Apple’s long-time plan to open a store in Paris is finally taking shape, after Paris planning officials approved the company’s proposal to locate in the underground Carousel de Louvre shopping mall. As first reported by LaTribune.fr and explained by MacGeneration.com and MacPlus.net, Apple will occupy about 7,770 square-feet formerly occupied by the Lalique and Résonnance stores, and just steps away from the entrance to the famous Louvre Museum. The mall hosts 9 million visitors a year, of which at least 40 percent are tourists. In an unusual move, the store was officially acknowledged by Jasmine Khounnala, Apple’s Paris-based public relations manager, who said, ”We are thrilled that our opening project of an Apple Store in the Carrousel du Louvre has been approuved by the (local planning commission).” She added that Apple is “delighted” to offer Paris the experience of Apple retail stores, just as in other countries. This first Paris store could open in Spring 2009.
The Apple store will apparently occupy two spaces, very near the entrance to the museum, shown in this diagram by the upside-down glass pyramid. All of the spaces shown are underground. Notice that the Apple store will not technically be beneath the glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei. The pyramid is actually over an open-space adjacent to the future Apple store.
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oh wow..this will be good for tourists
get ready for the locals…to whine!
I’m not sure why this would be good for tourists. Don’t forget that practically every country has its own keyboard lay-out – so unless Apple plans to stock dozens of versions of all its computers, it won’t be practical for foreigners to buy computers in Paris.
According to rumors Apple will open a second Apple Store in Paris, at 12 rue Halévy. This store is expected to open before the store in the Carrousel du Louvre underground mall, in early 2010. The plans for the Carrousel du Louvre store seem to have changed a bit, pushing back the opening.
Not sure why Apple would open a store on rue Halevy as it’s by the opera if they have one opening in another tourist location (Louvre stores). Both on the right bank … seems like they would want a store in 5e/13e near all the colleges/universities.
a.v.
Went to Apple store at Carrousel today, beautiful, but they do not stock qwerty keyboards, so if they want to broaden their base, they need to be more accommodating. I was told the only way is to order on line.
Too bad, with thousands of Americans in Paris I would think the market is there.
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