Lucy, not the one in the sky with diamonds, from Veja in the UK sent me detailed info, not just a lame press release on a new space they opened, they say curated as in art gallery, named Centre Commercial in Paris.
To be honest, I did not know either Lucy or Veja and since I received her missive wondered how I could relate this venture with you.
I did like their blending of fishermen style jumpers by S.N.S Herning (Denmark), second hand bicycles and philosophers' works in one space.
They describe bikes as 'revamped' or "collected and restored by the social association Ateliers Sans
Frontières (ASF)."
Sebastien Kopp & Ghislain Morillion, the 2 founders of Veja share their idea for the space:
"Centre Commercial wants to slow down the rhyme of our fast-paced society. Reminiscent in the ways of our grand parents, we favour know-how and continuity. Rather than offering mere products, we try to curate genuine projects."
To get the recipe right (or so they hope) they put in the blender social goods, earth friendly ways, craftmanship, heritage.
Centre Commercial is located on Rue de Marseille in Paris.
"Sheltered by a glass roof, the space is in a neighbourhood that favours slow-shopping, a few steps away from the Saint Martin Canal, and its cafés, and terraces."
I think this is the kind of place you need to visit to get a feeling of whether it succeeded or failed in its endeavor.
I will give them a B+ for trying.
One more reason I have to find my way to Paris…soon.
Shopping without the bling on Green Day # 163
Previously: No April Fools, NYC Vegetarian Food Festival is Coming to Town, April 3