French department store Galeries Lafayette has opened the doors of its first Asian store – in Indonesia.

Galeries Lafayette has taken up a retail space of 12,000 sqm within Pacific Place Mall in Jakarta, offering luxury and premium fashion, beauty brands, accessories, and evening wear from Indonesian designers

The department store tried to enter Indonesia in early 90s, however, it failed to make the business viable. This time, it chose to work with PT Mitra Adi Perkasa (MAP), which also runs department store chains Seibu, Sogo, Lotus and Debenhams.

With a population of 240 million, Indonesia is a potential market for Galeries Lafayette, says CEO Nicolas Houzé. Another reason for investing in the country is the increasing purchasing power from growing middle class, he added.

Galeries Lafayatte’s agreement with MAP could open up to five department stores, it says.

With an aim to widen Asian reach, Galeries Lafayette will be opening its first department store in China in September through partnership with I.T. Group.