Wednesday 7 March 2012

Sad ... very sad news ... The last days of "Old England", Boulevard des Capucines, Paris.


 On March 1, 1886 Old England opened a luxurious store at 12 boulevard des Capucines, near the Opéra Garnier. There, all British chic is displayed across 24,000 sq. ft. on three levels.
Besides the world-famous duffle coats, a discerning clientele can find knit twin sets in fine cashmere, traditional tartan wrap skirts, tailor-made men's shirts and suits, quality shoes, and many stylish accessories, as well as the finest English teas, of course!
Ever since its opening, the Old England store has epitomized the English style that no one can afford to ignore



 October 20, 2011
Old England may be seeing its last days in Boulevard des Capucines
After the departure of Madelios from Boulevard de la Madeleine, it looks like it could be the turn of another historic department store to disappear from the area. According to our sources, Old England’s store in the Boulevard des Capucines could be the next one in line.


 Old England’s owner, Albert Goldberg, who is also the founder of Façonnable, apparently had some difficulties in renewing the lease on the property with French real estate firm Société Foncière Lyonnaise. Or, according to our sources, the rent price was so high in the new contract that Old Engalnd could not afford to keep the place.

Even after attempts by its successive owners to give Old England a makeover, the department store does not have the same appeal as before and has been facing difficult financial times. Results for its last fiscal year (from April to 2009 to March 2010) showed a turnover of just over 9 million euros and a loss of more than 4.3 million. In the previous year, Old England registered a turnover of 11.1 million euros with a loss of 2.5 million.

While Madelios’ spot in the Parisian boulevard was taken over by C&A, our sources suggest that Old England’s store may be split into up to 8 different commercial properties, although it may as well be that only one company will take over. This will certainly be a great opportunity for newer brands taht are interested in being in one of the liveliest districts of the French capital.

By Jean-Paul Leroy in http://uk.fashionmag.com



In the store windows of Old England 12 Boulevard des Capucines (IXe), cashmere jackets will soon yield the way to luxury watches. The windows are screened, but the facade, a listed building will be preserved.

In recent weeks the rumors ran. It is now official. "We will open in Paris on the world's largest store for luxury watches," announces Jörg Baumann, director of marketing and brand development Bucherer.

Swiss Family Group founded in 1888, with 1,200 employees in 26 stores spread between Switzerland, Germany and Austria, Bucherer is not his first attempt. His watch store in Lucerne (Switzerland), on 1200 m2, already carries the biggest sales of the world in this sector. With the opening in early 2013, its flagship store in Paris in the heart of the Opera, between the Place Vendome and the Boulevard Haussmann, which will have 2000 m2 on three levels, the results will explode.

The area of the Opera is a strategic

The sign Old England occupied the premises for 144 years. But Albert Goldberg, son of the founder Façonnable , who had acquired it from the Richemont Group, may not have been sufficiently profitable investment. "The rents are very high and we are 50 employees," said one employee. Here, we expect a social plan for March 31, 2012 closure. But in the shop, the British phlegm is required and the smile of vendors remains irresistible. "This is the time that does it. Even the best brands of old Europe will not last forever, "sighs one of its customers elegant at the news. Place now for the Chinese and Asian customers, which will make its next stage of shopping. The area of the Opera is strategic to capture these tourists with high purchasing power.Coming out of the Rue de la Paix and the spaces before entering the luxury Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, the address will be ignored.

It is ultimately the Richemont Group - owner of Jaegger Lecoultre, Cartier and Piaget - which took over the walls. He has entrusted to Bucherer. "We signed a lease ... long term," says Jörg Baumann. Rolex, Piaget, Breitling and the Swatch Group, have already agreed to participate in the adventure.Chopard, TAG Heuer, Baume & Mercier, Longines and Gucci are already working long association with the Swiss group. "We focus on the refinement of the framework, the design, service quality and relevance of advice," says Group CEO, Jörg G. Bucherer. "Paris is the capital of luxury and the preferred destination for tourists worldwide. The growth potential is still very important, "says Bucherer home to explain his first establishment in France.
in http://home.watchprosite.com





1 comment:

edith sarmento dutra said...

Thank you so much for the memories of the most elegant magasin in Paris.