Galeries Lafayette
TypeSubsidiary
IndustryRetail
Founded1894 (1894) in Paris, France
FounderThéophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn
HeadquartersParis, France
Number of locations
67 (2023)
ParentGaleries Lafayette Group
Websitegalerieslafayette.com

The Galeries Lafayette (French pronunciation: [ɡalʁi lafajɛt]) is an upmarket French department store chain, the biggest in Europe. Its flagship store is on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement of Paris but it now operates a number of locations in France and other countries. In 2019, Galeries Lafayette recorded earnings of over five billion euros.[1] It is a part of the company Groupe Galeries Lafayette[2] and has been a member of the International Association of department stores since 1960.[3][4]

Share of the Galeries Lafayette S. A., issued 15 December 1922
Inside view

History

In 1894, Théophile Bader and his cousin Alphonse Kahn opened a fashion store in a small haberdasher's shop at the corner of rue La Fayette and the Chaussée d'Antin, in Paris.[5] In 1896, their company purchased the entire building at 1 rue La Fayette; in 1905 they acquired the buildings at 38, 40 and 42 boulevard Haussmann and 15 rue de la Chaussée d'Antin.[6] Bader commissioned the architect Georges Chedanne and his pupil Ferdinand Chanut to design the store at the Haussmann location, where a glass and steel dome and Art Nouveau staircases were finished in 1912.

From 1921 Maurice Dufrêne directed the Maîtrise workshop of the Galeries Lafayette. This workshop for decorative art and furniture followed the Primavera of the Printemps store founded in 1912 by René Guilleré, Paul Follot's Pomone of Le Bon Marché, and the Studium of the Grands Magasins du Louvre.[7]

In 2018, twenty-two stores in small and mid-sized French cities were turned into franchises and sold to FIB (Financière Immobilière Bordelaise) a company owned by Michel Ohayon.[8] The decision to convert the stores to franchises was done as Galeries Lafayette wanted to focus on expansion internationally and online.[9]

During 2021 eleven stores were franchised with seven sold to Société des Grands Magasins and the three sold to FIB who previously took over twenty two stores in 2018. The eleventh store in Avignon was given to Philippe Sempéré and Nicolas Chambon who also operate the Béziers store.[10][11]

As of 2022, Galeries Lafayette has opened over 50 stores (including subsidiarised stores) in France alone along with twelve outlet stores.

Paris Haussmann

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, the flagship store, is located on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, near Opera Garnier, at the corner of Rue La Fayette, close to Chaussée d'Antin – La Fayette Paris Métro station. It is a 70,000 m2 (750,000 sq ft) fashion flagship store.[12] A wide range of brands are available at the store to suit all budgets, from ready to wear to haute couture. The architecture of the store is art nouveau, with a remarkable dome and a panoramic view of Paris that has made it a tourist attraction of the French capital city.[13] Galeries Lafayette in Paris hosts a popular weekly fashion show for visitors.[14]

History

In 1893, Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn opened a 70-square-metre (750 sq ft) store in Paris, on the corner of rue La Fayette and rue de la Chaussée d’Antin, selling novelty gifts. In 1896, the company purchased the entire building at number 1, rue La Fayette followed in 1903 by numbers 38, 40, and 42 on Boulevard Haussmann, as well as number 15, rue de la Chaussée d’Antin.[15]

Aryanization during Nazi occupation

During Nazi occupation of France in 1940, Les Galeries Lafayette underwent a process of "Aryanization", that is the removal of Jewish owners and their replacement by non-Jewish owners.[16] Théophile Bader, Raoul Meyer, Max Heilbronn, the store's administrators and 129 Jewish employees were forced to resign. The property of Bader, Meyer and Heilbronn families was taken.[17][18]

The Galeries Lafayette group was transferred to non-Jewish Svedberg owners: the Swiss Aubert and the French industrialist Harlachol.[19]

Architecture

Théophile Bader appointed the architect Georges Chedanne to head up the first major renovations which were completed in 1907. Ferdinand Chanut, Georges Chedanne's apprentice, designed the store's 43-metre (141 ft) high Neo Byzantine dome.[20] This store's inauguration ceremony took place in October 1912.

In 1932, the store was renovated with an Art Déco style by an architect named Pierre Patou.

Fashion and events

Théophile Bader acquired production facilities in order to make clothing exclusively for Galeries Lafayette under its own private label. He also manufactured affordable versions of designer wear.[15]

This store then expanded to include menswear, furniture, toys and tableware departments and get involved in organizing events such as the rooftop landing by French pilot Jules Védrines in 1919.[21]

In 1922, it opened arts workshops under the artistic direction of Maurice Dufrêne in order to produce affordable furniture, fabric, carpets, wallpaper, pottery, and other household goods.[22]

Following the Second World War, the store underwent a complete makeover.

