Galeries Lafayette, one of the world’s most celebrated department stores, in partnership with the Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Ltd., unveiled it’s first Indian flagship store in the Fort area of Mumbai near the BSE where very expensive fashion products of the highest order for men and women would be retailed.
The flagship store, only one in India, will officially open early next month.
Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group, said: “ Luxury in India today stands at the threshold of transformation. With one of the fastest-growing affluent populations in the world and a new generation of globally exposed consumers, the appetite for high-end experiences has never been stronger.”
“A new India is emerging which is youthful, ambitious, and globally connected. One that embraces luxury as a statement of aspiration and identity. Our partnership with Galeries Lafayette, therefore, marks a coming-of-age moment for Indian luxury retail,” he said.
“Together, we are creating an iconic destination in the heart of Mumbai—a world-class showcase where the best of global luxury engages with the rising confidence of the Indian consumer. For the first time, India will welcome a luxury department store, housed in landmark real estate, executed with precision, and infused with the elegance of Indian sensibilities,” he added.
Nicolas Houzé, Executive Chairman, Galeries Lafayette Group, said. “Opening our first store in Mumbai is a defining moment for Galeries Lafayette and a new chapter in our international journey. Partnering with the Aditya Birla Group, a renowned family-owned conglomerate whose values resonate with ours, gives this project a particularly strong foundation.”
“With Mumbai as our anchor point, we are proud to introduce an experience that brings together French heritage, creativity, and innovation, while embracing the energy and cultural richness of India. This flagship will stand as a symbol of our ambition to make the French Art of Living shine on the global stage,” he added.
The partnership combines Galeries Lafayette’s global retail expertise with ABFRL’s proven leadership across India’s premium and luxury segments. Together, the two entities aim to create a structured, scalable model for the country’s high-value retail market, the companies said.
The Mumbai flagship serves as a strategic platform to showcase curated luxury merchandising and experiential offerings while generating insights that inform ABFRL’s long-term growth in this segment.
Ashish Dikshit, Managing Director, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd said: “Galeries Lafayette ushers in a new paradigm of luxury for India, one that goes beyond retail to create cultural experiences. At ABFRL, our focus has always been on shaping aspirations while building leadership in premium and luxury retail through strategic investment and execution.”
“With this flagship, we are setting new benchmarks in assortment, service and experience, while building on the momentum that has already placed India on the global luxury map. Our aim is to further elevate this trajectory, amplifying India’s influence and visibility in the world of luxury. This milestone reflects not only our retail vision but also our commitment to nurturing a stronger luxury ecosystem in India, one that is both aspirational and sustainable,” he added.
Spread over 90,000 sq. ft. across five levels, the flagship has been designed by the London-based architectural firm Virgile + Partners. The space reinterprets Galeries Lafayette’s global concept through an Indian lens, blending Parisian refinement with Mumbai’s architectural heritage to create a destination that balances legacy and modernity.
The curated portfolio brings together more than 250 revered luxury and designer brands from across the globe.
Beyond retail, the flagship introduces personal styling, private lounges, concierge services, and curated cultural programs designed to deepen engagement and drive repeat experiences.
“These initiatives aim to enhance customer loyalty, provide data-led insights, and support ABFRL’s strategic vision for long-term growth in luxury retail,” ABFRL said.
Galeries Lafayette Mumbai embodies Art de Vivre and Joie de Vivre, offering India’s next-generation consumers a seamless fusion of fashion, culture, and design, it said.
India’s luxury market, projected to reach $85 billion by 2030, continues to see rapid growth driven by rising affluence, digital influence, and aspirational consumption. Mumbai, the country’s financial and cultural capital, accounts for a significant share of this opportunity, making it the natural home for Galeries Lafayette’s first flagship in India.
Published – October 15, 2025 09:31 pm IST
