French luxury department store Galeries Lafayette has shut its Beijing flagship — a six-floor, 48,000-square-metre emporium located near the Forbidden City — after 13 years of operation, citing sluggish consumer spending and changing shopping habits. The store, which opened in 2013 during a boom period for China's luxury market, struggled in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and a property market crisis that dampened domestic consumption. The chain, which still operates locations in Shanghai and Shenzhen, said it plans to "refresh its business formats" going forward, as modern shoppers increasingly seek convenience and experiences over the traditional department store model.