Maison Empereur will soon celebrate its 200th anniversary! In nearly two centuries, the hardware store has grown from a small neighborhood shop to a renowned general store across the country and beyond. This is evidenced by the 2024 Global Innovation Awards (GIA), recently awarded to Laurence and Martin Empereur in Chicago, recognizing excellence on a global scale. The oldest hardware store in France, now led by the 8th generation, is riding the wave of the better consumption trend, elevating it even higher.

What is the history and uniqueness of Maison Empereur?

Zélie Villard, Communications Manager at Maison Empereur: Maison Empereur is the oldest hardware store in France, founded in 1827. The Empereur family’s history actually began around 1770 with André Empereur, a nail maker on the Vieux-Port, whose workshop was taken over by his son François Empereur, a toolmaker. He combined craftsmanship with commerce, founding the Empereur hardware store in 1827. Still independent, the Maison is also the oldest shop in the city, still owned by the same family.

Besides its longevity, Maison Empereur is unique in being an ambassador for historic manufacturers, both French and foreign. These companies, all over 50 years old, hold a place of honor in our aisles and are passionately showcased. Each generation has gradually expanded the selection based on customer requests and its own passion. Today, Maison Empereur is a 1,500 m² store offering over 50,000 products in various categories.

Maison Empereur has just received global recognition as a “commerce of excellence.” What does this distinction mean for the team, the customers, and perhaps even the city of Marseille?

Z.V.: Our Maison was indeed awarded the 2024 GIA prize, recognizing global retail excellence. Laurence and Martin Empereur were invited to Chicago last March to receive the France and international 2024 commerce of excellence award. Thousands of customers expressed their affection for the store and their joy for their local business. The historic manufacturers we represent also expressed their pride in being part of this adventure. This small event beautifully highlights the city of Marseille.

How do you explain the longevity of Maison Empereur and the attachment of its customers?

Z.V.: The commitment and passion of the Empereur family, of course. But also a genuine attention to the needs and expectations of customers. The sales staff are always listening to specific requests—though with 50,000 references, it’s rare not to find what you’re looking for! They always have a notepad and pen to jot down ideas and pass them on to management. That’s how some products get added to our inventory. Additionally, Marseillais are generally very attached to their local shops.

To extend the Empereur experience, an apartment above the hardware store has been set up to welcome visitors for one or several nights. An original approach…

Z.V.: About ten years ago, Maison Empereur had the idea to open the doors of an apartment located just above the store. It showcases historical documents, archives, photographs, and old objects. Staying in this place is like taking a real trip back in time. Regular bookings and lovely words in the guest book testify to a genuine interest in our world.

Credit Maison Empereur

A selection of Maison Empereur products is currently on display at Le Bon Marché for the “Tous Fadas sur la Rive Gauche” exhibition, running until August 18. What does this presence symbolize, in this iconic Parisian store?

Z.V.: We are very honored by the invitation from Le Bon Marché. It is especially meaningful for our historic store since it was the first of the Parisian department stores. We tried to recreate a mini-Empereur, with all our product categories represented and no fewer than 1,200 references spread over just over 100 m². Many regulars from Paris and beyond have already visited our pop-up corner, some discovering us there for the first time, and we are delighted with these warm encounters outside our usual walls.

Credit Maison Empereur