“Paris Goods” Luxury Retailing and the Emergence of les Grands Magasins of Paris with Roger Mummert

Beginning in Medieval times, travelers came to Paris seeking les articles de Paris, the superior “Paris goods” found there. They still do. Early records kept by prévôts des marchands document the commerce that took place on the bridges and quays and in the markets of Paris. The prévôts also regulated trade guilds that, in turn, ensured that their artisans maintained quality standards. 

Retailing of "Paris Goods" blossomed in the 19th century with the industrial revolution and the rising wealth of the bourgeoisie. The construction of passages couverts transformed commerce from a street activity to a colorful social event in gaslit arcades. This brought social changes, with the mixing of classes and the emergence of the grissette or shopgirl who became the subject of risqué literature. 

The advent of trains and steamship travel brought excursions of shoppers from afar. They flocked to glittering new department stores: Bon Marché, Printemps, Galleries Lafayette. These palaces…