Galeries Lafayette Launches Mumbai Flagship Store in Partnership with ABFRL

French luxury department store chain Galeries Lafayette has made a grand entry into India’s premium retail market with the launch of its first flagship store in Mumbai. This move reinforces its partnership with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL) at a time when discretionary spending in the top-end fashion segment is on the rise.

The 90,000-sq.-ft store in Kala Ghoda spans five levels and houses over 250 global luxury and designer brands. The format mirrors the group’s international flagship model, combining a premium multi-brand assortment with a focus on design-led store architecture. The Mumbai launch marks one of the French retailer’s most significant international expansions in recent years. The opening comes as India’s luxury consumption continues to grow in double digits, supported by an expanding affluent base and a rapid build-out of high-street and luxury retail infrastructure.

The strategic importance of this partnership was underscored by the presence of several dignitaries at the event in Mumbai on Sunday. Attendees included H.E. Thierry Mathou, the Ambassador of France to India; Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of the Aditya Birla Group; Philippe Houzé, chairman of Motier; and Nicolas Houzé, executive chairman, Galeries Lafayette Group.

H.E. Thierry Mathou highlighted the flagship store as a “major landmark” in France’s outreach, emphasizing its potential to serve as a broader cultural and creative hub. Kumar Mangalam Birla noted that the partnership with the French retailer builds on ABFRL’s strategy of scaling its presence across premium and luxury categories. “It reflects trust, scale, and long-term commitment on both sides,” he said.

Nicolas Houzé expressed his confidence in India’s emerging importance in the company’s global roadmap. “Mumbai’s consumer profile and retail maturity offer strong potential for growth,” he stated.

ABFRL, which operates over 1,100 stores across segments such as value, premium, luxury, and ethnic wear, has been expanding its footprint through partnerships with global labels and investments in digital-first brands. The venture with Galeries Lafayette adds significant scale to its premium portfolio, which includes The Collective and a growing set of international brand arrangements.

Industry executives noted that the Mumbai launch aligns with a broader trend of global luxury brands increasing their physical presence in India. This trend is driven by rising consumption in metros and improving retail real estate quality. The partners are expected to evaluate expansion to other cities based on performance and market conditions.

The opening of the Galeries Lafayette flagship store in Mumbai is not just a business milestone but also a cultural one, reflecting the growing importance of luxury retail in India’s urban landscape. As the market continues to evolve, the partnership between Galeries Lafayette and ABFRL is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of premium retail in the country.