Did you know that the concept of the shopping mall actually started back in 19th-century Paris?
It’s fascinating to see how modern retail experiences can trace their roots to the mid-1800s, when Paris was transforming itself into a model of urban innovation. Amid the city’s wide boulevards, new parks, and modern infrastructure, a revolutionary retail space emerged that would inspire today’s shopping malls. In 1852, Aristide Boucicaut opened ‘Bon Marché’, widely regarded as the world’s first true department store, and he introduced something unheard of at the time: a “free-entry” store where people could explore without any obligation to buy.
Imagine how groundbreaking that must have been—back then, if you entered a store, it was usually with the intent to make a purchase. Boucicaut completely shifted that perspective, creating an inviting space where people could freely browse and take in the atmosphere. This welcoming, discovery-focused environment laid the groundwork for what we see today in mall design, blending retail with leisure and making shopping feel like an experience.
Boucicaut also captured the public’s attention with enticing signage, like “sale” or “artistic masterpieces,” drawing people into a space designed for exploration. His vision of creating a “destination” rather than just a store is something we see reflected in today’s malls, with open layouts, inviting storefronts, and spaces meant to encourage curiosity and engagement.
What aspects of modern malls do you think reflect this early vision of creating spaces for exploration and leisure? I’ll share more in my next post about how Bon Marché’s approach continues to shape mall design today.
Image taken from the link: Le Bon Marché | LAPS – Journal
