Colette announced on social media this morning (July 12, 2017) it’s closing its doors in December this year after 20 years in business. In a statement written in French and English, the business stated that its founder, Colette Roussaux, who founded and operated the store with her daughter, Sarah Andelman, was ready to retire from the business of retail.
“As all good things must come to an end, after twenty wonderful years, Colette should be closing its doors on December 20th of this year. Colette Roussaux has reached the time when she would like to take her time; and Colette cannot exist without Colette,” read the statement in part.
The store noted it was in talks with Saint Laurent to take over the storied space. “Negotiations are under way with Saint Laurent and we would be proud to have a brand with such a history, with whom we have frequently collaborated, taking over our address.”
A three-story space located at 213 rue St.-Honoré, Colette according to the NY Times, had sales of 28 million euros ($32 million) in 2016, with e-commerce accounting for 25 percent of that and the rest coming from its single store.
In a profile on the two proprietors published in March 2017 just prior to a splashy, 20th anniversary celebration, the NY Times brought up rumors the store was planning to close, which Andelman dismissed as untrue.
Roussaux still lives above the store, which had been vacant for quite some time before she purchased it and with Andelman as her partner, subsequently went on to change retail history.
Image of Roussaux and Andelman via @nouvellegarde.
