Biggest luxury watch store to be opened in Paris

13 december 2011 - source http://www.leparisien.fr/paris-75/paris-ce-sera-le

Original text (French) and photos are from Le Parisien

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.