Merci.
That’s “thank you” in French — pronounced mer-see. Isn’t it such a soft, soothing, wonderful sound to express gratitude? And Merci is precisely what this post is all about.
Described as “Paris’ latest shopping sensation” by Time Out, this three-storey artistic concept by Bernard Cohen and Marie-France Cohen is housed in a 19th-century fabric factory at 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, in the historic Haut Marais district.
They sell clothes, they sell food, they sell beauty products, they sell homeware — but more than that, they offer an unprecedented concept: one that creates opportunities for young creative talents while supporting humanitarian development in Africa.
In 2009, the shop opened its doors as a way of saying “merci” to life. In a gesture both meaningful and pragmatic, it provides a platform for emerging designers, while profits are channelled into an endowment fund supporting educational and development projects in south-west Madagascar.
The enduring ethos of Merci is to offer something for everyone — whether “small budgets or large projects”, “young or not so young”, “local or international”. The aim is for every visitor to feel comfortable, understood and welcome. At the same time, the store operates with an ever-changing theme that “works like a magazine”, reflecting contemporary trends and social movements through the eyes of talented designers. As a result, within this 150-year-old space, nothing feels outdated — quite the opposite.
There are two ways to enter Merci. One is through the Used Book Café, which houses more than 10,000 books, where you are greeted by the rich scent of coffee and quietly ignored by studious patrons lost between pages. The other is through the main entrance, which leads into a courtyard bathed in light, filled with manicured greenery, glass façades, and a striking red vintage car.
Can’t decide which to choose? Don’t. Take a detour and try both — just as I did.
At the front, there is a large display of a bed piled high with pillows, surrounded by hanging crafts that create the illusion of floating clouds.
Venture further in and you’ll find scarves and clothing, nail polish and shoes. Fashionistas, please try to remain calm.
At the bottom floor, there’s Merci Canteen that offers fresh, healthy lunch next to a small lush green garden.
Turn around, or climb two floors up, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a vast array of homeware and shabby-chic furniture.
What a design for a matchbox!
^ I rather want to order all of these and place them in my imaginary country home.
Sometimes the simplest designs are the most calming for a tired, cluttered mind. Don’t you agree?
Walk to the other side of the floor and you’ll find cheerful haberdashery and bedsheets.
^ Sadly, this doll was not for sale.
I fell in love with the space at Merci — its confidence in nurturing fledgling creativity, its celebration of art, and the way it gives back to the community. From tassel-like candles to organic cushions, travel notebooks to pouches, sandals and clothing, everything seemed to conjure little scenes in my mind — “Ah, this would look perfect in that corner of my home!” “Oh yes, I could wear this to afternoon tea!” “I need this for my travels!” — until you begin to realise they are not excuses, but reasons, because the pieces feel so full of story, and the purpose behind them so compelling.
So, go on — click away, ladies.
It’s not shopping, it’s charity.
With love x