it is so rare to read a truly considered "critique"--magazines and most influencer-produced material seems to be unbalanced by attention to "the hand that feeds." It was a pleasure to read such a well-balanced and honest-sounding review. Thank you.
First of all- excellent reporting. I really like that you examined all the different attributes of the store from the decor, to the merchandise, to the unbelievably sad wilting flowers! I’m over here on the West Coast, hearing such fabulous things about the store, and feeling so jealous that I cannot visit myself quite yet, but I felt like I was actually in the space thanks to this post!
While the nearly dead flowers are a sad thing to behold, I think what seems even more sad is the lack of imagination, creativity, and considered curation in the merchandise assortment- at least from what you’ve shown us so far. It actually baffles me that a store opening of this caliber in a world-class city like New York wouldn’t rise to the occasion with a “surprise and delight” selection, especially knowing this sheer # of people coming through the doors during the first few weeks.
I go back to one of the most incredible shops in the world, which is right in my backyard, called A’Marees. Their curation is absolutely unmatched. The way that they have figured out how to merchandise that store so you can find pretty much all the go-to pieces that you want, while still discovering new and interesting designers, is truly outstanding. Especially considering that Newport Beach is a far cry from the fashion-forward sidewalks of New York!!
Ages ago, when I was maybe six or seven years old, my dad was a store manager at I.Magnin in downtown LA. I remember visiting the store as a little girl and feeling like I truly was Eloise at the Plaza. In fact, I think that is where my love affair with fashion began. It’s so sad to me that they just don’t make department stores like that anymore. I still have high hopes for Printemps, and let’s see what comes in the few months that lie ahead, but so far, I’m so sad that it’s not rising to the moment!!
Thank you for this truly excellent post and I am so sorry for my insanely long comment ! 😂🙈
Sogole! First and foremost, you have no idea how much your comment means to me and that you are now a subscriber. Thank you 💗.
I grew up in Huntington Beach. I find myself in California a handful of times a year and am immediately booking myself to A'Marees once I land. I've never heard of this place and now want to go immediately.
My love affair for fashion began very early like you, but I can't pin exactly the store where I felt like Eloise. Loved this little tale from your youth.
If you find yourself in NYC checking out Printemps soon, let's grab a coffee. I'd love to hear your thoughts over a drink at one of their cafes inside. Cheers!
A fellow OC girl!!! That is awesome!! You definitely have to check out Amarees. It’s on PCH in Newport and it’s truly one of the best stores in the world in my humble opinion. Sadly, no plans to visit NYC anytime soon, but of course if that changes I will 100% hit you up! Please do the same when you make it back out to the orange curtain 🤣
I went opening day & had pretty similar thoughts. The interiors are gorgeous & that alone will drive foot traffic but I wasn’t sure who they’re targeting as their customer and I can’t imagine they’ll ever bring in enough revenue to pay back the space. I’m honestly confused at what the business prop was - I don’t want to sound too interested in business because again I loved the space and it’s nice to see such opulence but let’s face it we live in a time when everyone is asking about the return & I have no clue how this would do it? IMO Samaritaine in Paris has figured it out the best. Not a ton of breath in merchandise but what they have is hard to find / come by elsewhere which is why you’d visit.
Megan, I'm so glad to hear I'm not alone with my critque and that you share similar thoughts. I didn't have time to check out Samaritaine the last time I was in Paris, but hearing your POV has me super excited to check it out the next time I'm in town.
Loved this thorough review, although it sounds like Printemps was focused on getting people into the store with great design, but not necessarily on converting them with covetable product. Can’t wait to check it out when I’m in NYC in May!
What a refreshing recap. I’m so nervous about retail, because if even Printemps can’t knock it oht of the park…Le Bon Marche is my gold standard (with Liberty #2), and I think it’s because there is actual product to buy at an affordable cost. Both stores have great merch, beauty, accessories, and in the case of Liberty lots of absolutely gorgeous “private label” options. I am willing to spend on fashion, it’s my life’s work/passion but nowadays most of the prices of the product in these beautiful stores are completely out of reach. I do love a great department store bar & cafe, though, so maybe those will save the day. Can’t wait to check it out in person, but in the meantime, thanks for the insider tour!
Thank you Lindsay! We've got similar tastes - Le Bon Marche, Liberty are also two of my fav department stores. I'll add Selfridges to the mix as their windows are always on point. I completely agree with you on product being out of reach in all of these stores, such a shame. Who do we need to get this information in front of for things to change?!?!
Great read! Thank you for honestly pointing out the bummers. I’m a super duper picky Aquarius with a BS in Fashion Merchandising from the late 80’s and would have noticed those same things…especially the flowers….budgets be damned as we all need some inspiration these days 🪷
it is so rare to read a truly considered "critique"--magazines and most influencer-produced material seems to be unbalanced by attention to "the hand that feeds." It was a pleasure to read such a well-balanced and honest-sounding review. Thank you.
Susan! Thank you for your comment and incredibly kind words ♥️
Gasppp re: the flowers!! Thank you for this thorough report :)
Thanks, Jenny! I still can't get over the flowers myself, glad you agree :)
This metaphor was too too good
Thanks, Kelly 💗
Evonne! I have sooooo many thoughts.
First of all- excellent reporting. I really like that you examined all the different attributes of the store from the decor, to the merchandise, to the unbelievably sad wilting flowers! I’m over here on the West Coast, hearing such fabulous things about the store, and feeling so jealous that I cannot visit myself quite yet, but I felt like I was actually in the space thanks to this post!
