Les Galeries Lafayette (Lafayette Galleries), Bordeaux

Galeries Lafayette represents a department store label associated with the Galeries Lafayette group, which has held membership in the International Association of Department Stores since 1960.

In 1894, Théophile Bader and his cousin Alphonse Kahn inaugurated their store La Fayette Street, a compact 70 square meters space christened "Les Galeries." Both hailed from the realm of clothing as Alsatian Jewish merchants. Their initial store, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, spanned 70 square meters and underwent gradual expansion, culminating in the complete acquisition of the building three years following its launch. Subsequently, the establishment was rebranded as "Galeries Lafayette." By 1905, the acquisitions encompassed the edifices at 38, 40, and 42 Boulevard Haussmann. Notably, a grand dome was erected in 1912.

At the core of Galeries Lafayette's ethos lies the commitment to assemble numerous renowned clothing brands (evolving toward fashion due to the advent of ready-to-wear in the 1950s), alongside leather goods, jewelry, home decor, bed linens, and an array of other items within a unified space. Each store showcases distinct brands through compact stands, each curated by the Galleries' buyers.