While the Mexican department store group’s overall sales decreased last year due to the pandemic —from $1.7 billion in 2019 to $1.2 billion — it more than doubled its digital business, a press release revealed.

This growth was fuelled by pandemic restrictions, which saw consumers shift their shopping online and prompted Palacio de Hierro to accelerate its digital transformation plans. This included redesigning its online sales platform, strengthening customer service through telephone and WhatsApp sales and expanding its online offering of luxury brands.

Last year — especially during its three and a half month physical closure between March and July — Palacio de Hierro introduced the likes of Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana, Ferragamo, Tiffany, Cartier and Givenchy to its online portfolio.