La Maison Empereur

La Maison Empereur is the oldest household store in France. Situated in the Noailles district of Marseille, it was founded over two hundred years ago and incredibly has been run by the same family since it first opened.

The shop was first established in 1827 by François Empereur, a toolmaker, who set up his shop in a hardware store bought by Eugène Bolfras, near the Stock Exchange, La Bourse, in Marseille, pictured below. The Palais de la Bourse is the oldest chamber of commerce in France. In the Second World War, it was the only public building damaged in the fight for the liberation of the city.

In 1845 François Empereur, moved the shop to its present location on  4 Rue des Rcollettes, 13001 Marseille

Maison Empereur, in the same family for generations

In 1862 François’ son Louis, an ironmonger, took over and then in 1890, his grandson, Alfred became the new owner. In 1922, Alfred’s daughter, Marthe and son-in-law, Paul Renaux continued this already remarkable business. In 1960 Marthe and Paul’s son, Roger and wife, Jeanne took the reins. In 2000 it was passed to their daughter’s Laurence and Sylvie. Today Maison Empereur sells over 30,000 items, almost everything traditionally required for the home.

The shop is almost 13000 square feet and set on three levels. Meandering through it and discovering its very many treasures is like stepping back in time. Although it is not permissible to take photographs inside the shop, I was able to capture something of its essence in its charming coffee shop, shown above and from the fascinating museum found at the top of the spiral staircase

There were many artifacts from its rich past,

including machinery and tools that has been used over the years to create some of the things it sold.

This table, aptly named ‘The table of little notes’, pays tribute to its generations of many loyal customers.

The Table of little Notes

Some of the wares Maison Empereur has sold over the years were on display. Today this wonderful store continues to offer a wide and unusual selection of items. It’s reputation has largely been built on the incredible variety and timelessness of what they offer, which includes hardware, culinary pieces, china, linens, soaps, cleaning products, perfumes, candles, stationary, clothing, garden pieces and traditional toys.

Although Maison Empereur has undergone many changes, evolving from a small local store to the world renowned shop it is today, its essence and unique spirit remains unchanged. This is due in part to the fact that it has remained in one family, the Empereurs, for over 6 generations. It is the oldest business in France to be run by the same family.

If you are in Marseille, don’t miss a visit to Maison Empereur. It is in the center of the city close to many local attractions and a short walk from Le-Vieux Port de Marseille.

In April 2024 Maison Empereur deservedly won a Global Innovation Award (GIA) which recognises excellence in business worldwide.

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