The origins of Printemps: the first department store with a poetic name
Founded in 1865 by the visionary couple Jules and Augustine Jaluzot, Printemps was the first department store to adopt such a poetic and symbolic name: that of a season evoking beautiful weather and the rebirth of nature. It was also the first department store in “Western Paris”, a neighborhood still on the outskirts of town and with very few stores. Opéra Garnier was no more than a massive construction site, while the area around Gare Saint-Lazare train station was regarded as dirty, noisy and even dangerous.
The first exhibition of “sales”: new, fresh and pretty things all year long!
“At Printemps, all is new, fresh and pretty, just like the name: Springtime”. To live up to this promise, Jules and Augustine Jaluzot came up with the idea of making sales a ritual of retail, returning at the end of each season to make room for fresh new items. An idea that has since been copied the world over!
Traversing borders
At a time when travel was still costly and time-consuming, and when many countries did not yet have department stores of their own, Jules Jaluzot developed the concept of mail-order sales. Starting in 1868, Printemps began exporting Parisian elegance beyond the borders of France. Initially limited to Europe, its scope of action quickly expanded to the furthest corners of the Earth, thanks to its mail-order room and countless export counters.
The first elevators
In April 1874, Printemps inaugurated its first elevators in great fanfare. Eager to offer new experiences to its customers, the store did not hesitate to adopt this revolutionary technology, first unveiled just a few months earlier at the Vienna World’s Fair: a hydraulic elevator system, similar to a merry-go-round, whose installation was documented in the magazine “L'univers illustré”. Playing on visitors’ fears, Printemps even distributed advertising chromolithographs depicting... elevator accidents.
The first employee benefits
Already in 1882, Printemps distinguished itself through its social commitments to its workforce, by setting up the first pension and assistance fund for its employees. This was coupled with decent living conditions, vast cafeterias and, remarkably for the time, equal pay for men and women in equivalent positions. Employee benefits have always formed a key component of Printemps’ success.
Modern and commercial architecture
In 1881, Printemps suffered a devastating fire. Right away, Jules Jaluzot determined to rebuild bigger and better! His architect, Paul Sédille, imagined a veritable “cathedral of commerce”. At a time when metal structures were carefully concealed under stone cladding, its all-iron and glass facade, designed to allow natural light to illuminate the merchandise as best as possible, was extremely bold. This modernity inspired Émile Zola in Au Bonheur des Dames, where he wrote: “It was the cathedral of modern commerce, solid and light...”.
“Let there be light”. Electric light comes to Printemps
In 1883, Printemps took a new step forward by becoming the first public edifice in Paris to be fully illuminated by electric light, just four years after Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb. This innovation, which Baron Haussmann called dangerous and would, in his opinion, only benefit eye doctors and optometrists, became a symbol of transparency and trust.
Printemps expands: the creation of Les Nouveaux Magasins
After Jules Jaluzot stepped down in 1905, his successor, Gustave Laguionie, set out to expand Printemps along the Boulevard Haussmann by erecting a second building.
Printemps Deauville, the first store outside Paris
As the travel and leisure industry began to take shape, Deauville became a prime vacation destination comparable to a Paris on the beach. Printemps set up its summer residence in the town inside a Norman country home, redesigned by architect Georges Wybo, not far from the famous Hôtel Le Normandy. The first address outside Paris became the first link in a long chain of stores located throughout France.
Creation of Atelier Primavera
Founded in 1912, Primavera became the first design studio to be integrated into a department store, with the ambition of democratizing access to art by offering decorative pieces and furniture create by artists and manufactured in limited series. For the first time ever, an artist’s design was combined with expert craftsmanship and industrial production.
The first animated shop windows
It all started in 1910, when Printemps presented its first automatons under its famous cupola. In 1922, the store transformed its shop windows into an enchanted theater. In 1974, Printemps introduced string puppets to its window displays, thanks to a collaboration with the Ducloux Dehix family, masters of this art. The department store continues to reinvent this expertise every Christmas, all while retaining its original spirit: to offer moments of dream and wonder.
Les Nouveaux Magasins rise from their ashes
First inaugurated in 1910, Les Nouveaux Magasins fell victim to a terrible fire sparked by a short circuit in 1921. While its facades and essential structure were largely spared, the ceilings and floors all collapsed, taking a portion of the halls and two cupolas along with them.
The first department store dedicated entirely to men
Until then, men had been somewhat neglected by department stores, those temples of retail dedicated primarily to the “Bonheur des dames”, or the happiness of women. Although men’s departments at Printemps first appeared in 1878, they were frequented more often by wives than husbands. In 1925, Printemps set out to conquer this huge market by dedicating an entire building to gentlemen and their leisure activities.
