IADS Press Release: Falabella joins the IADS
Falabella Retail, South America's retail giant and a global omnichannel pioneer, joins the International Association of Department Stores.
Falabella Retail, part of the Chilean multinational company Falabella S.A. Group, renowned for its cuttingedge omnichannel approach seamlessly blending offline and online sales, unwavering commitment to sustainability, and magnetic appeal to top regional talent, officially joins the IADS. This membership will be formalised at the 65th Association General Assembly in Istanbul this November.
From humble beginnings as a tailor's shop in 1889, Falabella Retail has evolved over 135 years into South America's retail powerhouse. Today, it caters to 15 million customers, offering a curated selection of over 160 international, local, and exclusive brands, alongside a diverse range of private labels spanning fashion, technology, and home categories. Standout names include Sybilla, Basement or Americanino. Its network of 103 department stores across Chile, Peru, and Colombia forms the cornerstone of a sophisticated retail ecosystem, seamlessly integrated with digital platforms and financial services to deliver an unparalleled experience to South American shoppers, particularly the millions enrolled in its loyalty program.
In 2021, Falabella unveiled its crown jewel: a flagship store in Santiago de Chile's Parque de Arauco open-air mall. This retail behemoth, the largest in South America, stands as a beacon of sustainable retail innovation. Boasting LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council, the store achieves impressive energy savings of 31% and water conservation of 51% through innovative design and equipment, all while elevating the shopping experience. Sprawling across 25,000 square meters, it offers over 40 distinct retail experiences, including cutting-edge augmented reality installations and lightning-fast automated click-and-collect services. This flagship epitomizes Falabella's broader sustainability drive, which includes 39 LEED-certified stores across the continent and a robust commitment to circular fashion through its Taller F customization, repair, and transformation workshops.
Falabella's reputation for quality and creativity in its private labels is matched by its ability to attract top global talent. The group's unwavering focus on training and upskilling its 24,100 associates across Chile, Colombia, and Peru is exemplified by programs like Escuela F, which hones skills in product development, store management, and planning.
Ms Kamshim Lau, Executive Director of Lifestyle International (Hong Kong SAR) and President of the IADS said: “I am pleased to welcome Falabella Retail back to our esteemed association. As South America's largest department store chain and a global frontrunner in omnichannel sales, Falabella brings invaluable expertise and a rich history of excellence. We are excited to continue our collaboration and work together towards the growth and success of department stores worldwide!”
Mr Francisco Irarrazaval, Corporate CEO of Falabella Retail, said: “This alliance will allow us to share insights with the world's leading retailers, gaining a first-hand understanding of the latest trends and best practices, which will enable us to continue leading changes and responding to our customer's needs. This reinforces our commitment to put the customer at the centre of our decisions and our objective of having an active participation in addressing the current challenges of the industry worldwide.”
By joining the IADS, Falabella Retail will contribute its unique insights to the rich tapestry of knowledge shared among the world's leading department stores. Within the IADS framework, members collaborate to craft strategic and practical solutions to key industry challenges, from enhancing omnichannel capabilities and loyalty programs to optimizing private label efficiency and driving broad-scale innovation.
Access the PDF press release here:
Access the PDF press release, in French, here:
