6 Unique Concept Stores in Paris for Unusual Souvenirs
I've discovered six incredible concept stores in Paris where you'll find souvenirs that go way beyond the typical Eiffel Tower keychain! Check out Merci for sustainable fashion in a historic fabric factory, L'Imprimerie for rare art books, The Broken Arm for fashion-meets-café culture, Centre Commercial for ethical shopping, La Trésorerie for French kitchen essentials, and Tom Greyhound for avant-garde fashion. Each store transforms industrial spaces into curated wonderlands that'll make your souvenir hunt an adventure worth exploring further.
Merci: A Sustainable Fashion and Design Haven
Nestled in the historic Marais district, Merci stands as a revolutionary concept store that transformed a 19th-century fabric factory into a three-story sustainable fashion and design paradise. This iconic destination has redefined retail therapy in Paris since 2009, combining ethical fashion, contemporary design, vintage furniture, and literary café culture into one extraordinary space.
More than just a shopping venue, Merci donates a portion of its profits to educational projects in Madagascar, embodying its namesake spirit of gratitude and giving back. The store's distinctive red Fiat 500, permanently parked at the entrance of its cobblestone courtyard, has become an Instagram sensation and a symbol of Parisian creative culture.
Quick Facts:
- Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00-19:00
- Location: 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris
- Price Range: Mid to high-end (€20-€2000)
- Payment Methods: All major credit cards, cash
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for minimal crowds
- Photography Policy: Allowed throughout the store
- Return Policy: 14 days with receipt
- Shipping: International shipping available
The Ground Floor showcases an ever-changing selection of designer clothing, accessories, and beauty products, carefully curated to reflect sustainable and ethical production practices. The space features both established and emerging designers, with a focus on timeless pieces rather than fast fashion. The adjacent Used Book Café offers a cozy retreat where visitors can browse through thousands of second-hand books while enjoying organic coffee and homemade pastries.
The Second Floor houses Merci's renowned home decoration department, featuring everything from artisanal ceramics to contemporary lighting fixtures. This level is particularly notable for its "Mix & Match" concept, where vintage furniture pieces sit alongside modern designs, encouraging creative interior styling. The store's signature line of household items, including their famous linen collection, can be found here.
The Lower Level is dedicated to a vast collection of stationery, creative supplies, and kitchen essentials. This floor's hidden gem is the "Object Library," where everyday items are elevated to art pieces through thoughtful curation and display. The space frequently hosts workshops and demonstrations by local artisans and designers.
Pro Tips:
Visit during Paris Design Week in September when Merci transforms its spaces into elaborate themed installations that showcase the best of contemporary design. For the best shopping experience, arrive at opening time on weekdays and head straight to the Used Book Café to plan your shopping route over breakfast. The store's lighting is particularly photogenic during late afternoon hours when natural light streams through the building's original industrial windows.
Practical Advice:
While Merci's prices reflect the quality and ethical sourcing of its products, the store offers accessible entry points through its own-brand merchandise, particularly in the stationery and homeware sections. For larger items, take advantage of their efficient international shipping service, which includes careful packaging and insurance. Consider joining their mailing list for advance notice of their popular seasonal sales and special exhibitions.
L'Imprimerie: Art Books and Cultural Curiosities
Nestled in the heart of Le Marais, L'Imprimerie represents the perfect fusion of Paris's artistic heritage and contemporary cultural exploration. This unique concept store, housed in a former printing factory, has transformed into a sanctuary for art book enthusiasts, collectors, and culture seekers, offering an expertly curated selection of limited-edition publications, rare prints, and artistic curiosities.
Beyond its role as a bookstore, L'Imprimerie serves as a cultural hub where the worlds of literature, visual arts, and design intersect. The space regularly hosts exhibitions, book launches, and intimate talks with artists and authors, making it an essential destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in Paris's vibrant creative scene.
