Paris: After closing in 2020, Tati Barbès has reopened as the Grand Magasin Éphémère, a dynamic space celebrating diversity through shopping, exhibitions, and workshops, envisioned by Youssouf Fofana. Open until June 2025, it aims to honour Tati’s legacy while enriching local culture.
Tati Barbès, a beloved fixture in Paris known for its popular shopping experience, has undergone a transformation after closing its doors in 2020 following more than 70 years of operation. The iconic pink and white building located on Boulevard Barbès has reopened as a pop-up concept store called Grand Magasin Éphémère. This innovative space blends a boutique, exhibitions, a café, and creative workshops, and will be accessible to the public from January 23 to June 29, 2025.
The Grand Magasin Éphémère, which is revitalising the legendary structure in the 18th arrondissement, is the brainchild of Youssouf Fofana, the founder of Maison Château Rouge. Under his vision, the venue aims to celebrate diversity while showcasing talents from diasporas and African cultures. Fofana’s initiative falls under the project titled “The Union of International Youth,” which seeks to enrich the local community through culture and a shared lifestyle.
This reimagined department store is open from Wednesday to Sunday, offering Parisians and visitors alike a chance to engage with a vibrant space dedicated to creativity and cultural exchange. Fofana’s ambition is to make Grand Magasin Éphémère a cultural crossroads that honours the spirited, cosmopolitan essence of the Barbès district.
Inside the pop-up department store, guests will find a boutique that features independent creators, vintage items, and second-hand pieces, embracing the very spirit that originally made Tati a popular shopping destination. Artistic exhibitions are also on display, showcasing emerging talents and local artists, alongside a café designed to provide a welcoming atmosphere for visitors to enjoy a pause from their explorations. The venue hosts a variety of workshops and events, covering subjects from DIY crafts to opportunities to meet creators and artisans.
The initiative pays homage to the legacy of Tati, even though the famous checkered bags that were once synonymous with the brand are no longer available for purchase. The project retains the essence of the store’s identity, ensuring that it remains an accessible and dynamic space reflective of the neighbourhood’s rich history. The organisers have hinted at references to Tati’s universe through dedicated exhibitions and a curated selection of items inspired by the store’s heritage.
While Grand Magasin Éphémère is designed as a temporary venture, it seeks to breathe new life into the historic building as it awaits a more permanent transformation in the future. As the project unfolds, Tati Barbès 2025 is poised to become a sought-after destination for those looking to rediscover a cherished part of Paris’s retail landscape, blending nostalgia with contemporary creativity.
The address for the Grand Magasin Éphémère is 2 Boulevard Marguerite de Rochechouart, 75018 Paris.
Source: Noah Wire Services