During the 1950s it hosted large international exhibitions, such as “The Best of Italian Manufacturing” in 1953.

In the 1960s, young designers began launching their ready-to-wear lines at the store. The first designer to become famous was Laura, in 1962. A little while later she went on to become known as Sonia Rykiel.[23]

From 1980 to 1999 “Fashion Festivals”, were organized, in order to select designs for the store. In 1984, the store opened a designer department including designs from, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Thierry Mugler.

From 2001 to 2015, Jean-Paul Goude collaborated with the brand on advertising campaigns in order to give the store a modern identity.[24]

Offer

Galerie Lafayette Paris Haussmann is a 70,000 m2 (750,000 sq ft) store. Mostly dedicated to fashion, it also has other offers and services.

Food

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann's food tasting bars offer French food together with produce from around the world.

Restaurants and bars

Cafés, bars and restaurants are located in the store for drinks and meals.

The rooftop has a bar, restaurant and terrace with a panoramic view of Paris and its monuments including the Eiffel Tower, the Montparnasse Tower, Invalides, and Opera Garnier.

Cultural space

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann's cultural space “Galerie des Galeries” holds three to four exhibitions a year, showcasing both French and international design.

Events

Every Friday visitors can attend the store's free fashion show at 3 pm. These events can only be attended if reservations have been made in advance.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann has a suspended Christmas tree every year, the first of which was hung from the dome in 1976. The store also organizes a range of exhibitions and shows and during the festive period.

Services

English-speaking staff in the concierge area help with Wi-Fi access, tourist information, or restaurant and taxi reservations.[25]

The tourist information desk provides information and tickets for transport, museums, attraction parks, guided tours, cruises on the Seine River, cabaret performances, shows and concerts, hotels, and currency exchange.

The store's geolocation app helps shoppers find brands and access restaurants, customer service, and shop locations.

The tax refund service enables non-European residents to claim back their tax refund, based on the 12% tax they have paid on their purchases worth over €175.01 made on the day of purchase at Galeries Lafayette.[26]

A personal shopper is also available and VIP services include the ordering of limousines or package deliveries to hotels.[27]

The information office, located on the ground floor, provides information related to all the services offered by the store.

Other stores

Overseas stores

The Berlin store designed by Jean Nouvel
  • Berlin, Germany – Opened in 1996, the store was designed by Jean Nouvel with construction taking place between 1991 and 1995. The store is located on Friedrichstraße two blocks south of the Under den Linden U-Bahn station.[28] It was announced in October 2023 that the store would close in late 2024.[29]
  • Dubai, UAE – Opened on 18 May 2009, the store is located at The Dubai Mall.[30] In February 2011, the store unveiled Dubai's first gold ATM. Shoppers can insert cash and receive a corresponding amount of gold nuggets or coins.[31]
  • Jakarta, Indonesia – Opened in June 2013 the store is an anchor of the Pacific Place Mall where it occupies four floors.[32] The store is operated in partnership with Mitra Adiperkasa.[33]
  • Beijing, China – Opened in September 2013 (official opening was in October 2013) with the store covering a total area of 28,000 m2 (300,000 sq ft) across six floors.[34] The store was originally operated in a joint venture with Hong Kong-based retailer I.T but now all Galeries Lafayette stores in China are operated in partnership with the Hopson Group.[35]
  • Doha, Qatar – On 15 April 2019, Galeries Lafayette opened the store in partnership with the Ali Bin Ali Group. The store is located at 21 High Street and is over 14,500 m2 (156,000 sq ft).[36]
  • Shanghai, China – Opened on 25 October 2019, at the L+Mall in Lujiazui, Pudong. Originally in partnership with I.T.
  • Luxembourg City, Luxembourg – Opened on 30 November 2019, in partnership with CODIC. The store is located within the Royal-Hamilius urban planning project built by Norman Foster.[37]
  • Shenzhen, China – Opened on 11 July 2023 (with a soft opening earlier in May 2023), the store is located in the Upperhills development and is 4,500 m2 (48,000 sq ft) and the store includes a Café Kitsuné.[38][39] The store was opened in a partnership with the Hopson Group.[40]
  • Martinique – Two stores operate in Martinique one in Downtown Fort-de-France and at la Galleria a shopping mall in Le Lamentin.

