Notes from Paris (II): The Marais and the art of selling
The Marais has always been one of my favourite Parisian neighbourhoods: most likely because of my love of heritage and meaningful keepsakes.
It is a charming, old centre of commerce, with many identities layered onto it over time: a place of artisans and trade, a former aristocratic playground, a historic Jewish quarter, a pro-LGBT neighbourhood, and home to a sizeable French-Chinese community.
At some point it went into such decline that it was not included in plans for the Haussmann reconstruction of Paris. This means that its medieval character and proportions survived, creating a wonderfully intimate experience as you explore the array of eclectic shops and restaurants.
I have great memories of a whimsical girls' trip in the Marais some years ago, and when I attended the European Natural Beauty Awards in September, we stayed at a hotel nearby. Coinciding with Paris Fashion Week, we couldn’t have chosen a more inspiring base for a short two-day break.
Objects of Beauty
This time, I wasn't just observing the Marais as a shopper: it was my first time back since launching Kanobe. And I couldn’t help but notice how different the stores there felt to other cities – or even to other parts of Paris.
As we explored its bustling streets, I never really felt ‘sold’ to or dazzled with bright storefront displays. The shops were more like beautiful spaces, housing considered objects that would invite you in. You could spend time really admiring artisanal décor and clothing, or trying on unusual scents without the rush you might often feel in a big city (and at certain points, we were in a rush!).
Notably, this wasn’t just a feature of the smaller or independent brands, but also of the larger, more recognisable names that are increasingly entering the Marais. You get the sense that businesses adapt to the unique character of this neighbourhood: if not to offer a more thoughtful or curated experience, then at the very least to not stick out like a sore thumb.
It also made we wonder how we would consume if all shopping experiences were like this: if brands could only rely on the beauty, quality or utility of a product and its environment, with little recourse to flashy promotions or celebrity faces.
I'm pretty sure we would buy less, buy more of what we really love, and value it for much longer.
The ENBA House
On day two of our trip, we visited the new store of the European Natural Beauty Awards – the ENBA House. Still excited from Kanobe's win of a Prix D'Excellence the evening before, I was curious to see the space our entry, the Rich Cocoa Body Butter, could soon be on display.
A calming store selling only natural, luxurious skincare, it is quite fitting that it is also located in the Marais: many of the product brands are innovative and independent, and would be new finds for shoppers not so accustomed to natural beauty routines.
It is always great to get out of your daily routine for new inspiration, and the Marais definitely delivered that, with all its beauty, craft and attention to detail. I could certainly see a Kanobe store there in the future: they do say one should speak things into existence!
With care,
