Galeries Lafayette anchors in Mumbai with its first grand Indian store

Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda, the address steeped in history and artistic legacy, is about to witness a defining chapter in India’s luxury evolution. Galeries Lafayette, the globally celebrated French department store with over 130 years of heritage, is opening its first Indian flagship at the iconic Turner Morrison and Voltas House buildings in November 2025. In partnership with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL), the launch promises not just another retail destination but a new era of experiential luxury in India.

This milestone moment reflects more than a brand expansion—it signifies a cultural and economic transformation. India’s luxury market, projected to soar to USD 85–90 billion by 2030, is being propelled by rising affluence, digital influence, and an increasingly aspirational consumer base. And at the heart of this movement stands Mumbai: a city that effortlessly balances finance and fashion, heritage and ambition.

“Luxury in India today stands at the threshold of transformation,” said Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group. “With one of the fastest-growing affluent populations in the world and a new generation of globally exposed consumers, the appetite for high-end experiences has never been stronger. Together with Galeries Lafayette, we are creating an iconic destination in the heart of Mumbai—a world-class showcase where the best of global luxury engages with the rising confidence of the Indian consumer.”

A French icon meets Mumbai’s cultural core

For Galeries Lafayette, this opening is both symbolic and strategic. As Nicolas Houzé, Executive Chairman of Galeries Lafayette Group, shared, “Opening our first store in Mumbai is a defining moment for Galeries Lafayette and a new chapter in our international journey."

The 90,000 sq. ft. flagship, designed by the London-based architectural firm Virgile + Partners, reimagines Parisian refinement through an Indian lens. Spread across five levels, the space blends the grandeur of French Art de Vivre with the architectural soul of Kala Ghoda—a true fusion of legacy and modernity.

A curated portfolio of more than 250 global designers and luxury brands will anchor the experience. But beyond the labels, Galeries Lafayette Mumbai will offer personal styling sessions, private lounges, concierge services, and curated cultural programmes to elevate the shopping experience into something truly holistic. 

Why India? Why Now?

India’s luxury market is at an inflexion point. According to Bain & Co., the country’s luxury segment is expected to grow 3.5 times by 2030, while its ultra-high-net-worth population is set to rise by 50 per cent between 2023 and 2028—the fastest growth globally. This makes India not just a market of opportunity, but of influence.

Sathyajit Radhakrishnan, CEO, International Brands, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Limited, explained, “India has been on the global luxury radar for a while, and the timing is finally right for its next chapter. Urban India today offers both the infrastructure and the audience readiness that Galeries Lafayette requires, with a digitally connected, aspirational, and globally engaged consumer base. The timing is right for India to emerge not just as a growth market but as a creative and cultural force in global luxury.”

Unlike previous generations of luxury shoppers, India’s new affluent class is digitally savvy, globally aware, and increasingly looking for experiences that go beyond product. Radhakrishnan added, “Today’s shopper is digitally connected, aspirational, and engaged with global trends. Historically, luxury in India was fragmented across designer boutiques and mono-brand flagships, but the modern Indian buyer is ready for a unified, world-class experience that combines curation, scale, and emotion.”

The grand arrival on Indian shores

To mark this historic moment, Galeries Lafayette and the Aditya Birla Group hosted a spectacular celebration on the Arabian Sea. From the Gateway of India, a flotilla of yachts carried Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla and Mr. Nicolas Houzé to an elegant evening event, culminating in a striking spectacle that symbolised the brand’s arrival on Indian shores.

It was a fitting prologue to a flagship that is set to redefine what luxury means in India. With its Paris-meets-Mumbai aesthetic, immersive retail design, and carefully curated experiences, Galeries Lafayette Mumbai is not just opening its doors; it is ushering in a new language of luxury.

Shaping the future of Indian luxury

Mr. Ashish Dikshit, Managing Director, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited, captured the ambition behind the project, to create a cultural landmark in retail for India's globally connected shopper: “With this flagship, we are setting new benchmarks in assortment, service and experience, while building on the momentum that has already placed India on the global luxury map.”

Galeries Lafayette Mumbai opens early next month at Kala Ghoda and plans to expand further in the subcontinent with a second store in Delhi. This is the arrival of the iconic French luxury store, but moreover, the beginning of India's luxury landscape with unmistakable confidence.