Galleries Lafayette

SUMMARY

French department store chain Galeries Lafayette is recognised for its high-end apparel, accessories, and gourmet food. Founded in 1893 in Paris, the flagship store is celebrated for its spectacular glass dome and Art Nouveau architecture. The retailer has evolved into a global retail icon, exemplifying French elegance and sophistication, and offering a curated selection of both established luxury brands and emerging designers.

HISTORY

Galeries Lafayette was established in 1893 by Théophile Bader and his cousin Alphonse Kahn, initially selling novelty items in a small haberdashery, measuring just 70 m2, on the corner of rue La Fayette and rue de la Chaussée d’Antin in Paris. Its location and the internal layout of the store, which encouraged customers to move along the aisles in straight lines, led to its name “Aux Galeries Lafayette”. The store was in the perfect location near to the Opera and the Grands Boulevards.

In 1896, the company bought the whole 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. The early years of the business were motivated by this “bricks and mortar strategy”, which resulted in an impressive acquisition of premises. All this was strengthened by its architecture, making it perfectly suited to the needs of commerce. Théophile Bader entrusted the first major refurbishments of Boulevard Haussmann, completed in 1907, to architect Georges Chedanne.

The opening of the flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann in Paris in 1912 marked a significant milestone, featuring the now-famous glass dome and art nouveau decor that attracts millions of visitors annually. Théophile Bader dreamed of creating a “luxury bazaar” where the sheer abundance and luxury of the merchandise on offer would wow the crowds! Golden light, filtered through the domed roof, would flood the grand hall and set the products aglow. The gamble had paid off.

Ferdinand Chanut called upon great artists from the École de Nancy to decorate this magnificent building in the style of Paris Art Nouveau. The banister of the magnificent staircase, inspired by the Paris Opera House, was designed by Louis Majorelle, who is also credited with the ironwork featured on the balconies. The dome, rising to a height of 43 metres, soon became the iconic symbol of Galeries Lafayette. Master glass-maker Jacques Gruber was responsible for designing the Neo-byzantine style stained glass windows.

The sales floor doubled in size, but the innovations didn’t stop there! A tea room, reading room and smoking room were then added to complement the 96 existing departments; more department stores began to appear, shopping was becoming a leisure activity. The rooftop terrace offered a panoramic view of Paris. The store began organising special events much to the delight of their clientèle, including the famous rooftop landing by Jules Védrines in 1919.

In 1922, the department store opened “La Maîtrise” applied arts workshops under the artistic direction of Maurice Dufrêne. The aim of these workshops was to produce “works” (furniture, fabric, carpets, wallpaper, pottery etc.) accessible to budgets both large and small. Designers and twin brothers Jean and Jacques Adnet were amongst the first collaborators. Despite the recession in 1929, Galeries Lafayette embarked on further expansions on the Boulevard Haussmann. In 1932, the flagship store was renovated by transatlantic liner architect Pierre Patout, in Art Déco style, with the addition of René Lalique bow windows.

Between 1941 and 1944, Galeries Lafayette was “aryanised”: its founders were ousted during the Occupation and the business placed under the administration of the Vichy government until the Liberation. In the aftermath of the Second World War’s bleak years, the business began to stage an economic recovery. In the 1960s and 1970s, the store began collaborating with recognised fashion designers, making it a hotspot for limited edition collections. This era saw partnerships with major fashion houses such as Dior, Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent. The store hosted fashion shows and events that showcased new collections and trends.

To meet the challenges of the post-war period, Galeries Lafayette underwent a complete makeover. The flagship store kick-started its modernisation by unveiling the highest escalator in Europe, in the Christmas of 1951. Shortly afterwards, the interior halls were phased out of operation and, between 1957 and 1959, the building was raised by two more floors. Architectural modernisation was accompanied by expanding the product range, thanks to setting up a design office in 1952, creating the post of Fashion Director, sourcing products from abroad and launching new promotions.

The accessibility of design for all remained the company’s key focus and it went on to devise the “Festival of French Design” in 1954. The festival included an awards ceremony rewarding “good taste at good value for money, instead of bad taste at high prices”.  In the early sixties, young designers began launching their ready-to-wear lines, sitting between haute couture and traditional tailoring. Each season Galeries Lafayette would showcase these new talents by providing them with small boutiques or concessions in the store. The first designer to hit the big-time was Laura, in 1962, which later went on to become Sonia Rykiel. Then it was the turn of Daniel Hechter, Pierre Cardin, Cacharel, Yves Saint-Laurent and Dorothée Bis.

In 1969 a new store was opened on the other side of rue de Mogador, initially dedicated to young fashion and christened “Le Club 20 Ans”. Lafayette 2 was then taken over by men’s fashion, and later expanded with the addition of Lafayette Food & Drink in 1990. This is how Galeries Lafayette became the first “urban facilities centre”, bringing together boutiques, customer services, parking and direct access to the underground. In 1974, a new chapter began with the removal of the legendary central staircase and then, a decade on, the central ground floor was reconfigured to make way for high-end boutiques.

In 1980, Galeries Lafayette created its “Fashion Festival”. Right up until 1999, the “Festival Oscars” would select the best designs created for Galeries Lafayette, and invite prestigious artistic directors to stage their shows. The list of famous names kept on coming: Karl Lagarfeld, Robert Wilson, Jérôme Savary, Marie-Claude Pietragalla, David LaChapelle, etc. In 1984, the store celebrated the opening of its designer department with its “France has got talent” exhibition, which welcomed Azzedine Alaïa, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Thierry Mugler and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac.

