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History of Printemps
1864

THE FIRST LOVE: JULES & AUGUSTINE JALUZOT’S WEDDING

On 17th February 1864, Jules Jaluzot, head of the silk department at Le Bon Marché, marries one of his loyal customers, Augustine Figeac, a renowned actress and member of the Comédie Française. Of modest origins, Augustine has a small fortune that would allow them to realise their dream: launch their own department store.

1865

VISIONARY PARIS, THE FIRST DEPARTMENT STORE IN WEST PARIS

Jules and Augustine Jaluzot choose to set up their department store in a district located in the midst of a construction project: the Boulevard Haussmann had just been drilled, the Opéra had barely begun and the neighbourhood of the Saint-Lazare train station was considered dusty and dangerous. A gamble on the future that justifies the choice of a name full of poetry and hope: "Au Printemps".

1866

THE FIRST SALES: NEW, FRESH AND BEAUTIFUL ALL YEAR ROUND

“At Printemps, everything is new, fresh and pretty, just like the French word: Printemps”. To make this promise a reality, Jules and Augustine Jaluzot have the idea to turn the sales into a commercial ritual, repeated at the end of each season to make room for new arrivals. An idea that has since been copied all over the world!

1882

THE FIRST FAÇADE WITH AN EXPOSED METAL STRUCTURE, 7 YEARS BEFORE THE EIFFEL TOWER

In 1881, Printemps faces a devastating fire. Immediately, Jules Jaluzot wishes to rebuild bigger and bolder! His architect, Paul Sédille, imagines an iconic monument dedicated to retail. At a time when people were careful to hide metal structures under stone cladding, its iron and glass façade was an extremely daring change.

1883

THE FIRST PUBLIC PLACE ENTIRELY LIT BY ELECTRICITY, ONLY 4 YEARS AFTER EDISON

Printemps is considered as the prototype of a truly modern department store, thanks to its continuous drive for innovation. As an example, It is the first public building in Paris to be lit entirely by electricity.

1925

THE FIRST DEPARTMENT STORE ENTIRELY DEDICATED TO MENSWEAR

Until 1925, men have been somewhat overlooked by department stores, traditionally devoted to ladies. Although men's department stores have appeared as early as 1878, they were more often frequented by wives rather than husbands. In 1925, Printemps set out to overcome this huge market by dedicating an entire building to these gentlemen and their leisurely activities.

1933

THE FIRST READY-TO-WEAR COLLECTION DESIGNED BY PAUL POIRET

In the midst of the economic depression, Printemps invites Paul Poiret, "the king of fashion", to create a designer’s ready-to-wear collection that is affordable. Until then, the fashion houses reserved their collections for their wealthy clients only. The ‘Pont d‘ Argent’, a huge catwalk in the middle of one of the store’s halls, is built especially for the occasion.

1964

THE FIRST SKI SLOPE ON A PANORAMIC TERRACE IN PARIS

In the winter of 1964, Printemps inaugurates the first ski slope in Paris on the terrace of the main building, against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. The 50m-high slope provides Parisians with a little mountain air within the city.

1975

THE FIRST DEPARTMENT STORE TO BE LISTED AS A HISTORICAL MONUMENT

In 1975, the façade and roof of the Printemps de l'Homme is listed as a historic Parisian landmark by la Commission Supérieure des Monuments Historiques. This comes as a recognition for the pioneering nature of this architecture, which served as a model for many other department stores in Paris and around the world.

1982

THE FIRST DEPARTMENT STORE COMMITTED TO THE MADE IN FRANCE

As a responsible and committed department store, Printemps pledges to support the “Made in France“ craftsmanship, a major economic and political issue since the 1980s. Every year, creativity, ideas and industries from France are highlighted and celebrated.

2007

THE FIRST LIVE DESIGNER WINDOWS

Printemps invites the most renowned designers to spend a few hours in person in its windows. The decor, imagined by them, recreates their world. For the first time, passers-by can immerse themselves in the world inspired by creatives such as Karl Lagerfeld, Paul Smith, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac and Chantal Thomass.

2009

THE FIRST FIREWORKS DISPLAY FROM PRINTEMPS’ ROOFTOPS

To celebrate the renovation of its façades, Printemps goes all out with a spectacular firework display that has never been seen before in the heart of Paris.

2021

AT THE 7E CIEL, THE FIRST DEPARTMENT STORE TO DEDICATE AN ENTIRE FLOOR TO CIRCULAR FASHION

Vintage and pre-loved fashion, circular fashion, repair, alteration or upcycling: Printemps unveils on the legendary Pont d’Argent the largest space in the world dedicated to circular fashion in a department store. Printemps also launches its responsible label, Unis-Vers, setting a benchmark for customers seeking a more sustainable way of life.