Paris concept store Merci changes hands

By

Bruno Joly

Published
Nov 14, 2013

The Cohen family - also behind children’s retailer Bonpoint – announced that they have sold Paris concept store Merci to the Gerbi family, founders of French brand Gérard Darel.

Rumours of a takeover had been circulating since spring, though it was believed that an Asia group was in the running for the charitable concept store. Future projects for the store include an international expansion, similar to the route taken by Corso Como which now has stores in Milan, Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo.

Founded in 2009 by Marie France Cohen and her husband Bernard - who passed away in 2010 - Merci is up there with some of the world’s top concept stores including Colette and 10 Corso Como. With all profits going to a foundation that helps underprivileged women and a penchant for home wares, it will be interesting to see what lies ahead for the concept store. Further information on the future of the store is expected to be divulged by the end of the month.