Buyers Select:
Laurence Dekowski, Emmanuelle Sentis, Edwige Berthault Childrenswear Buyer Team of Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche
Editorial
Edition 94
22.12.2021
Buyers Select takes you behind the scenes of your favorite stores to meet the people who choose what children will be wearing, explain the most exciting trends, talk about their market and the increasing interaction between physical and digital. Plus, they offer some suggestions about brands and companies.

The historic and iconic Parisian department store Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche was founded in 1852 with a pioneering vision already focused on a shopping experience championing exclusivity, research, and discovery. Elements that still distinguish the sign and also personalize the Children Zone. As Laurence Dekowski, director of childrenswear, Emmanuelle Sentis, childrenswear buyer, and Edwige Berthault, footwear, accessories, beauty, and toys buyer tell us, at Le Bon Marché, French and international customers expect to be surprised, that is to discover new brands and products within a special environment. The Les Récrés service also contributes to providing a one-of-a-kind experience, offering children and parents a two-hour break dedicated to edutainment. To continuously improve their selection, the childrenswear team would like brands and companies to develop more 360-degree collections that include accessories, gifts, and objects.
 
What are Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche customers looking for? 
Le Bon Marché is a family-friendly department store. Our customers have many different purposes: sets for newborns or children growing up to gifts for special occasions. But, firstly, our customers come in for surprises. They know Le Bon Marché is special and they will discover new brands, new products within a special atmosphere.
Are there differences between French and international customers?
French and international customers may behave differently because tastes and cultures are different, but both come in because they know they will find quality fashion, and well-known and niche brands.
What are the most interesting kidswear market trends?
At the moment, it’s casualwear and mini-me proposals, especially for luxury brands. In our selection, we include many Europe-sourced offerings.

What would you like to see more in the proposals of brands and companies?
We would like to see more 360-degree collections: lifestyle brands that would include accessories, gifts, etc.

What are the winning features of your Children Zone? 
The atmosphere on the floor offers customers a unique experience. They feel at home. The sales workforce, our animations , and our service Les Récrés are key factors for success.
What is the Les Récrés du Bon Marché service?
The goal is to provide a break for children and parents alike with two hours of edutainment workshops, during which children learn while having fun. Everything here is designed for their well-being and safety: cozy cushions for listening to a story, small low tables for workshops, benches, large screen for interactive books, a small yellow tiled house for washing hands, and cloakroom to make themselves comfortable.
Do you also sell online?
No, and we don’t have any project in the working about that.
What do you expect to find at Pitti Bimbo in January?
 
We hope to find new brands, new concepts for fashion, beauty, accessories, and shoes.
 
What makes Pitti a unique experience?
Having the possibility to see many brands in a very short time .
Any suggestion for Pitti?
To work more on strong themes and relevant consumer trends as re-cycling, up-cycling, and second-hand.