The Presqu’île district of Lyon, France, is a popular destination for both residents and tourists. The city center is filled with a variety of businesses and one location is undergoing a transformation. The former Gifi store at 9 Rue Grenette is set to be replaced by Zara Home, a move that reflects the area’s commercial appeal and a strategic shift in brand positioning.
A Prime Commercial Location in Lyon
The location at 9 Rue Grenette was previously occupied by Gifi, a discount retailer. Its central location in the Presqu’île makes it a highly sought-after spot for major brands. Following Gifi’s closure, several chains considered taking over the space, including Action, a Dutch discount retailer.
The interest in this location highlights the attractiveness of Lyon’s city center. Businesses benefit from increased visibility and potential for higher revenue in this area. The choice of tenant also reveals a strategy focused on brand image and alignment with the surrounding businesses.
Zara Home to Replace Gifi
Zara Home will ultimately be taking over the space. The brand, already established on Rue de la République since 2007, is expanding its presence in the city center. This second location will allow Zara Home to attract both local residents and the many tourists who visit the area.
According to a source close to the deal, Ce n’était pas une question d’argent, mais plutôt de typologie de magasins. Zara Home s’intégrera mieux à cet endroit
(It wasn’t a matter of money, but rather the type of stores. Zara Home will fit better in this location).
Zara Home offers a more premium approach than Gifi or Action, and will therefore complement the existing businesses on Rue Grenette. The store will offer collections of interior decor, home textiles, bedding, and tableware.
An Imminent Opening for Zara Home in Lyon
Residents of Lyon won’t have to wait long to experience the new Zara Home store. The store will feature the brand’s signature collections, including interior decoration, linens, and tableware. The new location is expected to appeal to customers looking to redecorate or update their homes.
The past few decades have presented challenges for physical retail due to the rise of online shopping. However, Zara Home’s decision to open a store in the heart of Lyon demonstrates the continued importance of location in retail success. Rue Grenette is a strategic location, already offering visitors a wide variety of shops.
The shift from considering Action to ultimately selecting Zara Home illustrates a deliberate effort to curate the commercial landscape of the Presqu’île. While Action offers value through low prices, Zara Home aligns with a more upscale aesthetic that is perceived to be a better fit for the area.
This isn’t an isolated move for the Spanish brand. Zara, part of the Inditex group, has been expanding its presence in Lyon. In November 2025, the largest Zara store in the Lyon Metropolis reopened in Confluence after eight months of renovations, further solidifying the brand’s commitment to the region. This expansion demonstrates a broader strategy of strengthening its foothold in key French cities.
The decision to prioritize Zara Home over Action wasn’t simply about financial considerations. As one source explained, it was about typologie de magasins
– the type of store and the image it projects. This suggests a conscious effort to elevate the shopping experience on Rue Grenette and attract a different demographic.
The opening of Zara Home represents more than just a change in tenants; it signifies a strategic repositioning of the commercial landscape in Lyon’s Presqu’île district. It highlights the enduring value of prime retail locations and the importance of brand alignment in a competitive market.
