Private car service from Orly airport to Bon marché shopping mall

History and exploration of the illustrious Bon marché shopping mall in Paris

The renowned “Bon marché” sits elegantly on the left bank of the Seine, in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. Located at 24 rue de Sèvres, at the confluence of rue Babylone and rue du Bac, it occupies a magnificent building designed by the legendary Gustave Eiffel in the late nineteenth century. The “Bon marché” spans over 50,000 m2, representing a luxurious commercial haven attended by several thousand dedicated employees eager to serve a discerning clientele. Originally conceived in 1838 by the Videau brothers as an upscale boutique for haberdashery, its strategic location and exceptional merchandise quickly attracted a loyal clientele. Just 14 years later, Aristide Boucicaut, an entrepreneur with a keen understanding of the commerce landscape, joined the Videau brothers, introducing transformative marketing strategies with the help of his wife. Their innovations included allowing unrestricted access to the shop, strategically displaying products, offering transparent pricing, maintaining minimal profit margins, and ensuring an easy return policy. Moreover, they valued the pivotal role of salespeople, motivating them with commissions. This comprehensive revamp of the marketing approach also included groundbreaking initiatives like advertising campaigns, seasonal sales, and more. By 1863, with the departure of the Videau brothers, the enterprising Boucicaut couple assumed full control of the “Bon marché”, which by then had grown exponentially to occupy 300 m2 and boast a turnover of 500,000 Francs. Aristide’s untimely death in 1877 left his resilient wife, Margaret Bouticaut, at the helm. Under her stewardship, and in line with their joint vision, the commercial space underwent a significant expansion. The couple had enlisted acclaimed architects Alexandre Laplanche and Louies-Charles Boileau and trusted engineers like Armand Moisant and Gustave Eiffel. Margaret, with remarkable tenacity, saw the project through, magnifying the area to a staggering 50,000 m2 and boosting staff numbers from a mere 12 to a robust 1788. The store’s revenues surged, reaching an impressive 72 million francs. Subsequent years saw the erection of an additional building between 1911 and 1913, primarily to accommodate the Grande Epicerie, which aimed to offer premium food products. In 1984, the esteemed LVMH Moet Hennessy Group – Louis Vuitton acquired the business, further cementing the “Bon marché” as a benchmark for luxury goods on the left bank. For tourists and locals alike, a visit to the “Bon marché” offers an unparalleled shopping experience, with a vast array of luxury items that cater to diverse tastes.