What: Galeries Lafayette is transforming its flagship store into a cultural destination with a comprehensive 2026 art and performance programme.

Why it is important: Galeries Lafayette’s strategy reflects a broader retail trend of using cultural programming to build community and differentiate the brand.

Galeries Lafayette is redefining the role of its flagship Haussmann store by unveiling an ambitious cultural programme for 2026, positioning itself as a key player in Paris’s art scene. The initiative includes a series of art installations, film screenings, and artist residencies, with the store’s spaces serving as both exhibition venues and film sets. The programme is structured around three pillars: heritage, artistic actions, and patronage, and features collaborations with renowned institutions such as the Centre Pompidou. Highlights include the By Night audiovisual programme, Carte Blanche exhibitions, and the Savoir Faire Savoir artist support initiative. These efforts not only showcase established and emerging artists but also invite public participation through open calls and after-hours events. By integrating cultural experiences into its retail environment, Galeries Lafayette aims to deepen customer engagement, foster community, and set itself apart in a competitive market, reflecting a broader industry movement toward experiential retail.

IADS Notes: Galeries Lafayette’s cultural strategy aligns with recent retail trends, such as Lotte Department Store’s expansion of art courses (Maeil Business Newspaper, August 2025) and Bloomingdale’s transformation into an immersive, artist-led destination (WWD, September 2025). Forbes (April 2025) highlighted how community-driven initiatives and cultural programming are redefining department stores, while Korean retailers’ focus on cultural centres (Korea JoongAng Daily, October 2025) and insights from the World Retail Congress (Fashion Network, May 2025) emphasised the importance of authentic engagement and loyalty through experiential offerings.

Galeries Lafayette unveils its 2026 cultural programme

What: John Lewis is shifting from closures to growth, modernising stores and adding high-profile fashion brands to drive recovery.

Why it is important: John Lewis’s strategy builds on recent successes in customer satisfaction and operational improvements reported in the past year.

John Lewis’s recovery marks a pivotal moment for the UK department store sector, as the retailer transitions from a period of closures and financial losses to a renewed phase of growth and innovation. Under the direction of experienced retail leadership, the company is not only halting further closures but is actively considering new store openings in previously unserved regions. Central to this revival is a bold expansion of its fashion offering, highlighted by the addition of 100 new brands and exclusive collaborations, most notably with Topshop. These partnerships are designed to reinvigorate the brand mix and attract a broader customer base. The retailer’s £800 million investment in modernising its stores, including experiential upgrades such as revamped beauty halls and VIP lounges, reflects a broader industry trend toward enhancing in-store experiences. This strategic focus on operational excellence and customer engagement has enabled John Lewis to surpass competitors in customer satisfaction, positioning it as a revitalised leader in UK retail.

IADS Notes: John Lewis’s transformation over the past year is well documented, with sources from August 2025 (“John Lewis adds 100 premium fashion brands to challenge Next and M&S,” Retail Gazette; “Despite the demise of many department stores, the format remains relevant today,” Retail Week) and September 2025 (“John Lewis revealed as Topshop’s latest UK stockist,” Press Release; “John Lewis focuses on positive momentum despite deepening losses,” Retail Week) highlighting the retailer’s addition of 100 new fashion brands, the exclusive Topshop partnership, and a comprehensive £800 million investment in store renovations and experiential retail. The relevance of the department store format is reinforced by John Lewis’s ability to maintain customer loyalty and satisfaction, as reported in August and September 2025. The approval of the Reading mixed-use development in October 2025 (“John Lewis Partnership receives green light for Reading development,” Retail Week) further illustrates the retailer’s evolving property strategy and commitment to blending retail excellence with urban regeneration.

Recovering John Lewis may open new department stores, ramps up fashion offer

What: Cristina Álvarez has been appointed as the new non-executive chairperson of El Corte Inglés, succeeding her sister Marta Álvarez.

Why it is important: The appointment signals continuity in governance while supporting the company’s focus on efficiency, financial health, and growth.

El Corte Inglés has announced a significant leadership transition, with Cristina Álvarez set to become the new non-executive chairperson, taking over from her sister Marta Álvarez in January 2026. This change is presented as part of a stable and orderly succession, ensuring continuity in the company’s direction. Marta Álvarez, who will remain involved in strategic areas, emphasised the readiness of the new management team to pursue the objectives outlined in the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. The announcement coincides with the release of strong financial results for the first half of fiscal year 2025-2026, including revenues of €8.212 billion, a 1.6% like-for-like turnover increase, and a 10.3% rise in net profit to €224 million. The group also reported ongoing debt reduction and robust performance across retail, travel, insurance, and financial services. These results reflect the company’s focus on operational efficiency, resource optimisation, and profitable growth, positioning El Corte Inglés for continued success in a competitive retail landscape.

IADS Notes: The leadership transition at El Corte Inglés is consistent with the company’s broader strategy of generational renewal and operational rigour, as highlighted in October 2025 (“A look at El Corte Inglés’ new leadership team,” El Confidencial). Recent financial results, including strong like-for-like growth and EBITDA, validate the effectiveness of its transformation initiatives and investment plans outlined in June 2025 (“El Corte Inglés posts a FY2024-25 like-for-like growth of 4.3%,” Press Release) and July 2025 (“El Corte Inglés announces €3 billion investment plan,” Modaes, Fashion Network). Ongoing asset management and debt reduction further reinforce the group’s financial health and capacity for future expansion, as reported in July 2025 (“El Corte Inglés increases the value of its real estate portfolio to €15.716 billion,” Modaes), underscoring its resilience and adaptability in the evolving retail sector.

El Corte Inglés names Cristina Álvarez its new chairperson