First images from Galeries Lafayette in Beijing

French department store chain Galeries Lafayette opened in Beijing on September 28 but its official inauguration is set for October 18. Whilst we await official communication from the group, FashionMag.com has images of the chain’s first unit in China.

With Hong Kong’s I.T. Limited owning a 50% stake in the company, the group’s first Chinese opening is arguably more important than other recent international adventures in Dubai, Casablanca or Jakarta for example.

The space measures 28,000m², about half the size of its infamous Haussman location in Paris, which the Beijing tries so hard to emulate with its architecture and an impressive dome.

In March, former CEO at Galeries Lafayette Paul Delaoutre spoke of desires to target China’s ‘new middle class’ as well as richer citizens with a selection of brand’s from its Paris flagship but also new brand’s that are not present in other stores.

It remains to be seen whether the group made the right decision choosing Beijing over Shanghai, a city known for its fashion flair. One thing is for sure, this will not be the sole Galeries Lafayette store to open in China…

Photo credits to Yushan Jiang and Aurélien Lacour