A bit of Paris is coming to New York — and making a claim to the ongoing viability of department stores — as French luxury department store Printemps will open its first U.S. location at One Wall Street. The 54,365-square-foot store will feature two levels and a façade that measures 346 linear feet facing Broadway. The store is expected to open in the Spring of 2024.
“The U.S. is essential in our international development strategy and opening in New York offers high visibility and growth potential. We think we can bring something unique, both to its engaged local consumer base and the strong tourist flows the city welcomes. It is also a strategic ecommerce market for luxury, fashion, home and beauty,” said Jean-Marc Bellaiche, CEO, Printemps Groupe, in the announcement. “We plan to pioneer a new format of experiential retail in this fast changing and demanding market.”
As the next chapter of its brand transformation, this Printemps store will be of a different scale, bringing a local approach and focusing on increased omnichannel and seamless experiences, the company said.
Printemps has tapped seasoned executive Laura Lendrum as the CEO of Printemps America, Inc. Lendrum previously served as president for Saint Laurent, Gucci and Ralph Lauren for the North American market.
As a landmark building, One Wall Street carries a similar heritage to the iconic Printemps Paris flagship on Boulevard Haussman, also landmark, making it the prime location for the first U.S and New York store. The historical interior Red Room, one of the rare 50 interior landmarks in New York City, will be one of the many highlights of the store. Internationally multi-awarded Parisian interior designer, Laura Gonzalez, will be the architect on the project to create a “Paris meets New York” twist on the design.
Printemps is not the first French department store to venture a New York City location. Galeries Lafayette opened a location at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street in 1991, only to close three years later as it never caught on with New York shoppers. The store was then leased to Nike.
