Galeries Lafayette Debuts in India in Partnership with Aditya Birla Group

In a landmark move for India’s luxury retail landscape, the Aditya Birla Group has launched the country’s first Galeries Lafayette store, bringing the 125-year-old French luxury department store to Indian shores.

The grand flagship, unveiled on Wednesday, spans 90,000 square feet across two restored heritage buildings near Mumbai’s Dalal Street. The launch marks the formal entry of the iconic Parisian brand into India’s fast-evolving premium retail market — one increasingly populated by global names such as Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci.

Speaking at the inauguration, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the $67-billion Aditya Birla Group, described the opening as part of a broader “strategic acceleration” within the conglomerate.

“India’s luxury retail landscape is on the cusp of transformation,” Birla said. “With one of the fastest-growing affluent populations and a new generation of globally exposed, brand-conscious consumers, the appetite for high-end experiences has never been greater.”

Highlighting India’s untapped potential, Birla projected the country’s luxury market would grow fourfold to $90 billion by 2030, fueled by rising aspirations and deepening cultural confidence.

The Mumbai store introduces Galeries Lafayette’s signature blend of fashion, beauty, home décor, and gourmet offerings under one roof — a concept that has defined the brand’s global appeal since its founding in 1893 in Paris.

Nicolas Houzé, Executive Chairman of Galeries Lafayette, said India’s youthful, ambitious population made the country a compelling next chapter for the brand. “We chose Mumbai — the city of dreamers — for our debut because it represents the energy, creativity, and promise that aligns with our brand’s values,” Houzé noted.

The next location, a second store in New Delhi, is expected to open within the next 24 to 36 months, according to Sathyajit R, CEO of International Business at Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL).

He confirmed that ABFRL and Galeries Lafayette have entered into a 15-year licensing agreement, under which the French retailer will earn royalties. Future collaborations may be explored if Indian retail regulations around foreign multi-brand ownership evolve.

Sathyajit also expressed optimism about the store’s performance, citing “strong latent demand” and a relatively untapped ultra-luxury retail segment in India.

The launch is the latest in a series of bold consumer-facing bets by the Aditya Birla Group. Other recent ventures include Birla Opus, its new paints business, and Indriya, a jewellery retail chain — all part of what Birla described as a shift toward building agile, high-growth consumer brands alongside its traditional businesses.

With the arrival of Galeries Lafayette, Mumbai’s luxury corridor just got a significant upgrade — and India’s fashion-conscious elite now have a new address to explore.

(Source: PTI)