La Maison Carrée has taken on a pink hue this month of October, marking a special celebration for Galeries Lafayette as it marks its first anniversary in Nîmes. On Friday evening, long coats, skirts, pants, and suits walked up a long black carpet under the eyes of guests seated on rue Auguste. Children also joined the parade, adding a festive touch to the occasion. The Galeries Lafayette team, along with models, employees, family members, and influencers, showcased their presence in a vibrant event that highlighted the store's growing influence in the city. Philippe Sempéré, president of Galeries Lafayette in Nîmes, Béziers, and Avignon, announced 1.5 million visits during its first year, signaling a successful start. Meanwhile, the Coupole—the large shopping complex housing the store—has seen a resurgence in commerce and foot traffic. Following the initial excitement of the store's opening, which ran from October to December 2025, curiosity has somewhat faded, and the daily rhythm of retail has resumed. According to Sempéré, the store is laying the groundwork for future success, with 50 jobs created in Nîmes and a turnover of 8 to 10 million euros in its first year. Perfumery, beauty products, and shoes have performed particularly well, with the latter category set to expand further. A children's area has already opened, responding to early demand, and features brands like Billieblush, Hugo Boss, and Gertrude & Gaston. The launch of Hugo Boss Homme is scheduled for early December. The transformation of the Coupole into a thriving commercial space has not been without challenges. Nicolas Chambon, president of the Ceïba group, which owns the Coupole des Halles, recalls the difficulties of fitting escalators into a constrained space and persuading Galeries Lafayette—initially reluctant—to support the project. Today, he describes the store as a natural part of the city, adopted by the people of Nîmes. The Coupole has seen a 20% increase in foot traffic compared to the same period in 2025, with the shopping center expected to exceed four million visits in its first year. The summer months saw a significant boost, with 27% more visitors from June to August, many of whom were tourists, especially from the United States. Looking ahead, Chambon aims to attract more brands to the Coupole, believing he now has the necessary arguments to convince them. He also raises concerns about the commercial landscape in the city, particularly the competition from the periphery, which has contributed to the difficulties faced by the city center. He applauds the decision to halt a commercial project at the football stadium, which he had fought alongside Sempéré, and urges the municipality to maintain commercial balance. City representatives, including Emmanuel Bois, have pledged to support local merchants and highlight the role of events in driving foot traffic. They also plan to implement shade and cooling measures in the streets starting in 2027, aiming to make the center more comfortable during the summer months and encourage people to stay and shop there. Under the columns of La Maison Carrée, all dressed in pink, Galeries Lafayette displayed its latest collections in a carefully orchestrated event. Carole Ritter, a local Nîmoise, organized the evening with great passion, embodying the spirit of a city embracing a new commercial chapter. At the Coupole, the second year will be crucial in confirming the success of the first.