Jacques Solovière is ready for its next chapter.
The Paris-based footwear brand started in 2014 by Alexia Aubert will open its second store in the City of Light this week in conjunction with men’s fashion week.
Nestled in the heart of the 1st arrondissement, the roughly 800-square-foot boutique located at 3 rue Molière, brings a new world of new possibilities for the company.
“Our new location is definitely more of a strategic one versus our original store which is more of a destination boutique,” Aubert said in an exclusive interview ahead of the opening. “Now, this new store is right in the center of Paris and in a big space compared to the small store that we already have. And the architecture is a very minimalist compared to our first location.”
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Aubert noted that the boutique’s design emphasizes clean lines within the Haussmannian structure that aims to evoke a calming feeling in customers when the walk in. Custom-made furniture, matte textures, and muted tones are seen throughout the space.
“This new store is another accomplishment,” the founder and creative director said. “After COVID, we started retail very slowly with our first little store, which is great. We have been very successful in that location. But now, with this store, I feel like we are officially in the retail world and want to be seen.”
The executive added that Jacques Solovière has been doubling its revenue growth every year since the pandemic, with its own direct-to-consumer channel making up 70 percent of the business and wholesale accounting for 30 percent. By region, the U.S. makes up about 35 percent of the brand’s sales, with France accounting for 30 percent, and Asia and the UK bringing in 10 percent each to the brand.
As for the brand’s top retailer partners, Aubert noted that Mohawk General Store in Los Angeles, Ven. Space in Brooklyn, Glasswing in Seattle and Todd Snyder are her top accounts in the U.S. Other major players around the world include Browns Canada, Isetan Japan, and Sportivo Madrid.
Looking ahead, Aubert said this new central location will help with brand identity as well, since the 1st arrondissement has a lot more foot traffic and tourists. “But even though there are a lot of people that shop in this area, I am not placing a specific figure on my business plan for the volume I expect to see. I don’t really know what to expect, and we will see.”
And this measured approach is something Aubert will continue to foster as she looks to further expansion. “We have a small team and a manageable operation right now, and I want to keep the business like this for the moment,” she said. “If I do another move, it will be abroad to perhaps the U.S., since the market is quite strong for us right now. But you don’t just open in America, I need to find the right local partner before I consider a move like that. So, I am happy with our two Paris stores right now.”