It may seem a bit odd to write a post about a hardware store in Marseille, but Maison Empereur is definitely worth it. This venerable institution located near the Canebiere, was created in 1827, which makes it the oldest in France. It has spreaded over the neighbouring shops and now covers a corner of rue d’Aubagne. The offer goes from basic cleaning equipment (the original witch broom) to electric supplies (old fashionned fabric covered braided electric cord, ceramic light switches and plugs) and kitchen supplies (basic to high end pans, enormous industrial kitchen ones that would cook an entire pig!!). Added bonus, it just oppened a 300s squ m first floor to allow better presentation of it’s wares, with a range of old fashion lamps, as well as the iconic « Malle W Trousseau », ratan outdoor furniture, old fashion toys, kitchen parafinalia and ironwork for doors, windows and shutters…..it is a bobos’ paradise: Marseille’s response to Paris’ « Merci » without the attitude, nor the price tag, but it also caters for the builders with very studied prices. I do hope that it will continue to thrive and resist to the giant hardware stores of the periphery as it is a blesssing to have that kind of supply walking distance from home.
