to rejuvenate Private Labels.

This capsule, which consists of six pieces, will be sold from October 12 in the Haussmann flagship, in the Champs-Elysées store, and in the department store's e-shop. Prices vary between 39 euros for a t-shirt, 99 euros for the sequined skirt and the printed knit cardigan, or 150 euros for the canvas backpack.

Galeries Lafayette partners with the winner of the 2022 Hyères Festival