Iconic department store Galeries Lafayette is bound to start a new chapter this Thursday, when it moves to the building formerly occupied by Virgin Megastore at Paris’ most famous avenue, Champs-Elysées. The company expects the new flagship to attract an average of 300,000 daily visitors, considering about 300,000 people walk on the avenue on weekdays and 500,000 people visit it on weekends.
Following the unveiling of the store’s logo and visual identity earlier this month, Galeries Lafayette has now released the first pictures of the new venue, which aims to offer “something midway between retail, services and entertainment”, in the words of its Executive Chairman Phillipe Houzé.
“Our company is currently undergoing an in-depth transformation designed to make it an omnichannel retail leader, a French fashion specialist and an international beacon”, said Nicolas Houzé, CEO of Galeries Lafayette and BHV Marais, in a statement, adding that the space will serve as a “retail laboratory” to test new ideas and respond to emerging consumer trends.
New Galeries Lafayette opens on March 28
Designed by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, the flagship spans over 6,500 square meters (approximately 70,000 square feet) which will be occupied by a “highly curated” assortment of 650 luxury fashion, accessories, beauty, lifestyle and food brands, some of which were previously unavailable in France.
The new retail space will also reveal a more technological Galeries Lafayette, as shoppers will be able to obtain information about each product’s availability thanks to a new patented technology called “smart hanger”. Additionally, a team of 300 personal stylists was hired to help customers before, during and after their visit through Galeries Lafayette’s new “Personal Stylist 2.0” app. Last but not least, the venue will feature a designated space for pop-up stores, a food court and a stage for artistic performances.
