Department Stores In The World Capital Of Shopping

Categories : Fashion and Shopping, published on : 9/14/14

As we move towards autumn and the Christmas period the world famous department stores of Paris offer an essential retail therapy experience for the discerning shopper. Combining impressive architecture, superb presentation and some of the world’s most iconic brands, they are not to be missed. To tempt you into a shopping trip to Paris, The Chess Hotel presents a few recommendations.

Paris Has The World’s Finest Department Stores

The Grands Magasins of Paris have acquired a worldwide reputation. The most renowned are Galeries Lafayette and Printemps on the boulevard Haussmann, either of which should be visited for the outstanding architecture and special ambience even if you intend to do no shopping! Printemps opened in 1868 and set the tone for a more refined shopping experience. The elaborate Art Deco cupola over the main restaurant and the building’s façade are registered national monuments. Here can be found 44,000 square metres devoted to luxury goods, fashion, glamour and home wares including hundreds of exclusive brands.

Not far away is Galeries Lafayette, with its unique Belle Epoque architecture, a stunning glass dome and an ornate Art Nouveau stairway. Since 1893 it’s been an essential stop for followers of fashion, offering cutting edge designer collections. Don’t miss the middle-eastern bazaar styled Lafayette Gourmet food hall or the free fashion shows held every Friday.

Although the aforementioned are the most renowned Parisian department stores, honourable mentions must be given to a couple more. Le Bon Marché is the city’s oldest department store, dating from 1848, and boasts luxury boutiques on the ground floor, including Chanel and Dior. BHV is best known for its wide ranging home and hardware sections, but also offers fashion, beauty, accessories, crafts, books and wines.

******