What: Manor’s Geneva flagship store unveils a fully renovated 10,000 m² fashion space, introducing over 40 new international brands and a contemporary shopping experience.

Why it is important: This development shows Manor’s strategic investment in flagship locations and matches recent trends of experiential retail and regional adaptation in Switzerland.

Manor has opened a new chapter in Swiss retail with the complete renovation of its Geneva flagship store, transforming 10,000 square meters into one of the country’s most modern fashion spaces. The store now features over 40 new international brands alongside its established labels, offering a wider and more contemporary selection for both women and men. The redesigned environment emphasises open, themed spaces and visual accents that create a welcoming atmosphere, encouraging customers to explore, mix, and match styles. This transformation is part of Manor’s broader modernisation campaign, which includes significant investments in store upgrades, digital integration, and customer experience improvements across Switzerland. The Geneva project follows similar updates in Basel, Lausanne, Lugano, and Vevey, with more locations planned. Manor’s approach combines fashion, lifestyle, and service, aiming to set a new standard for department stores in the region. The company’s focus on local trends and needs ensures that each store remains relevant and appealing to its community. 

IADS Notes: Manor’s Geneva renovation is part of a CHF 200 million investment plan announced in March 2025 (Zone Bourse), marking a shift toward flagship store upgrades and growth. CEO Roland Armbruster highlighted this strategy in April 2025 (PME), emphasising fashion expansion and digital integration. The Monthey reopening in December 2025 (Press Release) and the strategic exit from certain regions in August 2025 (VermögensZentrum) show Manor’s focus on regional adaptation. The appointment of a Chief Digital Transformation Officer in March 2025 (ICT Journal) further supports the company’s move toward innovative, customer-focused retail.

A new fashion chapter in French-speaking Switzerland: Manor Geneva modernises fashion spaces for an inspiring shopping experience - English

A new fashion chapter in French-speaking Switzerland: Manor Geneva modernises fashion spaces for an inspiring shopping experience - French

What: Arthur Lemoine discusses Galeries Lafayette opening its first Indian flagship in Mumbai in partnership with Aditya Birla, targeting the country’s growing luxury market.

Why it is important: The development highlights how department stores are adapting their networks and offerings to thrive in rapidly evolving retail environments.

Galeries Lafayette’s debut in Mumbai marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of global department stores, as the French retailer partners with Aditya Birla to tap into India’s burgeoning luxury market. The store, located in the historic Kala Ghoda district, spans over 9,000 square metres and introduces a curated selection of 300 brands, with 70% of the assortment exclusive to the Indian market. By leveraging Aditya Birla’s local expertise, Galeries Lafayette aims to bridge French retail tradition with Indian consumer aspirations, adapting its offer through modular retail formats, price alignment with Dubai, and services tailored to local preferences, such as valet parking and private lounges. The long-term franchise agreement underscores a commitment to sustainable growth, while the strategy of selective expansion and network optimisation reflects a broader industry trend. The Mumbai flagship is positioned as a launchpad for further national growth, with plans for Delhi and synergies with the French network, demonstrating a nuanced approach to internationalisation, brand stewardship, and experiential retail.

IADS Notes: Galeries Lafayette’s opening in Mumbai in partnership with Aditya Birla exemplifies the current wave of international department store expansion into high-growth markets, as seen in October 2025 ("Aditya Birla celebrates their partnership with Galeries Lafayette by opening the Mumbai store," Luxury Tribune; "French luxe retailer Galeries Lafayette set for India entry," India Economic Times). This move is part of a broader €400 million investment plan, which also includes the modernization of the Haussmann flagship and strategic network optimization, as reported in February 2025 ("Galeries Lafayette’s Chief Buying Officer details the company strategy," Le Figaro). The partnership with Aditya Birla highlights the increasing reliance on local conglomerates to facilitate market entry and adaptation, a trend mirrored by Reliance’s franchise agreement with Saks Fifth Avenue in January 2025 ("Reliance to bring Saks Fifth Avenue to India, enters into franchise agreement," India Economic Times). Both companies are leveraging franchise models to navigate India’s evolving luxury landscape, while also adapting their offerings to local consumer behaviours and regulatory environments, as detailed in December 2025 ("How Reliance Retail rules the Indian fashion market," BoF). The strategic focus on experiential retail, omnichannel growth, and selective store closures aligns with the industry’s shift toward modernisation and resilience, as discussed in April 2025 ("Department stores can be a beacon for retail," The Retail Bulletin).

Galeries Lafayette’s CEO Arthur Lemoine on pioneering in India

What: Chalhoub Group marks its 70th anniversary by highlighting its evolution from a single boutique in Damascus to a leading luxury retail empire in the Middle East.

Why it is important: This milestone reflects how family leadership and strategic partnerships have driven sustained growth and innovation in Middle Eastern luxury retail.

Chalhoub Group’s 70th anniversary serves as a testament to its remarkable transformation from modest beginnings in Damascus to becoming the Middle East’s foremost luxury retail group. The company’s journey has been shaped by resilience, adaptability, and a series of strategic relocations in response to regional upheavals, ultimately establishing Dubai as its permanent base. Key to its ascent has been the seamless transition of leadership across three generations, each bringing renewed vision and energy. The group’s ability to forge enduring partnerships with global luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Sephora has not only expanded its portfolio but also redefined the region’s retail landscape. Innovation has remained central, with the launch of experiential retail concepts and proprietary brands, ensuring continued relevance amid evolving consumer expectations. As the group enters a new era under Michael Chalhoub, its commitment to digital transformation and local market engagement positions it to maintain its leadership in a dynamic and competitive sector.

IADS Notes: The Chalhoub Group’s evolution mirrors the broader rise of the Middle East as a luxury retail hub, with recent leadership transitions and digital innovation accelerating growth, particularly in Saudi Arabia and through omnichannel strategies. The group’s focus on quality, customer experience, and strategic partnerships, as highlighted in WWD (October 2025, May 2025), BoF (May 2025), RLC (September 2025), and Emirates Woman (March 2025), underscores its resilience and ability to adapt to both market opportunities and challenges.

Chalhoub Group at 70: Timeline

Chalhoub Group: A Luxury Dynasty, 70 Years in the Making