Identity
Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche was the first department store in the world. It opened in 1852 in Paris at the instigation of Aristide Boucicaut and his wife Marguerite. They were both in favor of “a new kind of store that would thrill all the senses”. Combining unconventionality and elegance, this unique space designed by the architect Louis-Charles Boileau and the engineer Gustave Eiffel displayed a singular style influenced by the creative vitality of Paris’s Rive Gauche. Original creations and limited editions stood alongside a selection of the most beautiful objects from all over the world. Women’s, men’s and children’s fashion, accessories, tableware and design, but also cultural exhibitions, furniture collections and contemporary works of art filled the space and generated surprise. Here, as in the beginning, discovery and amazement are the foundations of a way of life that transforms shopping into an art de vivre.
Chargement...
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When they became owners of Le Bon Marché in 1852, Aristide and Marguerite Boucicaut instigated an extraordinary period of change at the department store. The couple tested commercial methods based on a subtle understanding of customer behavior. At the same time they strove to improve the living and working conditions of their employees.
Insights
” Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche, Paris’s landmark department store, continues to uphold its pioneering position. It pays very particular attention to the selection and display of a unique and often exclusive array of brands and products that delights our discerning clientele, be they Parisian or cosmopolitan.”
Inspiration
A patron of the arts, the department store, located at 24 rue de Sèvres, is also an exhibition space where talent, curiosity, a love of beauty and a taste for discovery create a constant dialog. Bringing art to Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche gives clients a unique experience. With over 80 pieces, the collection of contemporary art and furniture of the 20th and 21st centuries created by established and emerging artists is exhibited throughout the store. This collection offers the chance to enjoy an aesthetic and educational journey to the heart of contemporary creation. This approach – unique among department stores – is testament to Le Bon Marché’s desire to combine emotion and amazement in one exceptional space.
The new e-commerce experience
Inspired by the name of the physical location of Le Bon Marché, 24 Sèvres is the online address bringing the essence of Le Bon Marché’s shopping experience to customers worldwide. Bringing together the most respected fashion and beauty names at one address, 24 Sèvres offers the most desirable pieces from renowned maisons and highly coveted emerging designers. Beyond a highly curated selection, 24 Sèvres provides an unparalleled visual experience and accompanies the customer in her discovery of products and trends, bringing an intellectual twist to fashion.
Outlook
In 2012 Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche embarked on an incredible interior renovation project, thus reaffirming its resolute choices: a refined selection of brands and the creation of new tailor-made spaces. In the main building, the watches, accessories and men’s fashion departments, as well as the La Grande Epicerie wine cellar, were transformed. In the secondary building, La Grande Épicerie de Paris now welcomes visitors in an entirely revamped space. Thanks to a double escalator that echoes the one in the main store, visitors can access a new space dedicated to the home that has been conceived as a ‘Parisian loft’ filled with light. In 2015, Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche will open its new shoe department and begin the redesign of its ladies’ fashion department.
- 30,000 sqm of commercial space divided between two buildings
- 1,800 people work at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche
- 15,000 customers per day
As an expert and enthusiast in the field of department stores, particularly Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand expertise to shed light on the concepts mentioned in the provided article.
1. Historical Significance and Innovation: Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche, established in 1852 in Paris, holds the distinction of being the world's first department store. Founded by Aristide Boucicaut and Marguerite, the couple envisioned a revolutionary shopping experience that would "thrill all the senses." This visionary concept marked a departure from traditional retail practices, combining unconventionality and elegance in a space designed by notable figures like Louis-Charles Boileau and Gustave Eiffel.
2. Commercial Innovation and Employee Welfare: The Boucicauts introduced groundbreaking commercial methods at Le Bon Marché, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of customer behavior. Simultaneously, they were pioneers in improving the living and working conditions of their employees, showcasing a commitment to both commerce and social responsibility.
3. Diverse Product Offerings: Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche became a haven for original creations, limited editions, and exquisite objects from around the world. The store's diverse offerings included women’s, men’s, and children’s fashion, accessories, tableware, design, cultural exhibitions, furniture collections, and contemporary works of art. This eclectic mix aimed to generate surprise and foster an environment where shopping transcended into an "art de vivre."
4. Artistic Patronage and Exhibition Space: Positioning itself as more than just a retail space, Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche emerged as a patron of the arts. The department store, located at 24 rue de Sèvres, doubled as an exhibition space with a collection of over 80 pieces of contemporary art and furniture from the 20th and 21st centuries. This unique approach transformed the shopping experience into an aesthetic and educational journey.
5. Online Extension - 24 Sèvres: In line with modern trends, Le Bon Marché extended its reach globally through an online platform named 24 Sèvres. This e-commerce venture aimed to bring the essence of Le Bon Marché’s physical shopping experience to customers worldwide. 24 Sèvres offered a curated selection of fashion and beauty products, providing a visually immersive and intellectually engaging online shopping experience.
6. Continuous Renovation and Expansion: Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche embarked on a significant interior renovation project in 2012, reaffirming its commitment to refined brand selection and tailor-made spaces. The renovation covered key departments like watches, accessories, men’s fashion, and the wine cellar. The secondary building, La Grande Épicerie de Paris, underwent a complete transformation. Further developments included a new shoe department in 2015 and the ongoing redesign of the ladies’ fashion department. The store occupies a vast commercial space of 30,000 sqm across two buildings, employing 1,800 people and serving around 15,000 customers daily. This commitment to continuous improvement reflects Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche's dedication to providing an exceptional and evolving shopping experience.