Overseas stores planned

  • Chongqing, China – Originally planned to open in December 2022, the set is set to open sometime in 2023. The store will be located in the Chonqing 100/Vanke Centre.[40][41]
  • Macau, China – The store is set to open sometime in 2023 and will be located at the Treasure Island Hotel.[42] The store was originally supposed to be operated in partnership with Forward Fashion Holdings but will now be in partnership with the Hopson Group like the other Chinese stores.[43][40] The store will be 4,180 m2 (45,000 sq ft) in size.[44]
  • Mumbai, India – The store will open in 2024 and be located within two heritage buildings in the Fort precinct (Turner Morrison Building). The interior will be designed by Virgile & Partners. The store will be opened in a partnership with the Aditya Birla Group.[45]
  • Delhi, India – The store will open in 2025 and will be located at the DLF Emporio. It will also be opened in partnership with the Aditya Birla Group. [45]
  • Milan, Italy – In June 2014 it was announced that a Galeries Lafayette store would open in Italy located at Westfield Milano a proposed shopping mall, the store is planned to be 18,000 m2 (190,000 sq ft).[46]

Closed stores

  • Istanbul, Turkey – Opened in May 2017, in partnership with the DEMSA Group at Emaar Square Mall the store was closed in late 2021.

Cancelled stores

  • Istanbul, Turkey – Planned to open 2019 at the Vadistanbul Shopping Centre it would have been the second store in Turkey and over 6,000 square metres.[52]
  • Kuwait City, Kuwait – Planned to open in 2019 at the Assima Mall in partnership with Ali Bin Ali the store would have been 7,500 m2 (81,000 sq ft).[52]
  • Guiyang, China – In 2020 it was announced that a store would open at D Place but the store was cancelled in favour to open a store in Chongqing.[38]

Galeries Lafayette Group

The Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann in Paris, Christmas 2004

The Galeries Lafayette Group has its head office in Paris.[53]

The Group owns the following subsidiaries:

They also used to own BHV until they sold the company to Groupe SGM in 2023.[54]

