And so we arrive to the final post about my recent trip to Paris for the Design Week. As mentioned in one of my previous posts, today I’d like to tell you about my visit to Merci, a wonderful concept store in Le Marais. Chances are you’ve already seen a million photos from Merci, particularly of the iconic red Fiat in the courtyard which you can probably recognise in a heart beat even if you’ve never been there. Or was that just me?

There is definitely no shortage of crazy love and articles written about this retail gem. So who am I to resist, right? Exactly! In fact, if you’ve ever consulted to any kind of Paris design guide, it is more than likely Merci was top of the list of places to visit. And there is a number of very good reason for this.

 

 

Merci opened it’s doors in 2009 by Marie-France and Bernard Cohen (who previously created a hugely successful children’s clothing brand Bonpoint). Apart from the lovely three-storey retail space full to the brim with charming products ranging from stationery, perfumes, clothing, furniture and home-wares, the store has a beating heart and a wonderful story behind it – all profits from the sales are donated to a charity which looks after socially disadvantaged children in Madagascar. Many of the new and vintage pieces for sale were donated by designers (think Isabel Marant, Stella McCartney, YSL etc.) also willing to wave their profits for a good cause.

 

 

In addition to the retail space, Merci is also the home to a restaurant and used books cafe (photos below) – a great place to get a salad or a fresh meal which will be a welcome change from the crazy super-rich French food dripping with butter. Don’t get me wrong – I friggin’ looooove butter, but the French seriously take the piss and after a while all I want to do is curl up, admit defeat and treat my poor belly to some lighter food.

Anyway, what I’m trying to say is this – if you’re ever in Paris, just visit this place, ok? You won’t regret it.

 

 

Address: 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris

Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm Monday to Saturday. Closed on Sundays.


[All images © yellowtrace.]



About The Author

Founder & Editor

With a disarming blend of authority and approachability, Dana is a former refugee-turned-global design visionary. Through her multi-faceted work as a creative director, keynote speaker, editor, curator, interior designer and digital publisher, Dana empowers others to appreciate and engage with design in transformative ways, making the sometimes intimidating world of design accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject. Dana's been catapulted to the status of a stalwart global influencer, with recognition from industry heavyweights such as AD Germany, Vogue Living, Elle Décor Italia and Danish RUM Interiør Design, who have named as one of the Top True Global Influencers of the Design World and counted her among the most visionary female creatives on the planet. Her TEDx talk—"Design Can Change the Way You See the World"— will challenge and transform your understanding of design's omnipresent and profound influence. Through her vast experience in interiors, architecture and design, Dana challenges the prevailing rapid image culture, highlighting the importance of originality, sustainability, connecting with your values and learning to "see" design beyond the aesthetic.

5 Responses

  1. Sarah-Jane

    Only my favourite store in Paris! Even though I agree with you about the awesome salads for lunch, I had the best buttery bread and soft boiled eggs in the upstairs cafe there. If only I had more room in the suitcase for the linen, seriously.

    Reply
  2. Melafrique

    Visited this little gem yesterday and i was not disappointed. Loved every inch of it .

    Reply
  3. INTERIOR JUNKIE » Hotspot: Merci

    […] Beeld 1 via Apartment Therapy. Beeld 2 via April and May Studio. Beeld 3 via Pinecone Camp. Beeld 4 via Cate St.Hill. Beeld 5 via Mots d’amour. Beeld 6 via Vosges Paris. Beeld 7 via Latte Lisa. Beeld 8 via Mots d’amour. Beeld 9 via The Kertz on Fashion. Beeld 10 en 11 via Yellow Trace. […]

    Reply
  4. Hotspot: Merci - INTERIOR JUNKIE

    […] Beeld 1 via Apartment Therapy. Beeld 2 via April and May Studio. Beeld 3 via Pinecone Camp. Beeld 4 via Cate St.Hill. Beeld 5 via Mots d’amour. Beeld 6 via Vosges Paris. Beeld 7 via Latte Lisa. Beeld 8 via Mots d’amour. Beeld 9 via The Kertz on Fashion. Beeld 10 en 11 via Yellow Trace. […]

    Reply

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