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New stores and luxury hotel: the BHV is transforming!

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The Editor

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Indeed, the Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville is still the talk of the town! After all the discussions about the opening of a Shein store last year, the department store has just announced a huge transformation, including the opening of a hotel that will take up more than half of its space!

Opened in 1856, the BHV quickly became a landmark for Parisians who have flocked there for over a century to make all sorts of purchases. However, in recent months, its floors have been emptying as many locals have decided (with good reason) to turn their backs on the building due to a collaboration with the Chinese brand Shein. Yet, since January, the department store has been experiencing a new turning point in its history.


A 2.0 Department Store

Last January, in utmost secrecy, the owner of the BHV building changed, moving from Galeries Lafayette to the Canadian fund Brookfield. And they certainly plan to completely change the face of the Parisian store through a project estimated at over 200...

millions of euros, and entrusted to the company Aroxys. In four years, the latter will have the significant task of modifying the DNA of the place, particularly changing its primary function.

Indeed, goodbye to the vast shopping space as we know it today! In about 48 months (give or take a few months of delay, of course), the BHV sales area as we know it will be shrunk to just 40% of the building's total space. However, it should still keep the big highlights of the store: food hall, beauty space, second-hand goods, and even the creation of a BHV own clothing brand.


A night at BHV?

But what will happen to the remaining 60% — which, on 45,000 m², is still quite a lot of space? According to the first announcements, it is set to be redefined as a hybrid space hosting flagship stores of major brands (closed, unlike the current shops) and some more exciting ideas!

downtown businesses. Finally, the top two floors are set to be transformed into a luxury hotel, which will be managed by the Experimental Group, already known for their 3 establishments in the capital (Marais, Grands Boulevards, and Pigalle). For now, however, Brookfield and the company Aroxys are still waiting for permission from the Paris City Hall, located just across the street, and nothing has been announced regarding the fate of the 700 or so employees… stay tuned!