Brummell. The first private label for men
In 1930, Printemps reinvented men’s ready-to-wear with the creation of the Brummell brand. Up to that point, men had to go to a tailor or make do with an ill-fitting garment. Now they could visit a department dedicated to them and leave with a suit under their arm that combined impeccable quality, attractive pricing and resolutely contemporary styling.
A seaplane in the hall
In 1931, under its historic cupola in the middle of its main halls, Printemps presented an amphibious Schreck F.B.A. 310/1 from the Franco-British Aviation Company: a three-seater touring seaplane capable of landing or alighting “on all canals, rivers, lakes, ponds and along the coast”.
With Paul Poiret, the first spring ready-to-wear collection by a couturier at printemps
In 1933, women’s fashion pioneer Paul Poiret presented his first ready-to-wear collection at Printemps. As the economic depression impacted society, he launched a line that was affordable but still “Paul Poiret”, breaking with the tradition of couture houses that reserved their creations for a wealthy clientele.
Building the future. The American-style store
The 1950s saw a large-scale modernization of stores. To satisfy an ever-growing customer base, sales areas were considerably expanded, large halls were packed full and neon lighting techniques became widespread.
The first department store committed to customers
In 1951, Printemps launched an unprecedented commitment: to refund the difference to anyone who found a lower price elsewhere. At a time when consumerism was just emerging, this initiative gave rise to a vast advertising campaign that would leave a lasting impression: “I will buy anything from Printemps, even with my eyes closed!”
Pierre Cardin presents his collections at Printemps
In 1962, Pierre Cardin presented his women’s ready-to-wear designs at Printemps Haussmann, marking a new step forward in democratizing fashion. By offering items from his collection in a department store, he showcased his innovative spirit, which earned him the approval of consumers and a temporary expulsion from the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.
On the panoramic terrace, the first ski slope in Paris
In 1964, Printemps Haussmann transformed its rooftops into an incredible ski slope, the very first in the heart of Paris! Four years before the Grenoble Winter Olympics, this daring installation enabled Parisians to show off their athletic skills or learn the joys of downhill skiing, while giving the panoramic terrace, perched 50 meters high, an irresistible air of “Chamonix-sur-Seine”.
The first suburban department stores
In 1964, with the development of eastern Paris, Printemps opened a new location in Nation, inside a modern ten-story building including a 2,000 m² supermarket in the basement and a parking lot connected to the upper floors by elevators. And that’s not all: in 1969, anticipating the rise of city suburbs and the automobile, the group became one of the first to open a Printemps and a Prisunic at Parly 2, the first regional shopping center entirely inspired by the American model.
Printemps celebrates its centenary
To ring in its centenary, Printemps put on a spectacular show: the facades and interiors of its Haussmann stores were completely decked out with floral banners designed by artist Alain Le Foll. The store also launched a number of initiatives, including the “sale of the century” campaign entitled “Les Affaires du siècle 1865-1965”.
Conquering the Moon
For Christmas 1968, Printemps set out to conquer space! One year before a man walked on the moon, one of the department store’s corner turrets was transformed into a 60-meter-high rocket: a metal-framed replica of the Saturn V.
The first department store listed as a historic monument
In 1975, the Commission Supérieure des Monuments Historiques decided to include the facade and roofs of the present-day Printemps de l'Homme in its register of historic monuments. This honor recognized the pioneering nature of its architecture, which served as a model for many other department stores in Paris and around the world.
The season of major cultural exhibitions
Starting in 1981, Printemps became known for its major museum exhibitions, giving the general public access to some of the world’s most treasured heritage. The exhibition devoted to the statues of Shi Huang Di’s mausoleum was the first of its kind in Europe, showcasing an army of terracotta warriors dating back to the 3rd century BC.
The first department store committed to Made in France
As a responsible and committed department store, Printemps has committed to supporting “Made in France”, a major economic and political initiative, since the 1980s. At the same time, the “Défi Français” operation put the spotlight on French creativity, ideas and industry.
“La Petite Robe Noire” comes to Printemps
In October 1996, Printemps organized the exhibition/sale called “La Petite Robe Noire”, celebrating the iconic little black dress popularized by Coco Chanel. Featuring vintage models by Didier Ludot and Éditions Printemps,
In the digital age. The first department store on webcam
Just a year after the launch of its first website, Printemps invented the connected salesforce: equipped with a webcam and… roller skates! Strolling live through the aisles, they offered guidance and advice to online shoppers seated comfortably in front of their computer screens.
