In an epoch marked by the intertwining of digital and physical realms, the French department store chain Galeries Lafayette made a vibrant splash in the world of luxury. The grand opening of their Shenzhen store in the upscale UpperHills complex anchors their presence in the retail landscapes of southern China. In doing so, they offer an intriguing panorama of French fashion culture, setting their sights on becoming an integral part of the city’s fashion-spending powerhouse.
Galeries Lafayette – A Blooming French Touch in China
In a collaborative move with the Hong Kong-listed real estate operator Hopson Group, Galeries Lafayette aims to up its game in China. This newly unveiled store is their third location after Beijing and Shanghai, and a preamble to their projected goal of reaching 10 units by 2025. Philippe Pedone, the head of international development at Galeries Lafayette, radiated enthusiasm at the opening ceremony alongside CEO Nicolas Houzé.
Pedone remarked, “As a fashion specialist with more than 130 years of experience, Galeries Lafayette has always offered an unrivaled selection of brands and experiences tailored specifically to local consumers. That’s exactly what we want to offer them at this new store in Shenzhen.”
Inspiring Fashion Narratives at Shenzhen Store
The Shenzhen store, adorned with 48,000 square feet of French architecture-inspired design, features an eclectic mix of 100 brands. From luxury powerhouses to international designer labels like Jacquemus, Maison Margiela, Jil Sander, AMI, Courrèges, BALMAIN, and Paco Rabanne, the retail space promises a premium shopping experience. It further enhances its appeal with a picturesque, flower-laden beauty area, a specialized gifting section, and a VIP room mimicking a chic Parisian apartment.
Moreover, the grand opening of the Shenzhen store was greeted with a creative campaign – “From Paris With Love“, concocted by Gaëlle Gabillet and Stephane Villard’s Studio GGS. This epitomizes the quintessence of French fashion sensibility, enticing fashion enthusiasts with its distinct European charm.
Galeries Lafayette first ventured into the Chinese market in 2013, solidifying its retail foothold with two stores in Shanghai and one in Beijing in collaboration with Hong Kong fashion retailer I.T. The Shenzhen location further capitalizes on the city’s fashion potential, catalyzed by its affluence and the recent surge of high-end malls.
The Unstoppable Rise of Shenzhen and Digital Venture
Once an unassuming fishing village, Shenzhen is now a burgeoning global center in technology, manufacturing, finance, and transportation. The city’s rapid ascent to being the third wealthiest city in China, its population of 18 million, and the world’s fourth busiest container port all underscore its economic prominence.
As Galeries Lafayette continues to charm the physical retail landscape, it also furthers its digital development. In a bid to boost its digital presence, the retail giant has been amplifying its watch department online, featuring a plethora of brands catering to a spectrum of price points, thus bolstering its omnichannel approach.
The international appeal of Galeries Lafayette remains robust, with the group’s online sales website striving to convert existing customers and attract new ones who have sampled their flagship store on Haussmann Boulevard.
The grand opening of Galeries Lafayette in Shenzhen offers a compelling snapshot of the future of fashion retail – one that is multi-dimensional, deeply ingrained in cultural heritage, and at the same time, in tune with the pace of digital transformation.
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