Earlier this month Coach opened their first flagship in Paris. The new 6,460-square-foot store, formerly a Hugo Boss shop, spans two stories and is located on the stylish Rue Saint-Honoré. Currently shoppers can find Coach’s traditional leather bags and goods here, but over the course of the next few months, the brand will offer additional features like a bar area for cleaning, repair and personalization, as well a number of departments including ready-to-wear and the new, high-end label Coach 1941.
The flagship is part of the brand’s recent push to expand into the European market. The Paris store is their third on the continent (they currently have locations in Madrid and London), but the first to offer a luxury experience to consumers. “I think this is a pivotal moment for our company,” Nigel Darwin, president of Coach Europe, told WWD. “Paris defines the next chapter of development across the region. The city is important on a number of levels, not only in terms of brand positioning in France but worldwide.” He added that the brand is currently looking at Munich and Milan for their next outposts.
The store was designed by creative director Stuart Vevers with interior designer William Sofield. Focusing on the brand’s American heritage, the flagship was inspired by an NYC loft and is outfitted with bespoke shearling and leather furniture, a nod to the brand’s iconic fabrics. The brand also has an NYC-inspired, special-edition collection available exclusively at the new store.