Inauguration of Citadium
Moving from the stadium to the street and beyond, sportswear perfectly matched the expectations of an increasingly demanding young generation in search of models adapted to their lifestyles.
A new floor dedicated exclusively to luxury
At a time when the luxury goods market was expanding under the impetus of major global groups, Printemps Haussmann took a gamble – which quickly proved to be a winning bet – of devoting an entire floor to this growing market. With its uncluttered spirit and warm ambience, the 3,000 m² space offered a highly prestigious space for leading names in the worlds of haute-joaillerie, haute-horlogerie, accessories and ready-to-wear luxury brands.
Faithfully restored, the façades of Printemps Haussmann reconnect with their history
Every day, we build the future while preserving memory, our heritage that underpins our emotions and identity. This was the aim of renovating the Printemps Haussmann façades, masterpieces of the 19th (1882) and 20th centuries (1910).
The theater of the Atrium
The Atrium, located on level -1 of Printemps de la Femme in the Paris Haussmann store and open all the way up to the second floor, has always been more than just a space to pass through: it is a place for gathering and experience. The beating heart of the building, it turns into a theater for spectacular shows. Massive sets regularly come to life here, hosting temporary exhibitions and collaborations with brands whose DNA resonates with that of Printemps.
Place des tendances joins the Printemps Group
In the era of growing e-commerce, the Printemps Group acquired the Place des Tendances website, which launched in 2009 and became a leader in online fashion sales. With a simple click, it is now possible to access nearly two hundred brands on the cutting edge of style, including some exclusive to online sales, with a collection on the forefront of novelty and benefiting from the department store’s special services: 24-hour delivery, alterations and more.
Reinventing heritage. The new façade of Printemps de l'Homme
Combining the unique charisma of the adjoining historic buildings with an original creation: this was the challenge taken up by the architectural firm Antonio Citterio and Partners, who in 2013 designed the new façade of Printemps de l'Homme (now Printemps Beauté-Maison-Enfant).
The 150th anniversary show
At 150 years old, Printemps entered the prime of its life: a trendsetter, a talent spotter, a forerunner in the art of living and the beating heart of the most international Paris. Such a big occasion deserved festivities to match!
The Printemps Group unveils its Corporate Social Responsibility strategy
The Printemps Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy addresses the social, environmental, societal and governance challenges facing the company, with the aim of being a committed economic player and combining sustainability with ambition, heritage and prospects.
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The new Printemps de l’Homme
After several months of construction, the new Printemps de l'Homme store was finally inaugurated! Spread over eight floors and increasing the sales area from 7,000 to 10,000 m², the new store is integrated into the heart of the historic building on Boulevard Haussmann, making Printemps the place to be for men’s shopping.
Made in Design joins the Printemps group
Made in Design, Europe’s leading e-commerce retailer of designer furniture, lighting and home furnishings, joined the Printemps Group! Fully in line with the Group’s growth strategy, the acquisition strengthened its position as a key player in the omnichannel distribution of luxury, lifestyle and fashion brands.
Launch of Printemps.com
In 2020, Printemps unveiled its new e-commerce space, initially dedicated to the world of luxury and designers.
At 7e Ciel, the first department store to dedicate an entire floor to circular fashion
Located between the emblematic Pont d’Argent and Coupole Binet, the 7ᵉ Ciel du Printemps spans 1,300 m² and has offered a breathtaking view of Paris since it opened to the public in 2021. It stands apart as the world’s largest space dedicated to responsible consumption within a department store.
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“It all starts at Printemps”. The new brand platform
In 2022, Printemps continued to look to the future and, on the first day of its namesake spring season, boldly celebrated its renewal, because more than ever, everything begins at Printemps! A new visual identity, a new color – green, the symbol of nature’s renewal – new spaces, new services, new concepts and hundreds of new products, all exclusive and unprecedented...
Opening of Printemps Doha
Printemps inaugurated its first international department store in Doha, Qatar. Printemps Doha embodies a new generation of department store, combining physical immersion and innovative technologies to offer a highly personalized customer experience.
“Not a department store”. Printemps New York
As it celebrated its 160th anniversary, Printemps opened its first store in the United States on March 21, 2025 in a historic Art Deco building at the legendary One Wall Street address in the financial district, now undergoing major transformation. The new space, inspired by the codes of a Parisian apartment, redefines the shopping experience for local and international visitors.
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