Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, a Parisian department store known for its elegance and innovation, has taken a significant step towards enhancing the shopping experience for its Indian customers. The store has integrated the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system, becoming the first in Europe to offer this convenient and secure payment option. This move signifies the store’s commitment to modernizing and simplifying the payment process, making it more accessible and convenient for Indian shoppers.
The UPI system, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has revolutionized digital payments in India. Launched in 2016, it enables instant and interbank money transfers via mobile applications. Users can link multiple bank accounts to a single app through unique virtual identifiers, facilitating seamless and secure transactions. NPCI, a non-profit organization founded in 2008, plays a pivotal role in enhancing and developing India’s payment infrastructure. Through innovations like UPI, NPCI has significantly contributed to digitizing the Indian economy, making digital payments more accessible and inclusive.
To celebrate the introduction of UPI payments at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, a cocktail event was held on July 3rd, 2024. The event was graced by H.E. Jawad Ashraf, Ambassador of India, and Nicolas Houzé, CEO of Galeries Lafayette. This gathering served as a platform to strengthen ties between the Parisian department store and the Indian diplomatic community, highlighting the significance of international relations in the store’s commercial and cultural initiatives.
Vincent Sénéquat, Director of Galeries Lafayette Paris Hausmann, expressed his enthusiasm about the new payment solution, 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.”
The integration of UPI payments by Galeries Lafayette Haussmann marks a significant milestone, highlighting the store’s dedication to technological innovation and enhancing the shopping experience. This initiative reinforces the department store’s status as an industry leader and showcases its commitment to offering payment solutions that cater to the needs of modern consumers. By embracing UPI, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann not only provides a convenient payment option for Indian customers but also strengthens its position as a global retailer that values inclusivity and cultural exchange.
