Reading Room and Art Gallery of the Bon Marché Department Stores, Paris, late 19th century...

The Bon Marché Department stores were the creation of the French entrepreneur, Aristide Boucicaut (1810-77), who together with his wife, Marguerite (1826-87), revolutionised shopping and retailing in France after 1852 when they took over the shop; they created the first Department Store (Grand Magasin) in Paris, by 1877 the largest in the world; the Boucicauts were responsible for introducing the concept of shopping as an enjoyable experience with glamorous interiors; innovations included fixed prices, home delivery, large choice of goods, guarantees allowing exchanges or returns, catalogues, mail order and advertising; reading rooms and exhibitions of paintings were also provided for the relaxation and enjoyment of customers; the development of department stores was a major force in democratising consumption and making society more egalitarian by giving women the freedom and ability to shop on their own;