Paris department store arrives at One Wall Street - by Joseph Aquino

My wife—who is European—had been nudging me for weeks to visit the newest addition to New York’s luxury retail scene: Printemps from Paris. I finally agreed, though not without a false start. On our first attempt, we arrived in Lower Manhattan on the same day the new mayor was being sworn in, only to be rerouted north by traffic barriers and police details. It was one of those New York moments where you know you’re not meant to arrive just yet.

A few days later, we tried again—this time smarter. We took an Uber, got out near the Staten Island Ferry, and walked north along Broadway, passing the iconic Charging Bull, surrounded as always by tourists patiently waiting their turn for photos. By the time we reached One Wall Street, the anticipation had built.

To my delight, Printemps announced itself confidently, with what feels like more than 200 feet of frontage along Broadway. The entrance alone signals that this is not just another department store—it’s an experience.

A Brief History of Printemps

Founded in 1865 by Jules Jaluzot, Printemps is one of Paris’s most storied department stores and a pillar of French retail culture. Its flagship on Boulevard Haussmann became famous not only for luxury fashion but also for innovation—being among the first to introduce fixed pricing, seasonal sales, and window displays that were treated as art forms. Over the decades, Printemps evolved into a global ambassador for French style, craftsmanship, and savoir-faire.

Bringing Printemps to New York—especially to Lower Manhattan—feels both bold and thoughtful. It’s not chasing Midtown foot traffic. Instead, it’s anchoring itself in a historic, architectural landmark, aligning old-world elegance with modern downtown energy.

First Stop: Café Jalu

As soon as we entered, we were welcomed by Café Jalu, Printemps’ all-day French café located at street level. The croissants were as fresh as anything you’d find in Paris, the coffee was excellent, and—perhaps most importantly—the staff were warm, gracious, and genuinely happy to be there. Real smiles. Real hospitality.

My wife immediately said, “We have to come back—but first, we need to try the restaurants.” She was right.

Fashion as Curation, Not Mass Display

Walking the ground floor, I was struck by how different Printemps feels from the typical American department store. Instead of racks loaded with the same garment in multiple sizes, each piece is presented almost as a standalone object. If your size isn’t on the rack, the salesperson happily disappears into the stockroom and returns with multiple options. It’s personal, attentive, and refreshingly human.

Every room is exquisitely designed, each with its own identity. I hesitate to use the phrase, but it’s unavoidable: every space is “Instagram-able.” And I say that as someone who has worked in luxury retail for over 40 years. These rooms are not designed for speed shopping—they’re designed to slow you down.

Lunch Upstairs: Maison Passerelle

On the second level, we discovered Maison Passerelle, Printemps’ flagship restaurant in New York, led by celebrated chef Gregory Gourdet. The space feels like a refined Parisian bistro filtered through a modern New York lens.

I had le bœuf—a beautifully executed roast beef sandwich—while my wife enjoyed a quiche that was as light as it was flavorful. I stopped drinking alcohol nine months ago, but my wife ordered a glass of champagne ($19, chilled perfectly, she noted). Throughout the store, you’ll also find roaming champagne carts staffed by sommeliers, offering selections you can enjoy a glass on the spot or purchase to take home. It’s indulgent without being pretentious.

Unexpected Theater: Ice Skaters Inside a Department Store

After lunch, we were surprised by a performance—three world-class ice skaters executing an elegant routine on a white platform that looked like sculpted ice or polished resin. It was surreal, beautiful, and entirely unexpected. You’ll see the photos—most of which include my wife and me, since I had no idea I’d be writing this piece when I visited.

The Bridge to Beauty—and Another World

We were then directed across a bridge connecting to the beauty section. The passageway feels almost cinematic—white, curved, and futuristic. Think 2001: A Space Odyssey, but softened for retail. On the other side, the atmosphere shifts again.

One room, in particular, feels like it was lifted directly from a Chanel atelier in Paris—lush velvet, rich colors, plush sofas so comfortable I needed help getting up, and towering oval mirrors framed in Louis XV style, easily seven feet tall. It’s decadent, intimate, and unapologetically luxurious.

Dinner Below: A Romantic Escape

Descending the stairs to the other side of the store—separate from the building lobby—we discovered another dining destination: a softly lit, intimate restaurant space designed for lingering. Cozy tables, warm lighting, and a sense that time slows down the moment you sit.

This is not a place you rush through.

Why Printemps Matters

Printemps is more than a store—it’s an oasis. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Midtown Manhattan, this is where you go. The crowd is chic, informed, and discreet. Word has already spread in the fashion world: this is a place where you won’t show up at a party wearing the same outfit as someone else.

For those who remember Henri Bendel, Takashimaya, Galeries Lafayette or Fauchon, stepping into Printemps will feel like rediscovering something New York has been missing for far too long—a refined, European approach to luxury retail that values beauty, service, and experience equally.

The Real Estate Behind the Magic

This remarkable project came together under the ownership of Harry Macklowe, whose stewardship of One Wall Street has transformed the building into one of downtown’s most compelling mixed-use destinations. Credit is also due to Jackie Totoyla of Newmark, who represented Macklowe.

Don’t wait for Valentine’s Day to book a reservation—though that wouldn’t be a bad idea. If you want a day that feels like a mini-vacation to Paris without leaving Manhattan, Printemps at One Wall Street is the place to go.

Joseph Aquino is president of JAACRES, Manhattan, NY.