See also

References

  1. ↑ « Galeries Lafayette. Dans les coulisses d'une machine à vendre », Le Monde Magazine, 19 December 2009, p. 29
  2. ↑ "Galeries Lafayette" (in French). Groupe Galeries Lafayette. Archived from the original on 12 November 2012. Retrieved 3 December 2012.
  3. ↑ "Galeries Lafayette". www.iads.org. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
  4. ↑ "News releases - www.stockmanngroup.com". www.stockmanngroup.com. Retrieved 20 June 2021.
  5. ↑ "History". Groupe Galeries Lafayette. Archived from the original on 14 January 2012. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  6. ↑ Vernon, Diana (30 June 2016). "The History Of Galeries Lafayette In 1 Minute". Culture Trip. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  7. ↑ Samoyault-Verlet, Colombe (2015). "DUFRÊNE MAURICE – (1876–1955)". Encyclopædia Universalis [en ligne] (in French). Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  8. ↑ UK, FashionNetwork com. "Galeries Lafayette to turn 22 department store branches into franchises". FashionNetwork.com. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  9. ↑ "Galeries Lafayette to turn 22 French stores into franchises". Reuters. 6 February 2018. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  10. ↑ Templeton, Lily (25 August 2021). "Galeries Lafayette to Franchise 11 Stores in France". WWD. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  11. ↑ "Eleven Galeries Lafayette French provincial stores to become franchises". www.iads.org. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  12. ↑ "Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann – Office de tourisme Paris". Archived from the original on 15 December 2016.
  13. ↑ "La coupole des Galeries Lafayette fête ses 100 ans". 14 October 2012.
  14. ↑ "How to Attend A Fashion Show in Paris at Galeries Lafayette". 11 August 2013. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
  15. 1 2 Marzel, Shoshana-Rose (1 November 2006). "Théophile Bader, co-fondateur des Galeries Lafayette". Archives Juives (in French). 37 (2): 135–138. doi:10.3917/aj.372.0135. ISSN 0003-9837.
  16. ↑ "82 Famous Jewish Concerns Get 'temporary Managers' in Occupied France". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 24 February 1941. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  17. ↑ O'Connor, Clare. "High Fashion, Nazi Plunder And Family Feuds: Retail's Newest Billionaire Has Quite A Story". Forbes. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  18. ↑ "Galeries Lafayette, Buchenwald, Galeries Lafayette-- / Max Heilbronn, avec Jacques Varin ; présenté par Alain Guerin. – Collections Search – United States Holocaust Memorial Museum". collections.ushmm.org. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  19. ↑ Staff, Par Times of Israel. "La saga juive des Galeries Lafayette". fr.timesofisrael.com (in French). Archived from the original on 27 February 2021. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  20. ↑ filhol, Anne-Laure (14 October 2012). "La coupole des Galeries Lafayette fête ses 100 ans". Le Figaro (in French). ISSN 0182-5852. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  21. ↑ "Le 19 janvier 1919 dans le ciel : Jules Védrines se pose sur les Galeries Lafayette". Air Journal (in French). Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  22. ↑ "La Maîtrise des Galeries Lafayette (Catalogue 1925) – Librairie des Archives : livres d'art épuisés, catalogues raisonnés, catalogues d'expositions rares, beaux livres, xx siècle". www.librairiedesarchives.com (in French). Archived from the original on 8 March 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  23. ↑ "Sonia Rykiel (1930–2016), A Fashion Revolutionary, by Maude Bass-Krueger". Histoire de Mode (in French). Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  24. ↑ "Les Galeries Lafayette arrêtent leur collaboration avec Jean-Paul Goude". LExpress.fr (in French). 24 September 2014. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  25. ↑ Paris, Office du Tourisme et des Congrès de. "Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann – Office de tourisme Paris". www.parisinfo.com (in French). Retrieved 14 June 2017.
  26. ↑ "About Galeries Lafayette". Official website for tourism in France. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
  27. ↑ "Le shopping VIP du Printemps et des Galeries Lafayette". lesechos.fr. 18 April 2011. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
  28. ↑ Jay Berman (1999). "Galeries Lafayette, Berlin". Galinsky. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  29. ↑ Templeton, Lily (5 October 2023). "Galeries Lafayette to Shutter Berlin Store". WWD. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  30. ↑ "Galeries Lafayette". The Dubai Mall. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  31. ↑ "Dubai's first gold ATM unveiled at Galeries Lafayette". Al Arabiya News. 18 February 2011. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  32. ↑ Luxury, CPP. "Galeries Lafayette opens in Jakarta, Indonesia".
  33. ↑ "Mitra Adiperkasa – Brands".
  34. ↑ Leroy, Jean-Paul. "First images from Galeries Lafayette in Beijing". Fashion Network.
  35. ↑ Deslandes, Marion (6 July 2023). "Galeries Lafayette enters joint venture in China with Hopson Group". Fashion Network. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  36. ↑ "Galeries Lafayette makes Qatar debut". 14 April 2019.
  37. ↑ "Galeries Lafayette inaugurates a department store at the heart of the city centre of Luxembourg, in the new Royal-Hamilius urban planning project" (PDF). 28 November 2019. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  38. 1 2 "Galeries Lafayette to open 10 new stores in China by 2025". Vogue Business. 6 April 2023. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  39. ↑ Zhang, Tianwei. "Galeries Lafayette Unveils First Southern China Store in Shenzhen". Women's Wear Daily.
  40. 1 2 3 Lafayette, Galeries. "Communiqué de presse Les Galeries Lafayette s'associent avec Hopson Group dans le cadre d'une" (PDF).
  41. ↑ Hu, Denni (17 June 2022). "Galeries Lafayette Abandons Guiyang, Opens in Chongqing Tallest Building". WWD. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  42. ↑ Staff Writer (9 March 2022). "Forward Fashion brings Galeries Lafayette to Macau". Retail in Asia. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  43. ↑ "Forward Fashion collaborates with Treasure Island Resort World Hotel to build new luxury shopping and entertainment center". FORWARD FASHION. 7 March 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  44. ↑ "Treasure Island Macau to become territory's next new retail destination". Inside Retail. 9 March 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  45. 1 2 "Paris's iconic department store Galeries Lafayette is coming to Mumbai and Delhi". Vogue India. 18 November 2022. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  46. ↑ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 December 2014. Retrieved 22 December 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  47. ↑ "Galeries Lafayette to Close Its Doors". The New York Times. 31 August 1994. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  48. ↑ "Galeries Lafayette to Close New York Store" (Press release). The Free Library. 30 August 1994. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  49. ↑ Stewart Todd (1 December 2008). "Morocco: Galeries Lafayette set to return to Casablanca". Just-Style. Archived from the original on 29 August 2011. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  50. ↑ Joly, Bruno. "Casablanca readies for the opening of Morocco Mall".
  51. ↑ "Morocco Mall opens to the public". Luxuo.
  52. 1 2 WW, FashionNetwork com. "Galeries Lafayette to open stores in Istanbul, Kuwait". FashionNetwork.com. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  53. ↑ "Privacy Policy Archived 2010-02-10 at the Wayback Machine." Groipe Galeries Lafayette. Retrieved on 5 February 2010.
  54. ↑ "À Paris, le BHV enfin vendu par les Galeries Lafayette" [In Paris, the BHV finally sold by Galeries Lafayette]. La Tribune (in French). 11 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
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