Paris has France's highest commercial density, with 28 stores per 1,000 residents in 2023. This delicate balance between locals' needs and visitor appeal is endangered by overtourism and real estate speculation. The BHV department store's decline highlights these challenges.
The Atelier parisien d’urbanisme (Apur) reports that Paris had around 60,800 active stores in 2023, equating to 28 per 1,000 residents—far exceeding Nice (19.5), Bordeaux (19.3), and Lyon (17.1). This exceptional density has proven more resilient than in other French city centers, supported by a diverse retail fabric serving not just locals but also commuters and tourists.
"This extremely high density stems from commerce targeting more than just residents," states Marie-Sophie Ngo Ky Claverie, managing director of Medef Paris. Daily, 300,000 people leave the capital as 1.2 million arrive for work, joined by tourists and day visitors. Consequently, 39% of Île-de-France's stores are in Paris, which holds only 17% of the region's population.
Preserving the balance between everyday local shopping and drawing distant customers is vital. The BHV, established in 1856, exemplifies the risks: purchased by Frédéric Merlin at the end of 2023, it shifted toward event-focused operations, sparking controversy with Shein's installation on November 5. This led to an exodus of traditional brands and the Banque des territoires abandoning its stake in acquiring the building, further jeopardizing the historic venue.