EMLV MSc Students Explore Luxury Retail at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

EMLV emphasizes hands-on learning to bridge the gap between theory and practice. As part of their curriculum, students from the MSc International Business and Supply Chain programmes participated in an exclusive site visit at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, one of Paris’s most renowned luxury department stores.

Understanding the inner workings of such a prestigious retail institution allowed students to grasp the complexity of supply chain and business operations in a high-end, customer-centric environment. Designed to provide real-world exposure, this visit reinforces classroom concepts through direct interaction with industry professionals.

Visiting Galeries Lafayette in Paris: A Deep Dive into Premium Customer Experience

The visit took students behind the scenes to explore the services that define Galeries Lafayette’s reputation as a leader in luxury retail. The store’s commitment to delivering a seamless and personalized shopping experience was evident through various touchpoints, including:

• Personal shopping at La Suite – a dedicated space where VIP clients receive bespoke fashion consultations. Students observed how stylists curate exclusive collections based on customer preferences and how personalized service strengthens client relationships.
• In-house tax refund services – an optimized system that provides international customers with an effortless and customized tax refund process, enhancing their overall shopping experience.
• Concierge service for VIP clients – an elite service that caters to high-profile customers, ensuring tailored assistance, privacy, and convenience.

Throughout the visit, students discussed with experienced professionals who provided insights into the operational strategies that drive customer satisfaction and brand loyalty in a competitive luxury market.

The tour also examined the logistics and supply chain processes that ensure efficient stock management, premium service delivery, and seamless coordination across departments.

As a final highlight, students visited Galeries Lafayette’s iconic rooftop terrace, where they enjoyed breathtaking views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower—an especially memorable moment for international students recently arriving in France.

Logistics, Service Innovation, and Digital Transformation: Linking Theory to Practice

The site visit was an integral part of the student’s coursework, directly aligning with the objectives of the curriculum. By stepping out of the classroom and into a real-world business environment, students benefited from:

1. Industry Exposure – The visit provided a rare glimpse into the inner workings of one of France’s most prestigious retailers, offering valuable insights into operational excellence, supply chain management, and customer service innovation.
2. Practical Learning – Students experienced firsthand how business strategies are implemented in a fast-paced luxury retail environment rather than just learning from case studies and lectures.
3. Networking Opportunities – Engaging with professionals allowed students to ask questions, gain insider perspectives, and better understand the career paths available in luxury management and international business.

By observing the logistics, service innovation, and digital transformation within Galeries Lafayette, students acquired a deeper appreciation of how the luxury industry adapts to new consumer expectations, sustainability challenges, and evolving business models.

EMLV’s offer to Prepare a Career in Luxury

EMLV’s MSc Luxury & Innovation Management offers a comprehensive programme that combines Management, Digital, and Luxury expertise for those aspiring to build a career in the luxury sector.

As luxury brands face challenges related to digital transformation, sustainability, and global expansion, this MSc equips students with the skills to navigate and innovate in an evolving industry. The programme leverages EMLV’s strengths in digital strategy and new technologies, ensuring graduates are prepared to lead and drive change in luxury brand management.

By integrating practical learning experiences—such as industry visits, networking opportunities, and hands-on projects—EMLV ensures its students are ready to take on key roles in the luxury business landscape.

For those looking to shape the future of luxury, EMLV’s MSc Luxury & Innovation Management provides the perfect foundation for developing expertise and impacting this dynamic field.

Learn more about EMLV’s MSc Luxury & Innovation Management