Quick Facts:
- Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11:00-19:00
- Price Range: €20-200 for books, €10-500 for prints
- Payment Methods: Credit cards, cash, contactless
- Languages: Staff speaks French and English
- Photography: Allowed without flash
- Special Events: Monthly artist talks and exhibitions
- Shipping: International shipping available
- Location: 4th arrondissement
The Ground Floor Gallery
The main space showcases contemporary art books, photography collections, and limited-edition prints in an industrially inspired setting. Original cast-iron columns and exposed brick walls create an authentic backdrop for the carefully selected merchandise. The staff provides expert guidance on rare editions and can arrange international shipping for larger purchases.
Insider Tip: Visit on Thursday afternoons when new arrivals are typically displayed, and the crowd is minimal.
The Print Room
Located in the basement, this temperature-controlled space houses rare prints and archival materials. Visitors can browse through portfolios of original works while enjoying the quiet, museum-like atmosphere. Appointments are recommended for serious collectors seeking specific pieces.
Insider Tip: The store maintains a "secret" catalog of ultra-rare prints not displayed publicly – ask the staff for access.
The Reading Nook
A dedicated corner featuring comfortable vintage armchairs where visitors can preview books before purchase. The space includes a curated selection of international art magazines and a coffee station serving complimentary espresso.
Insider Tip: The nook's window seat offers excellent natural light for photography between 2-4 PM.
Pro Tips:
To fully experience L'Imprimerie, plan your visit during one of their evening events, typically held on the first Thursday of each month. These gatherings often feature talks by artists or authors, complemented by wine and light refreshments. The store's membership program offers exclusive access to pre-release editions and private viewing sessions of new collections.
Practical Advice:
When planning your visit, consider that the store gets particularly busy during Paris Art Week and Fashion Week. Make advance appointments for specific viewings or collector consultations. The store's proximity to several other cultural destinations in Le Marais makes it an ideal stop on a broader art-focused itinerary. While credit cards are accepted, some limited editions and rare prints may require wire transfer for purchase.
The Broken Arm: Fashion Meets Coffee Culture
The Broken Arm stands as a reflection of Paris's evolving retail landscape, where traditional commerce boundaries blur into multifaceted cultural experiences. This concept store in the trendy Marais district has revolutionized the shopping experience by seamlessly combining high-end fashion retail with specialty coffee culture, creating an environment where style-conscious visitors can browse curated designer collections while enjoying some of the city's finest coffee.
Established in 2013 by three fashion industry veterans, The Broken Arm has become a destination for those seeking both sartorial inspiration and culinary satisfaction. The space offers a thoughtfully curated selection of emerging and established designers, while its adjoining café serves as a gathering spot for Paris's creative community, making it more than just a shop – it's a lifestyle destination.
Quick Facts:
- Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11:00-19:00 (café opens at 9:00)
- Price Range: High-end fashion (€150-€1000+), Café items (€4-€20)
- Payment Methods: Major credit cards, Apple Pay
- Location: 12 Rue Perrée, 75003 Paris
- Atmosphere: Modern minimalist, bright and airy
- Languages: Staff speaks French and English
- Café Seating: Limited (approximately 20 seats)
Store Experience:
The retail space spans two floors of carefully curated fashion pieces from designers like Comme des Garçons, Nike collaborations, and emerging international brands. The minimalist interior design, featuring clean lines and natural light, creates the perfect backdrop for the colorful and avant-garde selections. Insider tip: Visit on Tuesday mornings when new merchandise arrives and the café is less crowded.
Café Experience:
The café offers seasonal menus featuring local ingredients and exceptional coffee sourced from leading European roasters. The lunch menu changes weekly, offering creative dishes that match the store's sophisticated aesthetic. Lesser-known fact: The café's baristas undergo extensive training with specialty coffee experts from Scandinavia.
Pro Tips:
Time your visit between 15:00-17:00 to avoid the lunch rush and enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience. The store's selection is most extensive at the beginning of each season, typically September and March. For the best café experience, grab a window seat in the morning to watch the fashionable Marais crowd while enjoying their signature breakfast dishes.
