Galeries Lafayette makes India debut with Mumbai flagship store in partnership with ABFRL

French luxury department store chain Galeries Lafayette has entered India’s premium retail market with the launch of its first flagship store in Mumbai, reinforcing its partnership with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL) at a time when discretionary spending in the top-end fashion segment is rising.

The 90,000-sq.-ft store in Kala Ghoda spans five levels and houses more than 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.

Underscoring the strategic importance of the tie-up, the event in Mumbai on Sunday was attended by 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.

Mathou said the flagship represents a “major landmark” in France’s outreach and is expected to serve as a broader cultural and creative hub. Birla said 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.

N. Houzé said India is emerging as a key market in the company’s global roadmap, with Mumbai’s consumer profile and retail maturity offering strong potential for growth.

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 scale to its premium portfolio, which includes The Collective and a growing set of international brand arrangements.

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