World’s fashion capital sees clothing stores disappear as new trends take hold

The number of clothing stores in the world capital of fashion has fallen by almost two-thirds in recent years, while one surprising segment managed to have escaped this trend.

The disappearance of clothing shops in Paris was confirmed by a study from the country's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as French newspaper Les Echos reports.

The French capital is widely regarded as a symbol of good taste and the birthplace of haute couture. Yet a walk through central Paris is enough to reveal that an increasing number of retail premises are standing empty, with vacant commercial space now accounting for around 10% of the total.

The number of clothing stores has dropped by a staggering 63% since 2002 across Paris. The trend has been driven in part by the rise of online shopping, which has transformed retail across France, as well as the growing popularity of second-hand clothing.

Like many other major cities, Paris has also seen discount chains move into stores that once sold the clothing associated around the world with Parisian chic. Vinted, the online second-hand marketplace, has become the leading clothing retailer in France.

"It is time to sound the alarm about the collapse of clothing stores in the city centre," Céline Delacroix, secretary-general of the chamber’s trade committee, told Les Echos.

Children’s and women’s clothing stores have been among those hardest hit. Their numbers have fallen by 43% and 35% respectively compared with 2002.

There is, however, one striking exception visible to anyone paying close attention while walking through Paris. The number of sportswear shops has increased significantly in recent years, rising by 67%, according to the statistics.

Even in a city synonymous with haute couture and luxury fashion, the rise of casual sportswear and trainers is therefore reshaping the retail landscape. The trend has been described as the "sneakerisation" of fashion, reflecting the growing influence of trainers and sportswear on everyday clothing choices.

By Nazrin Sadigova