What: Galeries Lafayette’s India entry marks a strategic move to capture growth in one of the world’s fastest-growing luxury markets.

Why it is important: Galeries Lafayette’s move reflects the rapid transformation of India’s luxury market and the need for brands to adapt to new consumer dynamics.

Galeries Lafayette’s decision to enter the Indian market is a defining moment in the globalization of luxury retail, demonstrating the retailer’s commitment to international expansion and its recognition of India’s burgeoning luxury sector. Supported by a €400 million investment plan, the French department store is modernizing its operations and targeting high-growth regions, with India at the forefront of its strategy. This move is timely, as India’s luxury market is experiencing a remarkable transformation, characterized by a surge in affluent consumers and a shift toward integrated, culturally resonant retail experiences. The influx of international luxury brands into India, nearly doubling in the past year, highlights the country’s emergence as a global luxury hub and underscores the strategic importance of adapting retail formats to local preferences. Galeries Lafayette’s entry not only positions it to benefit from India’s rapid consumer growth but also sets a benchmark for other European department stores and luxury retailers seeking to remain relevant and competitive in evolving global markets.

IADS Notes: Galeries Lafayette’s India entry is anchored by its €400 million investment plan announced in November 2024 (Challenges), which prioritizes both domestic modernization and international expansion. The retailer’s double-digit growth in 2025, driven by luxury brand expansion and tourism (Fashion Network, July 2025), validates this strategy. India’s luxury market transformation, with a surge in affluent consumers and integrated retail models (Vogue Business, March 2025), has attracted a record number of international brands (India Economic Times, February 2025). This shift mirrors the broader industry trend of luxury brands pivoting from China to India to capture new growth (ET Retail, December 2024).

French luxe retailer Galeries Lafayette set for India entry