Christmas just passed, but we still want to share with you some Christmas decor in a historic shopping mall in Paris. It takes time to make something of quality. In the case of La Samaritaine, it certainly did take its time. In June 2021, La Samaritaine, situated on rue de Rivoli, finally reopened after 16 years of renovation. The department store, closed since 2005 to meet the modern safety standards and for redevelopment purposes, was originally set to reopen in 2020. LVMH postponed the reopening, though, to face the pandemic that is happening even right now.
ITS NAME
Samaritaine is a reference to the Bible and corresponds to the sculptures installed on the original building. According to John's Gospel, Jesus met a Samaritan at the Jacob's Well and asked for water. The Samaritanian woman was surprised as Jews despise Samaritanians. They kept on talking until the Samaritan realised that Jesus was the Messiah. Then, more and more came to listen to him.
ITS HISTORY
Like many other buildings in France, the history of La Samaritaine dates back to a hundred years ago. In 1870, Ernest Cognacq first opened his business there. It was just a small shop, but over time, his business got bigger. In 1900, he was able to expand his shop to become a series of department store buildings. That is how La Samaritaine was developed and reached its prime in the 1960’s.
Starting 1970, La Samaritaine faced a commercial struggle and eventually turned into offices. In 2001, the LVMH group saw the building’s potential and bought it. Originally, the group planned to close it for renovation in 2005 and expected the works to be done in 4 years. This temporary closure, however, took 16 years, largely because the French authorities thought the new design of the building did not harmonise with the surrounding buildings. There started the back and forth of various designs to meet the city’s visual requirements. Eventually in 2015, construction was allowed to begin.
NOW – FIRST CHRISTMAS
The Art Deco store is currently listed as a historical monument by the French Ministry of Culture. It covers over 70,000sqm and is designed to visualise the charm of Paris with its fashion, food, and art de vivre featuring a hotel, restaurants, concept stores, cafes, offices etc. Right now, just as the shopping centre has reopened, La Samaritaine is doing something exceptional to welcome its first Christmas.
Advent calendar is something of a tradition in France, which is something the parents usually buy for their children for the countdown to Christmas. Throughout December, the mall is putting in place a giant Advent calendar under its historic glass roof, giving its shoppers a fun experience and the opportunities to win some fabulous gifts (days will be uncovered at 12:24pm). To shoppers, this is a chance to visit this historical building while trying their luck out.
P.s. here is a fitness event organised by Hermès. Go check it out!
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