Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, a prominent department store in Paris, has made a significant move by integrating the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) into its payment system. This makes it the first department store in Europe to offer this popular Indian digital payment solution. The adoption of UPI is a testament to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann’s commitment to modernizing its payment options and providing a seamless experience for its customers, particularly those from India.
Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI has revolutionized digital payments in India since its launch in 2016. The system allows for instant, interbank transfers via mobile apps, enabling users to manage multiple bank accounts under one application using unique virtual identifiers. NPCI, established in 2008 as a non-profit organization, has been instrumental in fostering India’s payment infrastructure, driving the digitization of the Indian economy and expanding financial inclusivity.
The introduction of UPI payments at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann was marked by a special cocktail event on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024. The event featured distinguished guests, including H.E. Jawad Ashraf, Ambassador of India, and Nicolas Houzé, CEO of Galeries Lafayette, highlighting the significance of international relations in the store’s business and cultural endeavors.
Vincent Sénéquat, Director of Galeries Lafayette Paris Hausmann, expressed his delight at being the first department store in Europe to offer UPI payments, stating, “We are delighted to be the first department store in Europe to offer the UPI payment solution at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. By introducing UPI, we facilitate seamless and secure transactions for our Indian customers and strengthen cultural and economic ties between France and India. As the number of visitors from India is growing, we are proud to offer this innovative payment option, ensuring a convenient and memorable shopping experience. With the opening of our first Indian store in Mumbai in 2025, followed by New Delhi, this initiative becomes even more significant, symbolizing our commitment to reinforcing the ties between our two countries.”
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann’s adoption of UPI payments represents a substantial step forward, demonstrating their commitment to embracing technological advancements and improving the customer experience. This move not only boosts consumer confidence but also solidifies the store’s position as a leader in the industry. By offering payment options that cater to modern needs, the department store emphasizes its dedication to streamlining transactions and fulfilling the demands of contemporary consumers.