Practical Advice:
Due to the store's popularity among fashion industry insiders and limited café seating, consider making a café reservation during peak hours (12:00-14:00). While the price points are high, the store's unique curation makes it worth visiting even just for inspiration. Remember that the French lunch hour (12:00-14:00) can be particularly busy, so plan your shopping accordingly if you prefer a more personalized experience with the staff.
Centre Commercial: Ethical Shopping With Style
Ethical Fashion Meets Parisian Chic
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Centre Commercial stands as a pioneering concept store in Paris's trendy 10th arrondissement, revolutionizing the way fashion-conscious consumers approach sustainable shopping. Founded by the team behind ethical sneaker brand Veja, this thoughtfully curated space combines high-end fashion with environmental responsibility and social consciousness.
Housed in a beautifully restored industrial building, the store offers a carefully selected range of environmentally responsible clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products from both established and emerging designers. The space itself serves as a demonstration of sustainable design, featuring recycled materials and energy-efficient systems while maintaining the elegant aesthetic that Paris is known for.
Quick Facts:
- Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11:00-19:30, Sunday 14:00-19:00
- Price Range: Mid to high-end (€50-€500)
- Payment Methods: Major credit cards, Apple Pay, cash
- Languages: Staff speaks French and English
- Returns Policy: 14 days with receipt
- Shipping: International shipping available
- Location: 2 Rue de Marseille, 75010 Paris
Main Shopping Experience:
Centre Commercial's two-story space presents a minimalist yet welcoming environment where each item tells its own sustainability story. The ground floor showcases contemporary fashion pieces, including their signature Veja sneakers, while the upper level houses home goods and lifestyle products. Every brand carried must meet strict ethical and environmental standards, with detailed information about manufacturing processes and material sources readily available.
Unique Features:
The store regularly hosts workshops and talks focused on sustainable fashion and conscious consumption. A dedicated area displays rotating exhibitions by local artists and craftspeople who share the store's environmental values. The knowledgeable staff can provide detailed information about each product's origin and impact.
Pro Tips:
Visit during weekday mornings for the most relaxed shopping experience and personal attention from staff. The store receives new merchandise on Thursdays, making this the ideal day to discover fresh arrivals. Consider joining their mailing list for exclusive access to limited edition collaborations and early notice of sales events.
Practical Advice:
While prices may be higher than fast fashion alternatives, each piece represents an investment in both quality and sustainability. The store offers a repair service for purchased items, extending their lifespan and reducing waste. For the best experience, allocate at least an hour to explore the full range and engage with the knowledgeable staff about their sustainable fashion initiatives.
La Trésorerie: French Home Goods and Kitchen Essentials
Unique Concept Stores in Paris: La Trésorerie
French Home Goods and Kitchen Essentials
Nestled in the vibrant 10th arrondissement, La Trésorerie stands as a proof of French craftsmanship and sustainable living. This meticulously curated concept store occupies a former 19th-century treasury building, transforming the historic space into a haven for homeware enthusiasts seeking authentic French household items and kitchen essentials.
Beyond its carefully selected merchandise, La Trésorerie embodies the French philosophy of "art de vivre" – the art of living well. The store's collection emphasizes durability, functionality, and timeless design, featuring everything from hand-forged knives and copper cookware to artisanal cleaning products and traditional textile goods, all sourced primarily from French and European craftsmen.
Quick Facts:
- Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11:00-19:30
- Price Range: €5-€500
- Payment Methods: Major credit cards, cash
- Languages: Staff speaks French and English
- Returns Policy: 14 days with receipt
- Shipping: International shipping available
- Location: 11 Rue du Château d'Eau, 75010 Paris
- Metro: République or Jacques Bonsergent
Store Sections:
Kitchen Collection
The heart of La Trésorerie features professional-grade cookware, including copper pots from Mauviel, traditional wooden utensils, and ceramic dishware. The selection emphasizes items that improve with age and use, reflecting the French approach to building a lifetime kitchen collection. Insider tip: Ask about the store's knife-sharpening service, available monthly for customers.
