Merci (Paris, France)

Main entrance in the courtyard.

There aren't a lot of ways to shop guilt-free these days. Items on offer can either be overpriced, badly produced, linked to dubious labor practices or just so trendy, you'll never wear them beyond a season. The answer to all this could be vintage shopping. Or better yet: going to a charity store. Even if whatever you buy ends up at the back of your closet, at least you'll know your money went towards a good cause. The only problem with this (at least in my case), is that charity stores aren't as wide-spread in mainland Europe. I've always admired the UK for having an Oxfam, Salvation Army or Red Cross in every city or town, stocking everything from boots to porcelain cups. France? Forget it... at least until recently.

Entrance to the flower shop.

Merci is a very unique way of saying 'thank you', at least when it comes to this store which opened its doors in March. Because the French like doing things on a grander scale, Merci isn't just your average tiny little charity shop in a backstreet. It's a luxury concept store, over 1500 m² (approx. 16 145 sq.ft) large that sells you anything you could possibly need, whether it's a book or a roll of yarn. The founders Marie-France and Bernard Cohen (who also created, then sold the luxury children's wear label Bonpoint) have gotten in touch with designers, artists, musicians, actors, stylists, authors and famous friends who have kindly donated items from their own collections or crafted special pieces to be sold there exclusively.

Cafe/library entrance.

Some pieces are vintage, while others are brand new and either come from current collections or have been designed just for the store. The thing you need to know is that designers who are offering their goods on sale here are foregoing their profits, so all the brand new items will cost you around 30% less than the normal sale price. In turn Merci will donate 100% of their profits from goods sold to a foundation benefiting impoverished children in Madagascar, one of the poorest regions in the world and a cause close to the heart of Madame Cohen, who has traveled there several times. Her goal is to give young children (especially girls) the chance of an education so that they can one day have a career.

Courtyard decorations included greenery with bird cages (left) and a red Fiat (right).

What's even more amazing is that during the sale season (which thankfully ended yesterday), Merci slashed their prices even further. So in addition to getting already cheaper items for an almost wholesale price, you got another 30-50% off. Regardless of how much the stuff costs though, Merci is worth a visit, just for the store alone. Tucked away in a back yard, you won't immediately detect the main entrance, but instead see two different storefronts: one for the cafe and the other for the flower shop. Between these two, you'll find a gate that leads to an inner courtyard, where Merci has placed the first vintage item: a red Fiat Cinquecento, occasionally loaded with goods but currently only covered in green foliage. I'm pretty sure this item isn't for sale though.

Overview of the ground floor (left) and skylight (right).

Smaller home decor items (left) and eco-friendly plates (right).

Recycled bags and flower pots (left), some interesting mugs (right).

The first time I walked into this converted factory, I was stunned by how bright and airy it was. The biggest source of natural daylight is the big skylight in the main area, while palm trees and other plants give the impression you could be in a greenhouse rather than a retail space. It's also the least cramped place I've ever shopped in and the numerous staff members are probably one of the friendliest you'll come across in this city. The front area of the ground floor sold mainly smaller home decor and other items such as vases, pots, barbecue grills and a large selection of eco-friendly disposable wooden cutlery and plates. I found a few recycled bags and purses, but the biggest draw is probably the section towards the left.

Annick Goutal perfume section (top and lower left) and the neon lit room (right).

Cohen, who's late sister happened to be Annick Goutal, managed to get the company to donate several scents which are on offer. Instead of selling them in the usual fancy flasks, they are sold in simple glass bottles, though consumers are urged to bring their own containers which can be filled with their favorite perfume. The benefit is that you'll save 40% off the store price. Another great deal.

Jewelry housed in cabinets and glass domes (top image: farawaytrends.com).

I was also fascinated by the fine jewelry, which was housed in various glass cases, some of them resembling displays of art. There was also an area filled with purple neon light, currently shut off, but I was told this section usually displays clothing.

The vintage clothes section.

Heading towards the right side of this floor, you end up in another large room. The first thing I saw was a small collection of vintage pieces under a staircase, mainly formal wear including robes from Dior or YSL, though one rack also held some casual pieces such as vintage Levis or Adidas. Shoes were placed neatly on the ground, with bags and belts displayed on a rack nearby.

The designer section.

Some interesting wall decorations along the stairwell.

The main clothing area is where you'll find the majority of the (new) designer pieces, including Stella McCartney, Isabel Marant, Barbara Bui, Azzaro, Acne, Jerome Dreyfuss and many more who are waiving their profits for a good cause. Some of these are exclusive store-only items, such as the famous YSL safari jackets, which have been reissued in khaki and white. There was also an impressive selection of menswear, and the old-school couches, vintage furniture and other memorabilia made it a fun place to browse.

Menswear (lower image: commeuncamion.com).

The upper level contained mainly furniture, as well as some stationary, a haberdashery corner and a room for children's wear.

Furniture on the upper level (left), along with some beautiful art (right).

Fell in love with this two-seater (left) and more furniture (right).

Overview of the remaining upper level area (left) and stationary + suitcases (right).

The haberdashery section (left) with a nice selection of colorful buttons (right).

The children's section with a very cute elephant (left). View of the ground floor from above (right).

The first few times I came here, I never realized there was a lower level as well. This is the place to come if you need household and kitchen items, whether it's a broom, a few light bulbs or a salad bowl. Towards the back you'll find the restaurant, with a wonderful view of the back garden.

Lower level kitchenware (left) and cantine (right).

But the most cosy place to sit and have a drink or snack is probably the library on the ground floor, which has been designed to resemble an old-fashioned literary cafe. Entire walls are covered in second-hand books, with prices ranging from 3-10 EUR. Tables and chairs can be found in the main area, surrounded by more books, a perfect place to dive into a novel and enjoy a hot cup of coffee.

The library (left) leading into the cafe (right).

And finally, if you suddenly feel the urge to recreate the look of Merci's interiors, but can't redecorate your entire apartment or house just yet, head over to the flower department, where you'll find everything from potted plants to impressive floral arrangements courtesy of the very talented florist.

The area on the left leads right into the flower shop.

Throughout the store, you'll find 'merci' printed on the wall, under which several names or companies are listed, a way for the owners to thank those who have provided the goods on sale. If you haven't noticed by now, this is the ultimate place to do some guilt-free shopping. My friend V. is currently in town for a visit and this is the first place I dragged her to. Some might be suspicious of the fact that a charity store could be so big, clean and design-oriented, but to be honest, it's probably a smart move to get people to shop here in the first place. A small dingy shop, that's cramped full of stuff is less likely to get this much attention or a lot of visitors, so I say: a brilliant idea and merci beaucoup!

Address: 111 boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sat: 10:00-19:00
Merci Homepage