This is yet another addition to the exciting shopping scene in the Haut Marais – the “happening” district in Paris. In terms of fashion, this part of the city is one of the most important in the French capital. With all its small boutiques and restaurants, it still remains very laid back. The cosy bistro on the corner, the friendly patisserie, a flower shop, haberdashery and a locksmith have been established here for decades, many of them squashed up in the tightest of spaces. This is extremely typical for the 3rd arrondissement. And in light of the particularly serenity that reigns here, the city probably offers no better place for a little relaxed shopping.
It’s precisely here, in the narrow Rue de Saintonge, that the new Tom Greyhound concept store has seen light of day. Admittedly, quite a few things have changed here over recent years. The number of boutiques has risen rapidly, and the streets are characterised by their strong Bohemian feel. Stores with extravagant concepts have since become very common, especially in Paris. However, these could, potentially, put the others in the shade.
Tom Greyhound positions itself as a purveyor of both ladies’ and men’s fashion and accessories. Two spacious, atmospheric floors showcase French and international brands, including Alexander Wang, J Brand, MM6, Each x Other, Theyskens’ Theory and Proenza Schouler, to name but a few. From outside, there is little to give away what lies in store, because the shop windows are hidden to a certain extent by pillars of different materials. The inside, on the other hand, couldn’t come as a starker contrast, because everything here revolves around hospitality. Customers are bowled over by the inviting ambiance and extremely friendly staff as soon as they come through the door. The feel-good factor is paramount, which is why it comes as no surprise that each and every customer receives a great deal of attention. The time that customers spend in the store should be as enjoyable as possible. This doesn’t mean to say that you can’t look round quietly on your own, but anyone looking for plenty of advice is certainly in the right place here.
Variety in an elegant setting
The impressive interior is the work of two architects, Pierre Beucler and Jean-Christophe Poggioli. They were heavily inspired by the former apartment on the second floor, which was bought spontaneously to gain a little extra space. The style and elegance of this apartment was a great influence for the ambiance of today’s store. The design principle of deconstruction has been applied throughout the boutique. The slightly elaborate-looking wooden clothes racks are certainly eye-catching. They provide a perfect division of space while also forming boundaries to specific areas, giving each individual collection its own dedicated space in the store. The furniture is also designed with flexibility in mind, so that it can be used to create new visual impact whenever and wherever needed. Not only is the 180 m2 ground floor a shoppers’ paradise, but an equally large area awaits customers upstairs, too. The store has launched with some true little gems, ranging from top designer-wear to funky collections from highly promising up-and-coming talent.
The range knows absolutely no bounds – provided, that is, that all items stand out, and not just in terms of quality. There are no plans at the moment to extend into other product segments – the preferred strategy is to give undivided attention to the fashion segment. The boutique saw exceptional growth within the first five months. Customers love the store’s unique ambiance and professional advice. The idea of a premium service is the focus of discussion at the moment, which would complete the Tom Greyhound experience with personal shopping and a special delivery service.
www.tomgreyhound.fr