In 2001, the brand enlisted the services of Jean-Paul Goude to manage its public relations. His first advertising campaign “The adventures of Laetitia Casta in the land of Galeries Lafayette”, marked the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship. In 2004, the Marks and Spencer store on Boulevard Haussmann was transformed into Lafayette Maison, following the company’s purchase of all Marks and Spencer stores in France in 2001.

Galeries Lafayette has introduced several initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact. In recent years, the retailer has focused on incorporating eco-friendly fashion labels and promoting circular fashion, where garments are designed for longevity and can be recycled or resold. This commitment to sustainability reflects a broader trend in the fashion industry, positioning Galeries Lafayette as an advocate for eco-conscious consumerism.

In 2018, Galeries Lafayette acquired the luxury e-tailer, “24S”, expanding its digital footprint and integrating e-commerce into its established physical presence. This acquisition reflects the company’s adaptability to changing consumer behaviours and the growing importance of online shopping in the retail sector. The launch of the “Galeries Lafayette Foundation” in 2020 marked a significant milestone,. The foundation provides resources, mentorship, and funding for emerging designers, fostering innovation and creativity.

In recent years, Galeries Lafayette embraced digitalisation through interactive shopping experiences, virtual showrooms, and augmented reality features. This emphasis on digital transformation has enabled the retailer to maintain its relevance in a rapidly evolving market. Today, Galeries Lafayette operates multiple stores across France and around the world, solidifying its position as a global fashion destination. As it continues to blend tradition with modernity, the brand remains committed to delivering exceptional shopping experiences that celebrate style, culture, and sustainability.

VISION

Théophile Bader, the founder of Galeries Lafayette, envisioned a department store that was more than just a retail space—it was to be a cultural institution celebrating fashion and lifestyle. His ambition was to create an environment where customers could explore the latest trends while enjoying a luxurious shopping experience.

The Galeries Lafayette group has made access to creation a core value of its identity,  based on values such as democratisation, participation and innovation. Bader’s vision extended to the belief that fashion should be accessible to all demographics, not just the elite. This ethos remains integral to Galeries Lafayette’s mission, as the brand consistently seeks to balance exclusivity with accessibility.

Furthermore, Bader foresaw the importance of community engagement within the retail experience. This vision has led to the inclusion of cultural events and workshops at the flagship store, creating a space that transcends traditional retail boundaries. The Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann store regularly invites artists and designers to invest its iconic Coupole. Works of art and new installations are accessible to the general public and the department store becomes a place for shopping as well as for enjoyment.

MISSION STATEMENT

At Galeries Lafayette, the mission is to inspire and empower customers through a unique retail experience that combines luxury, creativity, and sustainability. The brand aims to curate a diverse selection of products that reflect the latest trends while promoting responsible consumerism. Galeries Lafayette is dedicated to supporting both established luxury brands and emerging designers, fostering a rich ecosystem of creativity within the fashion industry.

The retailer is committed to sustainability across all aspects of its operations, striving to minimise its environmental footprint and advocate for ethical practices within the fashion world. By prioritising eco-conscious brands and initiatives, Galeries Lafayette seeks to contribute to a more sustainable future for fashion, encouraging customers to make informed choices that positively impact the planet.

Ultimately, Galeries Lafayette aspires to be more than a shopping destination; it aims to create memorable experiences for every visitor by blending innovative retail solutions with cultural enrichment. The brand envisions itself as a leader not only in fashion retail but also in community engagement, providing a platform for creativity, collaboration, and inspiration.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

• Jean-Luc Chavanne – Chief Executive Officer
• Marie-Claire Daveu – Chief Sustainability Officer
• François Puyau – Chief Financial Officer
• Carine Planchard – Chief Merchandising Officer
• David Chassan – Chief Marketing Officer

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Galeries Lafayette offers an extensive portfolio of luxury fashion, including apparel, shoes, handbags, and accessories from iconic brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada. To stand out from his rivals, Théophile Bader wanted to make sure that the latest fashions would be available to all. With this in mind, he set up and acquired production facilities to make clothing exclusively for Galeries Lafayette under its own private label.

In addition to established luxury names, the department store showcases emerging designers, offering customers the opportunity to discover unique pieces. The store also houses a beauty department featuring high-end cosmetics, skincare, and fragrances. In line with its commitment to sustainability, the beauty department includes eco-conscious brands focused on vegan and cruelty-free products.

Additionally, Galeries Lafayette has expanded its offerings to include gourmet food and lifestyle products. The food hall, known for its exceptional selection of gourmet delicacies, includes artisanal products, international cuisines, and organic goods, providing customers with a holistic shopping experience.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Over the years, Galeries Lafayette has been recognised with numerous awards for its innovative approach to retail and commitment to excellence. The store has received accolades such as the “Golden Shopping Centre Award” for Best Customer Experience, reflecting its dedication to creating a superior shopping environment. Such recognition underscores Galeries Lafayette’s status as a trendsetter in the retail industry, continually striving for excellence in customer service and product selection.

The brand’s commitment to sustainability has also garnered significant attention, leading to its recognition in various industry awards focused on eco-friendly practices. Galeries Lafayette has been honoured with awards like the “Sustainable Fashion Retailer of the Year,” acknowledging its initiatives and dedication to promoting ethical fashion. This recognition highlights the brand’s efforts to lead in sustainable retail within an industry often known for its environmental impact.

Furthermore, Galeries Lafayette’s innovative marketing campaigns have been celebrated in advertising awards, showcasing the brand’s ability to engage with consumers through creative storytelling and visually striking presentations. This recognition reinforces the brand’s position as a leader in the dynamic retail landscape, constantly evolving while remaining true to its heritage of couture elegance and cultural significance.