Imminent Closure of the Parisian Concept Store l’Exception!
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Paris, the fashion capital of the world, bids farewell to one of its gems of alternative shopping: the concept store L’Exception. After the closing of the famous shop Colette, L’Exception had made its mark in the heart of the City of Light with several years of success. This iconic place, known for its carefully curated selection of French and international designers, is shutting its doors. It’s a turning point not just for the loyal customers of L’Exception, but also for the landscape of Parisian fashion. Its creator, Régis Pennel, announced the unfortunate news on LinkedIn as the concept store was set to celebrate its 13th anniversary.
The Parisian Concept Store L’Exception: A Pioneer of Alternative Fashion
As Colette closed its doors, 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 aimed to highlight 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 respect for the environment. 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 among customers, but also (and especially) among 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 bringing together a true community, collaborations with emerging designers, exhibitions, and product launches allowed for a unique experience for fashion enthusiasts. On the designers’ side, L’Exception has been a springboard for many designers, providing them with 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, exacerbated by economic challenges and changing 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 sector, L’Exception could not escape the difficulties faced by many independent retailers.
In his LinkedIn post, Régis Pennel claims to have tried everything to save L’Exception “We tried to fight (…) by lowering our acquisition costs, boosting SEO, and reducing costs to the maximum. (…) but despite all these efforts, we quickly saw that it wouldn’t be enough to get through the year.”
L’Exception remains an inspiration for many entrepreneurs. There is still a chance that the company may 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 struggling against the digital offer and second-hand market. For nearly 13 years, L’Exception embodied the spirit of a creative, bold, and avant-garde Paris.
Today, Paris unfortunately loses a must-visit fashion spot for the trendiest fashionistas, but Régis Pennel is not stopping there and wishes to focus more on the digital aspect. He has expressed his desire to refocus on online activity, with the ambition to continue supporting and promoting designers through e-commerce. If an acquisition is finalized, L’Exception will continue its mission to promote responsible and quality fashion, uniting today’s and tomorrow’s talents under a different banner.
image featured: Parisian concept store L’Exception
