Galeries Lafayette makes Qatar debut

Galeries Lafayette has announced the soft opening of its new flagship store in Doha in partnership with Ali Bin Ali (ABA) Holding, bringing its “unique know-how in fashion and luxury” to Qatar.An exclusive media gathering was organised recently to mark the arrival of the iconic French department store in Doha.Members of the local media, bloggers and social media influencers were invited for a tour and relish the Galeries Lafayette experience.The event concluded with an outdoor gala sit-down dinner, which reflected the spirit of Galeries Lafayette – the ‘French Art of Living’, ABA Holding said in a press statement.Spread around 15,000sq m of exquisitely designed retail space, Galeries Lafayette Doha is an architectural beauty in 21 High st — located within Katara — the Cultural Village.“Strategically positioned at a prestigious location between West Bay and The Pearl-Qatar, Galeries Lafayette Doha creates a new Parisian lifestyle experience for local and international shoppers alike,” the statement notes. “Drawn together by shared values and a passion for excellence, the ABA Holding and Galeries Lafayette — two influential entities with a heritage that spans decades in the retail industry — have established the presence of Galeries Lafayette in Qatar. This has expanded the global footprint of the iconic French brand in an exciting market with excellent growth prospects.”The Parisian department store “is a reflection of Paris in Doha, and the latest fashion trends, styles and retail experience leave the guests feeling inspired”. Visitors can look forward to “the finest international, regional and local brands as well as elegant and light dining alternatives, all of which resonate with the spirit of Galeries Lafayette”. With 400 brands in store, Galeries Lafayette Doha is designed to be an experience in its own right.This is delivered through many architectural and artistic designs “to give visitors the unique Galeries Lafayette feeling where visitors not only come to shop or dine, but actually engage with the environment”. Galeries Lafayette Doha is designed by world-famous architects Bruno Moinard and Claire Betaille, and spread over three floors.From women’s ready-to-wear to childrenswear and menswear — the store takes the visitor on a “stylish journey through an emporium of world’s most sought-after brands”. Service and client customisation are at the heart of Galeries Lafayette Doha with a variety of options for the clientele.Options range from Loyalty Programmes and customisation of products to the exclusive La Suite’s personalised shopping service.The store also offers a blend of innovative technology and personalised service.It enables visitors to take advantage of digitisation throughout and find what they are looking for efficiently in addition to having an exceptional team of retail experts on hand for assistance.For over 120 years, Galeries Lafayette has been a major name in global retail creativity.Through its business activities and its regard as a retailer of everything from fashion to accessories, such as leather goods, shoes, watches and jewellery, Galeries Lafayette has become an iconic name worldwide.