Colette & Merci

Location: Paris, 213, Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001     

Mon - Sat: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sun: CLOSED      www.colette.fr

 

Images from http://jetsettimes.com/2012/09/11/interview-with-colette-paris-a-constant-movement-and-energy-in-style-design-art-and-food/

 

Colette Paris is a "brick and click" clothing and accessory retailer, the store includes an exhibition space, bookshop, and "water bar". It caters to both female and male consumers, online shopping is also available. Colette offer a wide range hip merchandizes, from toys to magazines, cosmetics to food, furniture to apparels, they have everything, and this is what makes Colette a unique business.

 

Much like Colette, Merci seem to have everything in their store, from bars to lounges, retailing many products like bed linens, furniture, books, clothes and stationaries. Their business model is build around having everything, focusing on bringing large quantity and choices for their consumers. At the same time, targeting a much wider range of audience. In addition this retailing, Merci also provide a platform for young and new designers to build up their clientele and gain experience. There are funds granted to Merci to support the process of education for the designers as well.



Images from https://openhousebcn.wordpress.com/2013/09/09/openhouse-magazine-design-world-basics-pop-up-shop-at-merci-in-paris-schemata-architects-jo-nagasaka/

Colette and Merci both have quantity as their selling point, it is what makes them stand out from any other boutiques around which usually only focus on just a limited variation in their products. It is interesting to see how Colette and Merci have managed to find their place in the competitive market. I would usually think quality should always come before quantity, but in this case, it may not necessary be true. This method of cooperative/consolidated, boutique is a rather unique and intriguing idea.