What: Galeries Lafayette is transforming its flagship store into a cultural destination with a comprehensive 2026 art and performance programme.

Why it is important: Galeries Lafayette’s strategy reflects a broader retail trend of using cultural programming to build community and differentiate the brand.

Galeries Lafayette is redefining the role of its flagship Haussmann store by unveiling an ambitious cultural programme for 2026, positioning itself as a key player in Paris’s art scene. The initiative includes a series of art installations, film screenings, and artist residencies, with the store’s spaces serving as both exhibition venues and film sets. The programme is structured around three pillars: heritage, artistic actions, and patronage, and features collaborations with renowned institutions such as the Centre Pompidou. Highlights include the By Night audiovisual programme, Carte Blanche exhibitions, and the Savoir Faire Savoir artist support initiative. These efforts not only showcase established and emerging artists but also invite public participation through open calls and after-hours events. By integrating cultural experiences into its retail environment, Galeries Lafayette aims to deepen customer engagement, foster community, and set itself apart in a competitive market, reflecting a broader industry movement toward experiential retail.

IADS Notes: Galeries Lafayette’s cultural strategy aligns with recent retail trends, such as Lotte Department Store’s expansion of art courses (Maeil Business Newspaper, August 2025) and Bloomingdale’s transformation into an immersive, artist-led destination (WWD, September 2025). Forbes (April 2025) highlighted how community-driven initiatives and cultural programming are redefining department stores, while Korean retailers’ focus on cultural centres (Korea JoongAng Daily, October 2025) and insights from the World Retail Congress (Fashion Network, May 2025) emphasised the importance of authentic engagement and loyalty through experiential offerings.

Galeries Lafayette unveils its 2026 cultural programme