Household Essentials
The cleaning and maintenance section showcases eco-friendly alternatives to conventional products, including biodegradable cleaning supplies, natural fiber brushes, and traditional French cleaning tools. Most items come with minimal packaging and are refillable, supporting the store's commitment to sustainability.
Textile Department
Traditional linens, including kitchen towels, tablecloths, and bedding, are sourced from historic French manufacturers. The store offers custom sizing for tablecloths and carries exclusive patterns not found elsewhere. Insider tip: Visit during January and July sales for significant discounts on high-end linens.
Pro Tips:
Visit during weekday mornings for the most relaxed shopping experience and best access to knowledgeable staff. The store's busiest times are Saturday afternoons and during the holiday season. Consider joining their mailing list for advance notice of special demonstrations and workshops, which often feature artisans showcasing traditional crafting techniques or cooking demonstrations using store products.
Practical Advice:
While prices at La Trésorerie may be higher than at conventional housewares stores, the quality and longevity of their products offer better value over time. For larger items or multiple purchases, the store offers delivery services within Paris. International visitors should inquire about VAT refund procedures for purchases over €175.
Tom Greyhound: Avant-Garde Fashion and Accessories
Unique Concept Stores in Paris: Tom Greyhound
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Tom Greyhound stands as a beacon of avant-garde fashion in Paris's vibrant Marais district, offering a carefully curated selection of contemporary designers and emerging talents. This Korean-owned concept store has revolutionized the Parisian fashion landscape since its 2014 opening, bringing together established luxury brands and cutting-edge newcomers in a striking minimalist space.
Housed in a converted 19th-century building, the store's industrial-chic interior serves as the perfect backdrop for its forward-thinking fashion offerings. With three floors of meticulously arranged clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products, Tom Greyhound has earned its reputation as a must-visit destination for fashion enthusiasts seeking unique pieces that transcend traditional retail boundaries.
Quick Facts:
- Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11:00-19:30, Sunday 14:00-19:00
- Price Range: €150-€2,000+ for clothing items
- Payment Methods: All major credit cards, mobile payments
- Languages: Staff speaks English, French, and Korean
- Returns Policy: 14 days with receipt
- Shipping: International shipping available
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for personalized attention
The Ground Floor focuses on accessories and smaller items, featuring an impressive array of sunglasses, jewelry, and bags from brands like Maison Margiela and Jacquemus. The industrial concrete floors and stark white walls create an art gallery-like atmosphere that encourages discovery. Insider tip: The store often receives limited-edition collaborations that aren't advertised online – ask staff about upcoming releases.
The First Floor houses the men's collection, with a mix of established designers like Rick Owens and emerging Korean brands rarely found elsewhere in Paris. The space features floating racks and minimalist displays that allow each piece to stand as its own artistic statement. The store's buying team travels globally to source unique pieces, ensuring an ever-evolving selection.
The Second Floor showcases women's wear, with an emphasis on architectural silhouettes and innovative textiles. The natural light flooding through large windows provides the perfect environment for examining the detailed craftsmanship of pieces from designers like Comme des Garçons and Acne Studios.
Pro Tips:
Visit during Paris Fashion Week to catch exclusive pop-up installations and meet designers in person. The store's team often organizes private shopping sessions for serious collectors – inquire about appointment booking at least two weeks in advance. For the best selection of seasonal items, visit within the first two weeks of new collections arriving (typically February and September).
Practical Advice:
While Tom Greyhound welcomes browsers, the high-end nature of the store means security is tight and photographs are restricted in certain areas. It's recommended to dress smartly and make use of the store's personal shopping service if you're seeking specific pieces. The store can arrange local hotel delivery for larger purchases, and their tax-free shopping service is particularly efficient for international visitors.