Tuesday 29 January 2013

Paris Ethical Shopping Guide: Emmaüs

I've decided to start a little ethical shopping guide to Paris, as I've had a few requests for ideas on places to go!

First up is Emmaüs, one of the biggest (and best) charity shops I have ever visited! This particular shop is open on Saturdays only (get there early for all of the best stuff), and is located up in the north-eastern 19th arrondissement. The charity was founded by Abbé Pierre in 1949 in order to help the homeless, some of whom are actually employed by the organisation, to help in the shop and in the processing of donations.

The shop itself is more like a giant warehouse, with a quirky-yet-tastefully-merchandised boutique-feel. The ceilings are high, the décor is bright and colourful, and large wooden structures artfully divide the huge space into specific zones. There is a section for second-hand haberdashery goods, men's, women's and children's clothing, white goods, other electronics, furniture, shoes, books and CDs, as well as a little vintage section. I even spotted a little knitting class taking place on some comfy looking sofas in a quiet corner. This place has everything you could ever want!

I left with some 60s flower-shaped elbow patches, a giant bag of buttons, some balls of wool and a chic little black cardigan, all for under €15.

Address:
42 Rue Riquet
75019  Paris
Sat: 10am-6pm

(I recently discovered another one, about a 5 minute walk away, over at the Centquatre):
104 bd d'Aubervilliers
75019  Paris
Weds-Fri: 3pm-7pm
Sat : 10am-7pm

Sadie xxx

3 comments:

Ron McQuade said...

There's an Emmaus near where my parents live, but it is the furthest away of all the warehouse charity shops in the area so I don't go there often. But when they have a sale, it is excellent. I picked up a lovely skirt and a pair of trousers that I now wear all the time, and at very reasonable prices.

This one seems to be much more fashionable though, it's very cool.

Unknown said...

wow this is so cool!i'll have to go next time i visit paris!annie x

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Peacock's Hat said...

This looks amazing, when I next go to Paris I'll have to have a look! When I went before it was with my boyfriend, and I felt a bit guilty making him do shopping, but I may try to go with my friend Kathy so we can do shopping stuff.