Cambridge Satchel opens first international store with Paris debut, more to come

Bags brand Cambridge Satchel has been owned by French company Chargeurs for almost three years now but its store activity has remained focused on its domestic UK market. Not any more though.

The heritage satchel brand has opened its first international store in Paris as it continues it expansion strategy following its Covent Garden, Cambridge, Leeds and Windsor openings. And more international openings are promised.

The made-in-Britain label has opened a 50 sq m store situated in the heart of Le Marais in the French capital, at Rue Vielle du Temple. And in line with the French debut, for the opening period, the contemporary space has been adapted to resemble a French bakery with exposed stonework brick walls and tiled flooring. The locker-style shelves and trolleys are filled with both French pastries and Cambridge Satchel’s leather pieces.

The store carries a range of the women’s and men’s collections, including classic satchels, crossbody bags, handbags, tote bags and backpacks. As well as the SS25 collection, there are collaboration pieces including bestsellers such as The Hello Kitty Face Tote and The Binocular Bag from the Wicked Movie.

Completing the collection is a range of small leather goods from purses and notebooks to passport and card holders. There are also two exclusive charms, one featuring a croissant and the other a Paris love heart.

CEO Carine de Koenigswarter called the opening “a key moment for Cambridge Satchel… Paris being the capital of fashion, it was the obvious choice for our first store out outside of the UK. We chose Le Marais as it is a historic district in Paris, known for its rich cultural heritage, charming streets and vibrant mix of shops, galleries and restaurants – a perfect spot for our first French store.”

She added that after Leeds opened late last year and Windsor in January, the Paris store “is a key part of our Phase 1 expansion plan. Following this we be looking to open in other key cities across Europe and internationally.”