NYC News

French Retail Giant Printemps Lands in FiDi with Lavish New Store
March 15, 2025, 12:27.45 pm ET

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Photos: Cititour.com

Printemps, the legendary French luxury department store, made its grand entrance into New York City with a soft opening in the Financial District, setting the stage for its official debut on March 21. The move marks the brand’s first foray into the U.S. market, bringing a fresh wave of Parisian chic to the Big Apple.

The iconic retailer planted its flag at One Wall Street, a historic 50-story landmark that has seen the neighborhood evolve into a thriving hub of luxury residences, high-end businesses, and an ever-growing tourist influx. The choice mirrors Printemps’ own legacy, having first set up shop in a then-up-and-coming Boulevard Haussmann over 150 years ago.

Jean-Marc Bellaiche, CEO of Printemps Groupe, hailed the expansion as a strategic move to capture both the city’s affluent locals and its steady stream of international visitors. “The U.S. is essential in our international development strategy. Opening in New York offers high visibility and growth potential,” Bellaiche said. “We plan to pioneer a new format of experiential retail in this fast-changing and demanding market.”

Spearheading the American venture is luxury retail veteran Laura Lendrum, who has previously helmed major brands like Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Ralph Lauren. As CEO of Printemps America, Inc., Lendrum is assembling an all-star team to bring the retailer’s signature blend of fashion, beauty, and home decor to the city’s style-conscious elite.

The massive space spans two levels with an expansive Broadway-facing facade, making a bold statement in Lower Manhattan. The pièce de résistance? The Red Room—a rare, designated interior landmark with giant metal flowers that span floor to ceiling serves as a showstopping feature in the space. Parisian designer Laura Gonzalez was tapped to infuse the interiors with a “Paris meets New York” aesthetic, creating a shopping experience as grand as its surroundings. The room, which features a 1931 mosaic mural by Hildreth Meière has been out of public view since 2001.

The department store includes several sleek bars, restaurant and cafe. There is a beauty corridor featuring French brands not readily available in the U.S. There are men's and women's fashions, including new and vintage, as well as fine jewelry and stunning Lalique vases. Even the bathrooms are a work of art.

With its mix of heritage, high fashion, and a flair for the dramatic, Printemps is already shaking up the luxury retail scene in NYC.


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