The Birth and Trajectory of Department Stores

Looking back to look forward, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Cite de l'architecture et du patrimoine , present La Saga des Grands Magasins in Paris until April.

We were fortunate enough to have been invited to contribute to the exhibition with SKP Chengdu and its new vision and where that sits in terms of the future of retail and the contemporary revival of the department store phenomenon.

In summary, the exhibition explores the architectural, economic, social, and artistic significance of department stores across three pivotal eras: The Golden Age (1850–1930), The Machine to Sell Era (1930–1980), and The Modern Revival (1980–present). ?

Each chapter delves into the evolution and enduring influence of these cultural and commercial landmarks on society.?

CH. 1

The Golden Age (1850–1930)

Driven by industrial progress, expanding transport networks, and rapid urbanisation, this period saw the birth of the department store—a revolutionary shopping format that transformed retail into an experience. Originating in France and spreading across the globe, these early establishments were grand, often monumental in design, symbolising both luxury and modernity. Fixed pricing, elaborate window displays, and expansive product ranges set them apart, making shopping an inclusive social and cultural activity.

CH.2

The Machine to Sell Era (1930–1980)

As consumer culture evolved, department stores adapted, incorporating scientific management and reorganising operations to maximise commercial efficiency. Faced with growing competition from supermarkets and shopping malls, they embraced standardised layouts, streamlined logistics, and data-driven merchandising. This era marked the rise of modern marketing strategies, shaping the department store into a profit-driven enterprise while retaining its place as a key player in the retail landscape.

CH.3

The Modern Revival (1980 - present)

SKP Chengdu is exhibited in the third chapter, selected for its innovative blurring of luxury sunken retail and experience. It sits as a benchmark alongside Galeries Lafayette , Paris (2023), El Palacio de Hierro , Mexico (1997, then 2015), Selfridges , London (2020) and Digital Bridge, EmSphere, Bangkok (2023).??

The section addresses the challenges of e-commerce and mass retail, highlighting projects that restore architectural heritage, elevate the customer experience, and embody sustainability and inclusivity. It celebrates a renewed focus on creating unique, immersive shopping experiences that blend contemporary values with historical legacies.?

“As retail architects, it has never been more crucial as now to revisit the role of department stores. It is fundamental to address and understand how department stores can serve as cultural beacons where heritage and innovation converge. Taking a holistic view on department stores as gravitational anchor points that connect with the urban fabric – a place for people to socialise, experience, and inspire is critical. Architects must approach this challenge with vision, courage, and forward-thinking, guided by evolving social values, environmental consciousness and an empathetic customer-centric ethos." — Torquil McIntosh , Co-Founder of Sybarite

SKP is a project that celebrates the feat of innovation under the constraints of stringent parameters in terms of sustainability and placemaking. It reframes the branded retail experience in multiple dimensions including the cultivation of a botanical landscape which is designed to synchronise with the canyon of architecture below. It demonstrates the pillars of ingenuity, permeability, connectivity, community and exceptional curation. It succinctly addresses the original premise of retail – differentiation and the curated experience - albeit in a novel way to suit our times.

The exhibition runs until the 4th of April 2025 and features over 500 original works from department store collections. A special thanks to Julien Bargeton , President of the Museum, and Isabelle Marquette, Heritage Curator, for their dedication to bringing this extraordinary exhibition to life.

We would also like to express our joint appreciation to the IADS International Association of Department Stores - IADS , the exhibition’s partner, for extending an invitation to SKP and the opportunity of showcasing the ground-breaking work at SKP Chengdu to signal the future.

Operating for almost a century, the IADS has been firmly focussed on championing the department store business and fostering a valuable network among key players such as Bloomingdale's , Centro Beco, SKP, Boyner Büyük Ma?azac?l?k A.?. , Breuninger , Chalhoub Group , El Corte Inglés , El Palacio de Hierro , Falabella , Galeries Lafayette , SOGO, Magasin du Nord , Manor, and The Mall Group . It is through this sense of camaraderie that so many of the key retail subjects of the day take place ensuring that the landscape remains to pivot and evolve.