What: Galeries Lafayette Nîmes has achieved an exceptional launch, attracting 200,000 visitors and €1 million in sales within its first month.

Why it is important: This performance demonstrates the continued relevance of department stores as commercial anchors and their ability to drive urban renewal in regional markets.

The opening of Galeries Lafayette in Nîmes has delivered remarkable results, with 200,000 visitors and €1 million in sales recorded in just one month. This strong debut positions the store as the fourth-best performer in the group nationally and has quickly established it as a key driver of commerce in the city center. The store’s curated mix of 150 brands and a premium assortment strategy have contributed to an average basket size of €85, notably higher than the national average. The success of Galeries Lafayette Nîmes has also generated a significant positive impact on the surrounding Coupole shopping center, boosting overall foot traffic by 45% and doubling visitor numbers for some neighboring boutiques. As the holiday season approaches, the store is set to build on this momentum with festive windows and special events, reinforcing its role as a commercial anchor and a catalyst for urban revitalization in the region.

IADS Notes: The exceptional launch of Galeries Lafayette Nîmes, with 200,000 visitors and €1 million in sales in its first month, exemplifies the enduring power of department stores to drive urban renewal and commercial vibrancy in regional cities (Vivre Nîmes, October 2025). This success is rooted in a carefully curated brand mix and premium positioning, echoing recent industry findings that highlight the importance of assortment strategy and the championing of both established and emerging brands to attract diverse customer segments and achieve higher average basket sizes (Monocle, May 2025). The store’s immediate impact as a commercial anchor has generated a “locomotive effect,” revitalizing the Coupole shopping center and reinforcing the role of department stores as catalysts for city center regeneration. This aligns with broader trends identified by BCG (April 2025), which underscore how department stores and mixed-use retail anchors are central to the revitalization of urban environments, supporting local economies and fostering sustainable, vibrant city centers.

Exceptional start for a new second-tier city Galeries Lafayette store