A New Retail Concept: Paris’ Merci

There’s a new concept store that opened in Paris recently - the likes of which we haven’t seen since Colette – the fashionable luxury goods concept store known for bringing together the most cutting edge design, décor and fashion, as well as its high-tech cafe that offers over 100 different brands of mineral water, all presented with a healthy dash of humor and whimsy.
 
It’s called Merci and is located Paris’ hip le Marais district, known for its bustling boutique and café culture vibe. Brainchild of Bonpoint founder Marie-France Cohen, Merci is housed in a former factory and the facade gives no idea of what lies within. It borrows a concept from its department store relatives, whereby patrons can easily spend a morning or afternoon here, having coffee in its library of second-hand books, and then move onto its retail floors that stock an eclectic mix of designer pieces (from Stella McCartney to Yves Saint Laurent) alongside vintage and bespoke creations, as well as perfume, discounted Annick Goutal fragrances, home décor, fabrics, buttons, beads, and a flower shop. One’s afternoon can include lunch in the Cantine and a gelato overlooking a beautiful courtyard. The prevailing aesthetic is simple and functional and nothing is too terribly pricey.

However, the twist of this concept store is that the profits go to a children’s charity in Madagascar. It’s a luxury charity boutique. And the owner and consumers aren’t the only ones contributing: numerous designers donate their product and are acknowledged in a clever way: the word “Merci” is painted on the wall next to their contributions. Merci is definitely a store for the times, linking fashion with philanthropic ideals - feel good shopping if you will - with one important caveat: in these kinder, gentler, “post meltdown” times, it is so very important to get the service aspect right, that’s in alignment with its altruistic intentions – and their manner is somewhat “pre meltdown”.

By: Karen Weiner Escalera