Like in many countries in the world the traditional record and book stores suffer from the competition of the web (even the word "record" sounds outdated now!). No wonders then that Virgin Megastores, one of the main books and music chain stores in France has filed for bankruptcy today. It includes the huge Champs Elysées store where I took this photograph earlier last month (they obviously had a batman special that day!). Sad for the 1,000 people who are going to be made redundant, but not very surprising. Who is going to replace Virgin on the Champs Elysées? Nobody knows, but most likely Apple, Uniqlo or Forever 21...
Très triste. Virgin, c'était une enseigne phare des Champs. J'y ai passé de bonnes fins de soirées pendant mes années parisiennes. Pour le remplaçant, je paris sur JCrew, qui arrive en France, apparemment... Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
ReplyDeleteYes it always sad when beloved stores go out of business because they have become obsolete. It is the end of an era, marking the passing of time, reminding me how many birthdays I've had.
ReplyDeleteThe internet has overwhelmed many traditional retail stores. The decline of bookstores makes me very sad. Reading on a monitor lacks the sensual connection with a book. However, the renaissance of vinyl is encouraging, even if it isn't enough to keep this company alive. We have several amazing shops that sell vinyl (records), both new and used. And yes, Virginia, vinyl does sound better.
ReplyDeleteI do so hope you see the pun.
I hope the new store is a French store, for this very French street.
ReplyDeleteJeff, though mega-bookstores are dying, there's been a resurgence lately for small independent stores. I hope it lasts. Maybe it's related somehow to vinyl.
Great "historic" shot as they are now "history".
ReplyDeleteYour photo (that I love indeed - dynamism of the picture) is a really nice thought :)
ReplyDeleteAnd tribute to all the workers in this sad situation. I love going to this Champs Elysées store, which was always a stop when I was there with my children. The space, the feeling of freedom inside the store and the walk among books, comics strip, dvd, music etc, will miss us!
Who will be there in the next months ? I read with interest the names you mentioned, Eric. Let's wait and see...It won't be long before we know it, I guess, as the square meter price over there is, highly selective!
The Batman mask is cute btw!
I have shopped in that very store. What a pity it will be closing.
ReplyDeleteBought a Christmas CD there in December but it doesn't seem to have helped. Branson got out at the right time, it seems.
ReplyDeleteIt is a bit sad, not to see giant stores like this one go out, but most of the small record stores are gone as well. I am partly to blame because I can't remember the last time I bought a CD.
ReplyDeleteI took a Music History class years ago and the professor passed around a final record for the students to look at and feel. I saw myself transform into a dinosaur at that very moment.
ReplyDeleteVinyl record.
ReplyDeleteNot even Batman could save them from the inevitable.
ReplyDeleteThe headphone guy passing by tells us why.
Like Steffe I can't remember the last time I bought a CD, so I didn't help much either..but neither do I download from the net..oh man I am so boring I just listen to the radio!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like Vancouver, we lost our Virgin Megastore last year - still an empty spot on Robson, one of the busiest shopping streets in the city. Seems to be the new trend...
ReplyDeleteDrummond said it—who needs a record store when you can carry your entire collection of music in your pocket? I did go here for concert tickets though. Like Petrea, would much prefer to see something typically French in this spot.
ReplyDelete@French Girl in Seattle "Pour le remplaçant, je paris sur JCrew, qui arrive en France, apparemment.". Intéressant ! ON va suivre ça de près ;-)
ReplyDelete@Jeff "I do so hope you see the pun." Er... again I don't!
@Cn "The Batman mask is cute btw!" Yes and it was quite impressive too!
@Sab " Christmas CD there in December but it doesn't seem to have helped" Er... You should probably have bought the whole store to rescue them ;-)
@Stefab " I am partly to blame because I can't remember the last time I bought a CD." You're not the only one. Fewer and fewer people do.
@PHX " the professor passed around a vinyl record for the students to look at and feel." LOOOOOOOL!
@Drummond "Not even Batman could save them from the inevitable." LOL. No, this is superman's job!
@Alexa "Drummond said it—who needs a record store when you can carry your entire collection of music in your pocket? " Er... no Drummond did NOT say that!
@Alexa & Petrea "Like Petrea, would much prefer to see something typically French in this spot." VERY unlikely!
I went there on my first trip to Paris in 1995. Bought a set of 100 traditional french songs on CD and a compilation of what was popular at the time on cassette. That was called Plus de Dance. Does anyone remember the French dance tune Skatman? I loved it.
ReplyDeleteSad to see it go. Another memory I cant revisit.
I went there on my first trip to Paris in 1995. Bought a set of 100 traditional french songs on CD and a compilation of what was popular at the time on cassette. That was called Plus de Dance. Does anyone remember the French dance tune Skatman? I loved it.
ReplyDeleteSad to see it go. Another memory I cant revisit.
Eric -- You're right of course. I said it. But his comment about the guy with the headphones made me think of it. :~}
ReplyDelete