Imminent Closure of the Parisian Concept Store l’Exception!
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Paris, the world capital of fashion, bids farewell to one of its gems of alternative shopping: the concept store L’Exception. After the closure of the famous shop Colette, L’Exception had established itself in the heart of the City of Light with several years of success. This iconic place, known for its careful selection of French and international designers, is closing its doors. It is a turning point, not only for the loyal customers of L’Exception but also for the Parisian fashion landscape. Its creator, Régis Pennel, announced the bad news on LinkedIn as the concept store was about to celebrate its 13th anniversary.
The Parisian Concept Store L’Exception: Pioneer of Alternative Fashion
Colette closed its doors and it was in 2011 that Régis Pennel created the brand new Parisian concept store L’Exception, offering a wide range of products, most of which were made in France. The brand indeed aimed to spotlight French creation and was attentive to the eco-responsibility of its products. By skillfully blending fashion, art, and lifestyle, L’Exception distinguished itself from other boutiques with a philosophy focused on innovation, quality, and environmental respect. Its welcoming space, adorned with modern and minimalist architecture, invited customers to discover original and exclusive pieces, often in limited editions.
The Parisian concept store established itself as an essential reference in ready-to-wear for customers, but also (and especially) for designers, thus fostering artistic and commercial collaborations.
The Legacy of L’Exception
The greatest asset of L’Exception was undoubtedly its dynamism and the regular events organized by the Parisian team.
If you’ve ever been there, you know that the concept store is much more than just a shop! In addition to having united a true community, collaborations with emerging creators, exhibitions, and product launches allowed for a unique experience for fashion enthusiasts. On the designer side as well, L’Exception has been a springboard for many designers, offering them a valuable platform to gain recognition and meet their future clients.
Why This Closure?
The closure of L’Exception marks a period of profound changes in retail, accentuated by economic challenges and shifts in consumer behavior. A few months ago, we talked about the liquidation of the MatchesFashion site,
Despite a strong online presence and a booming e-commerce, L’Exception did not escape the difficulties faced by many independent retailers.
In his LinkedIn post, Régis Pennel stated that he tried everything to save L’Exception “We tried to fight (…) by working to lower our acquisition costs, boosting SEO, and reducing costs to the maximum. (…) but despite all these efforts, we quickly realized that it would not be enough to get through the year.”
L’Exception remains a source of inspiration for many entrepreneurs. There is still a chance that the company will survive if it is acquired by another group, so this matter will be worth following in the coming months.
Parisian Fashion in Transition
Even stores like the Parisian concept store L’Exception are undoubtedly struggling against digital offerings and second-hand markets. For nearly 13 years, L’Exception embodied the spirit of a creative, bold, and avant-garde Paris.
Today, Paris unfortunately loses a key fashion spot for the trendiest fashionistas, but Régis Pennel does not intend to stop there and wishes to focus more on digital. He has indeed expressed his desire to refocus on online activities, with the ambition to continue supporting and promoting creators through e-commerce. If a buyout concludes, L’Exception will continue its mission to promote responsible and quality fashion, bringing together today’s and tomorrow’s talents under a different banner.
featured image: Parisian concept store L’Exception