While the nearly dead flowers are a sad thing to behold, I think what seems even more sad is the lack of imagination, creativity, and considered curation in the merchandise assortment- at least from what you’ve shown us so far. It actually baffles me that a store opening of this caliber in a world-class city like New York wouldn’t rise to the occasion with a “surprise and delight” selection, especially knowing this sheer # of people coming through the doors during the first few weeks.
I go back to one of the most incredible shops in the world, which is right in my backyard, called A’Marees. Their curation is absolutely unmatched. The way that they have figured out how to merchandise that store so you can find pretty much all the go-to pieces that you want, while still discovering new and interesting designers, is truly outstanding. Especially considering that Newport Beach is a far cry from the fashion-forward sidewalks of New York!!
Ages ago, when I was maybe six or seven years old, my dad was a store manager at I.Magnin in downtown LA. I remember visiting the store as a little girl and feeling like I truly was Eloise at the Plaza. In fact, I think that is where my love affair with fashion began. It’s so sad to me that they just don’t make department stores like that anymore. I still have high hopes for Printemps, and let’s see what comes in the few months that lie ahead, but so far, I’m so sad that it’s not rising to the moment!!
Thank you for this truly excellent post and I am so sorry for my insanely long comment ! 😂🙈
Sogole! First and foremost, you have no idea how much your comment means to me and that you are now a subscriber. Thank you 💗.
I grew up in Huntington Beach. I find myself in California a handful of times a year and am immediately booking myself to A'Marees once I land. I've never heard of this place and now want to go immediately.
My love affair for fashion began very early like you, but I can't pin exactly the store where I felt like Eloise. Loved this little tale from your youth.
If you find yourself in NYC checking out Printemps soon, let's grab a coffee. I'd love to hear your thoughts over a drink at one of their cafes inside. Cheers!
A fellow OC girl!!! That is awesome!! You definitely have to check out Amarees. It’s on PCH in Newport and it’s truly one of the best stores in the world in my humble opinion. Sadly, no plans to visit NYC anytime soon, but of course if that changes I will 100% hit you up! Please do the same when you make it back out to the orange curtain 🤣
Absolutely will keep you posted about the next time I’m in town 😊
There are so many amazing attributes you bring to the table. Your honestly is one of the reasons I LOVE LOVE LOVE this blog.
Aw, thanks Kassandra. I very much appreciate this comment 💗
Looks like they need some byVINNIK pieces to liven up the mannequins to match the interior design 🫣🫣🫣🫣
You are right, Suzanne! I think your Parisian Coat in "Pagliacci" would be the perfect option.
Good eye!!!! It’s been on Access Hollywood, cover of a magazine & onstage at Carnegie ✨✨✨
I should def reach out to their buyer but then again if it’s all beige linen— they’ll hate it 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Amazing! So cool to hear ♥️
LOVED this!! Loved it so much I've re-read it a few times. So thoughtful and thorough.
Xue! I had a lot of fun writing this and your comment means the world to me, thank you 💗
I went opening day & had pretty similar thoughts. The interiors are gorgeous & that alone will drive foot traffic but I wasn’t sure who they’re targeting as their customer and I can’t imagine they’ll ever bring in enough revenue to pay back the space. I’m honestly confused at what the business prop was - I don’t want to sound too interested in business because again I loved the space and it’s nice to see such opulence but let’s face it we live in a time when everyone is asking about the return & I have no clue how this would do it? IMO Samaritaine in Paris has figured it out the best. Not a ton of breath in merchandise but what they have is hard to find / come by elsewhere which is why you’d visit.
Megan, I'm so glad to hear I'm not alone with my critque and that you share similar thoughts. I didn't have time to check out Samaritaine the last time I was in Paris, but hearing your POV has me super excited to check it out the next time I'm in town.
I had such hopes for the 25 percent ha
We all did Lori, we all did!
Loved this thorough review, although it sounds like Printemps was focused on getting people into the store with great design, but not necessarily on converting them with covetable product. Can’t wait to check it out when I’m in NYC in May!
Thanks, Cheryl! So curious to hear your thoughts when you visit in May.
the flowers are definitely a metaphor for something!! thanks for a wonderful review and pics.
Thanks, MJ! Could not agree more about the flowers being a metaphor, only time will tell what that is...
What a refreshing recap. I’m so nervous about retail, because if even Printemps can’t knock it oht of the park…Le Bon Marche is my gold standard (with Liberty #2), and I think it’s because there is actual product to buy at an affordable cost. Both stores have great merch, beauty, accessories, and in the case of Liberty lots of absolutely gorgeous “private label” options. I am willing to spend on fashion, it’s my life’s work/passion but nowadays most of the prices of the product in these beautiful stores are completely out of reach. I do love a great department store bar & cafe, though, so maybe those will save the day. Can’t wait to check it out in person, but in the meantime, thanks for the insider tour!
Thank you Lindsay! We've got similar tastes - Le Bon Marche, Liberty are also two of my fav department stores. I'll add Selfridges to the mix as their windows are always on point. I completely agree with you on product being out of reach in all of these stores, such a shame. Who do we need to get this information in front of for things to change?!?!
Great read! Thank you for honestly pointing out the bummers. I’m a super duper picky Aquarius with a BS in Fashion Merchandising from the late 80’s and would have noticed those same things…especially the flowers….budgets be damned as we all need some inspiration these days 🪷
Thank you, Michele. I'm glad to hear I am not alone in my pickiness. Budgets be damned is right!
Felt like I was there. Thanks for the read!
Thanks, Jordyn 😊