Discover Merci #2: The Newest Addition to a Paris Favorite
Located in the trendy upper Marais district on Boulevard Beaumarchais, Merci has long been a favorite Parisian concept store for locals and tourists alike. It might be most recognized for its vintage Fiat 500 (an Instagram favorite) parked in the courtyard before the entrance. Or, for the iconic tote bag available in many different colors and designs.
The original store has become a must-visit destination for people who love French style and thoughtful, curated design. We stop in several times on each visit to Paris. We’ve purchased Taion coats and puffy vests and my husband’s favorite Carhartt shirts. And each time I visit, I can’t help but walk away with the latest version of the Merci tote.
Where is Merci #2 located?
In March of this year, Merci opened a second location, Merci #2, in an old, former post office building. So on our most recent trip to Paris, I couldn’t wait to stop in and have a look. It didn’t disappoint.
Merci #2 is located in the 1st arrondissement (known as the historic heart of Paris) on Rue de Richelieu, better known for its trendy restaurants than for its fashion-forward shopping. It’s also not far from the Palais Royal, Place Vendôme, the Tuileries Gardens, and the Louvre Museum. So chances are pretty good that during your Paris visit, you’re likely to be in this area at some point.
The two-level store has a kind of industrial feel to it, with its vaulted ceilings, the combination of warm wood, polished concrete, and tile flooring. You’ll also find second-hand furniture for some displays, along with simple rolling racks for the clothing. The second floor even has a glass block ceiling that dates back to the 1930s. They continued with the glass block ceiling on the first-floor renovation as well.
What will I find inside Merci #2?
Though smaller than the original store, Merci #2 has an interesting collection of clothing, kitchen items, linens, candles, lighting, and accessories. You’ll also find a small selection of jewelry. While the original store has a larger selection of women’s clothing, Merci #2 offers a broader men’s wear and unisex offering. Which is where we found another Carhartt shirt we purchased.
The vintage Merci Fiat 500
If the vintage Fiat 500 parked in the courtyard of the original store is one of your favorite things to see, you won’t be disappointed when visiting Merci #2. On the upper floor, you’ll find a vintage red Fiat 500, cut in half, mounted on the wall at the top of the stairs.
Merci #2 is a smaller, more curated version of the original, in my opinion. But it’s every bit as inspiring. So if you find yourself nearby, or even if you’re not, it’s worth visiting on your next trip to Paris.
After wandering through the store for a while and picking up a few things we couldn’t resist, we stepped outside to find a place for lunch. The area around Rue de Richelieu is full of great places to grab a bite or a drink, so it’s easy to make a whole afternoon of it. We saw a long line stretching down the block to get into Kodawari Ramen. We didn’t want to wait in line, so we came back mid-week, a few days later. And we’re glad we did. We liked it enough to write a post about it that will be coming soon.
I will have to put Merci #2 on my list for my next trip to Paris. There is always so much to see and do. What was your favorite thing that you purchased at Merci?
Hi Elizabeth, I was about to reply tote bag! But then I remembered I found my winter coat there last year! A Japanese brand TAION. Merci seems to find the best brands! Althogh, I can never resist a new tote bag!
xx