Galeries Lafayette closes its bookstore on Boulevard Haussmann

What: Galeries Lafayette has closed its bookstore on Boulevard Haussmann, Paris, replacing it with an extension of the gift shop.

Why it is important: The closure marks the end of a cultural space that had been part of the iconic store since 2009, reflecting the challenges faced by retail bookstores in maintaining profitability.

Galeries Lafayette's bookstore, located on the 6th floor of its Boulevard Haussmann store, closed on May 22 due to a lack of profitability. The bookstore, which occupied a 280 m² space alongside gifts, suitcases, and toys, achieved a turnover of just over one million euros in 2023 but had a negative operating result. The decision affects about fifteen employees, who will be redeployed to other departments within the store. The space will now be used to expand the gift shop.