Once upon a time in a Louis Vuitton Boutique
It’s a late afternoon in mid-February. As you walk through the streets of your hometown, you find yourself standing just in front of a Louis Vuitton boutique, this renowned luxury maison. Suddenly, you remember when you were just a child, passing by this store. Its particular aura always made you dream of it. And now, as you’ve grown up, you allow yourself to discover the customer experience.
The door is closed, but the store is wide open. You have to wait for your turn to get inside. Once it’s your turn, a doorman lets you in, and the experience already feels special. Two steps in, and a salesman greets you with a particular kindness, reflected in his attitude toward you. The salesman asks how he can help. You don’t want to buy anything, just explore the boutique. The salesman lets you do so.
The discovery can finally begin. The store is divided into five sections. First, right by the entrance, explore the bestsellers and new arrivals from the brand. Iconic leather goods, famous collaborations, and even Louis Vuitton fragrances are showcased. This part of Louis Vuitton’s offerings is more discreet than leather goods or ready-to-wear items. You’re happy to discover it in such a beautiful place.
You move on to the second part of the store, and now you’re in the accessories section. Louis Vuitton scarves and jewelry are displayed there. Everything is perfectly arranged: the same space between every scarf, no gaps on the shelves, and the lighting adjustments enhance the entire display.
As you walk further, you enter the third section. You remember your dream suitcase as you observe it in real life now. Your eyes scan the room and meet a special machine. As you get closer, you realize what it is: an engraving machine for leather goods. In the center of this section, there’s a table with two empty glasses on it. Some voices are heard from another room, more private, where ready-to-wear pieces you used to admire on Vogue are showcased. You catch a glimpse of this room and see two clients and a salesman, busy discussing a future purchase. The salesman smiles continuously while talking and guiding the two customers. The clients are seated on a beautiful couch, talking joyfully about the products, but the atmosphere remains calm. It feels as if you’re breathing too loudly, you might disturb their moment.
You look up at the walls and ceiling, where elegant moldings adorn the space. You follow them up the stairs and find yourself upstairs, where more ready-to-wear pieces are waiting to be admired in person. Now, even shoes are on display in this area. As you move into another room, two clients are being guided to the “salon de thé,” while the saleswoman prepares their last purchase. You’re surprised to learn about the “salon de thé” within the store. As you linger, you see this salon, a collaboration with a legendary French patisserie, Maison Meert.
You finish your journey by focusing your gaze on the furniture. Multiple sofas here and there, plants enhance the atmosphere, and carpets make your steps feel softer. Every piece is perfectly placed, millimeter by millimeter, and even the cash registers are hidden within the aesthetic this space provides.
You retrace your steps, thank the salesman who started your journey, and the doorman greets you as you exit the store.
