P-THREE goes to Paris…

Paris has always been a hub for fashion, art, and culture, drawing in millions of visitors each year who are eager to explore the eclectic retail scene. This perspectives article will explore P-THREE's unique perspective on the retail landscape in Paris following our study trip there earlier this month, focusing on key themes such as the power of art, greening the city, foodhalls, and the changing face of retail. So, let's dive in and discover what makes Paris such a vibrant and dynamic city for shoppers and retailers alike.

The combination of art, greenery, innovative foodhalls, and a diverse retail landscape contributes to the unique charm and allure of Paris. The city's commitment to incorporating art into its urban fabric creates visually captivating experiences for residents and visitors alike.

The Power of Art

One of the striking features of Paris is the transformative power of art throughout the city. Whether it's through activating store fronts, creating murals, or displaying art figures, buildings are brought to life in vibrant and captivating ways. One prime example of this is the Louis Vuitton stores, whereby the artistic displays attract long queues of people outside their stores. The combination of theatre, art, and fashion is truly amazing. The LVMH shopfront with Yayoi Kusama, featuring a massive statue and interactive window display on the Champs-Elysées, is a testament to the seamless blend of art and fashion. In Place d'Italie in the 13th arrondissment, art plays a significant role in adding vibrancy and personality to the area. Wall art draws people in and contributes to creating a sense of community and there are different street art walking tours here which allowing people to fully immerse themselves in the neighbourhood.

Greening the City

Paris demonstrates the importance of incorporating green spaces in city centre regeneration projects to become a focal point for community engagement. The Clichy area, centred around a beautiful green park, exemplifies this approach. Despite its relatively close proximity to the central Paris hub, it offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The presence of allotments, community spaces, children's playgrounds, and fitness classes fosters a sense of well-being and a safe environment for residents and visitors alike.

The abundance of green spaces in Paris adds to its allure as a shopping destination as exemplified in locations like Bercy Village which is full of greenery and is located adjacent to a beautiful park. Even on the bustling Champs-Elysées it is surrounded by parks, trees, and planting, creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. Wide pavements and a soothing ambiance create an ideal backdrop for a day of shopping and exploration.

Foodhalls

One of the greatest examples of a successful foodhall in Paris is that of Station F - Le Felicita by Big Mamma. The foodhall attracts a diverse audience from across the city with people wanting to try new ventures. Its vibrant atmosphere and distinctive architecture make it a destination in itself. That being said, Paris feels notably behind London when it comes to the sheer number of foodhalls and so I think we could expect to see more foodhalls popping up across the city in the coming years.

Retail

In terms of mainstream fashion brands, Paris and London share similarities, featuring popular stores like H&M, Sephora, and Zara. Paris does have a stronger emphasis on high-end luxury retailers, exemplified by the opening of Jacquemus' flagship boutique on Avenue Montaigne whereas London seems to offer a wider variety and choice, with destinations like Carnaby Street and Camden providing unique and eclectic shopping experiences. Furthermore, Ingka have bought the 850,000 sq ft shopping centre Italie Deux where they will put an IKEA store and create one of their modern urban meeting places. This will allow them to be closer to their consumer, a trend they have recently adopted in London with the opening of their Hammersmith store.

While large department stores are becoming less prevalent on London's Oxford Street, Paris continues to embrace them. Le Bon Marche, Galeries Lafayette, and La Samaritane are prominent examples, showcasing stunning architecture inside. Interestingly, similar to the trend in London, some of these department stores are diversifying their offerings. Galeries Lafayette, has dedicated a significant area to the Wellness Galerie, providing personalised services focused on sport, self-care, and wellness. This trend is likely to become more common in major cities worldwide.

Final thoughts…

The combination of art, greenery, innovative foodhalls, and a diverse retail landscape contributes to the unique charm and allure of Paris. The city's commitment to incorporating art into its urban fabric creates visually captivating experiences for residents and visitors alike. The abundance of green spaces and parks provides a welcome respite from the bustling city life. The emergence of vibrant foodhalls and the evolution of department stores demonstrate the dynamic nature of Paris's retail scene.

Article by Michaella Moreton, P-THREE