History
In 1893, Théophile Bader and Alphonse Kahn opened a 70 sqm store in Paris, on the corner of rue La Fayette and rue de la Chaussée d’Antin, selling novelty gifts. In 1896, the company purchased the entire building at number 1, rue La Fayette followed in 1903 by numbers 38, 40, and 42 on Boulevard Haussmann, as well as number 15, rue de la Chaussée d’Antin.[15]
Aryanization during Nazi occupation
During Nazi occupation of France in 1940, Les Galeries Lafayette underwent a process of "Aryanization", that is the removal of Jewish owners and their replacement by non-Jewish owners.[16] Théophile Bader, Raoul Meyer, Max Heilbronn, the store's administrators and 129 Jewish employees were forced to resign. The property of Bader, Meyer and Heilbronn families was taken.[17][18]
The Galeries Lafayette group was transferred to non-Jewish owners: the Swiss Aubert and the French industrialist Harlachol.[19]
Architecture
Théophile Bader appointed the architect Georges Chedanne to head up the first major renovations which were completed in 1907.
Aryanization during Nazi occupation
During Nazi occupation of France in 1940, Les Galeries Lafayette underwent a process of "Aryanization", that is the removal of Jewish owners and their replacement by non-Jewish owners.[16] Théophile Bader, Raoul Meyer, Max Heilbronn, the store's administrators and 129 Jewish employees were forced to resign. The property of Bader, Meyer and Heilbronn families was taken.[17][18]
The Galeries Lafayette group was transferred to non-Jewish owners: the Swiss Aubert and the French industrialist Harlachol.[19]
Architecture
Théophile Bader appointed the architect Georges Chedanne to head up the first major renovations which were completed in 1907. Ferdinand Chanut, Georges Chedanne's apprentice, designed the store's 43 m high Neo Byzantine dome.[20] This store's inauguration ceremony took place in October 1912.
In 1932, the store was renovated with an Art Déco style by architect Pierre Patou.
Fashion and events
Théophile Bader acquired production facilities in order to make clothing exclusively for Galeries Lafayette under its own private label. He also manufactured affordable versions of designer wear.[15]
This store then expanded to include menswear, furniture, toys and tableware departments and get involved in organizing events such as the rooftop landing by French pilot Jules Védrines in 1919.[21]
In 1922, it opened arts workshops under the artistic direction of Maurice Dufrêne in order to produce affordable furniture, fabric, carpets, wallpaper, pottery, and other household goods.[22]
Following the Second World War, the store underwent a complete makeover.
During the 1950s it hosted large international exhibitions, such as "The Best of Italian Manufacturing" in 1953.
In the 1960s, young designers began launching their ready-to-wear lines at the store. The first designer to become famous was Laura, in 1962. A little while later she went on to become known as
Offer
Galerie Lafayette Paris Haussmann is a 70,000 m2 store. Mostly dedicated to fashion, it also has other offers and services.
Food
Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann's food tasting bars offer French food together with produce from around the world.
Restaurants and bars
Cafés, bars and restaurants are located in the store for drinks and meals.
The rooftop has a bar, restaurant and terrace with a panoramic view of Paris and its monuments including the Eiffel Tower, the Montparnasse Tower, Invalides, and Opera Garnier.
Cultural space
Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann's cultural space "Galerie des Galeries" holds three to four exhibitions a year, showcasing both French and international design.
Events
Every Friday visitors can attend the store's free fashion show at 3pm. These events can only be attended if reservations have been made in advance.
Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann has a suspended Christmas tree
Food
Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann's food tasting bars offer French food together with produce from around the world.
Restaurants and bars
Cafés, bars and restaurants are located in the store for drinks and meals.
The rooftop has a bar, restaurant and terrace with a panoramic view of Paris and its monuments including the Eiffel Tower, the Montparnasse Tower, Invalides, and Opera Garnier.
Cultural space
Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann's cultural space "Galerie des Galeries" holds three to four exhibitions a year, showcasing both French and international design.
Events
Every Friday visitors can attend the store's free fashion show at 3pm. These events can only be attended if reservations have been made in advance.
Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann has a suspended Christmas tree every year, the first of which was hung from the dome in 1976. The store also organizes a range of exhibitions and shows and during the festive period.
Services
English-speaking staff in the concierge area help with Wi-Fi access, tourist information, or restaurant and taxi reservations.[25]
The tax refund service enables non-European residents to claim back their tax refund, based on the 12% tax they have paid on their purchases worth over €175.01 made on the day of purchase at Galeries Lafayette.[26]
A personal shopper is also available and VIP services include the ordering of limousines or package deliveries to hotels.[27]
