Keeping Shop

Cire Trudon

Stores in London, Paris, Australia, the USA, and the Middle East

The history of Cire Trudon dates back to 1643 in Paris. Claude Trudon opened a shop on the rue Saint-Honoré, where he sold candles to the public and supplied candles to the neighbouring Saint Roch parish. From humble beginnings, the Trudon family established themselves as the finest wax and candle makers in the French kingdom, serving the Court of Versailles and later becoming the official supplier to the Court of Louis XIV. So popular were his candles with the monarchy that Marie Antoinette continued to send for them from her prison cell.

Cire Trudon were also famous for their factory, the biggest and most beautiful wax-producing factory in the French Kingdom. Trudon’s Latin motto and its emblem were engraved on a stone plaque on the factory building: a depiction of hives and bees bordered by the saying: deo regique laborant – “They work for God and for the King”. The Trudons were incredibly skilled and produced wax of exceptionally high quality, collecting it from the finest hives in the kingdom. Once received, it was bleached through a series of pure water baths, dried in the open air and whitened by the sun. The factory also imported the finest cotton to manufacture the wicks, and Cire Trudon candles became the utmost luxury, the very best that money could buy.

Long after the demise of the royal courts and the birth of gas and electricity, Cire Trudon still supplies the Saint-Roch church in Paris, which has been burning their candles ever since its creation in 1643. Their shops are now scattered across Paris, London, and New York and are decorated with antique blue and gold candles displayed in glass domes. 

Everything about their shops reflects the quality, history and provenance of a brand that is fit for kings and Queens. You are not simply buying a candle, but a piece of French history—a flickering testament to quality, longevity, and artisanal excellence. 

Pärlans Konfektyr

Södermalm, Stockholm

Situated on the bohemian island of Södermalm in Stockholm, you will find Pärlans, a caramel shop with a difference. Caramels were very popular in Sweden, especially in the 1930s. Gradually, over time, they fell out of favour and were only consumed at Christmas. In 2010, Pärlans set out to revive the beloved treat with beautifully packaged artisanal caramels and caramel sauces. They now distribute their products worldwide to places as far-flung as South Korea.

Literally translated as Pearl, a Swedish nickname for someone dear, Pärlans offers much more than a sugary fix. Visiting the shop at Nytorgsgatan 38 is an olfactory, nostalgic, and sensual experience that can never be replicated in a digital mall. Although they conduct a large amount of business online, opening a shop was crucial as Lisa explains:

"Our product, artisanal caramels, was something new to the Swedish market and we had to be totally transparent. Next to our shop, we have a kitchen where we prepare our caramel, and it features large windows that face the street. People passing by can feel the sweet smell of the buttery caramels, see the fresh cream and real butter being added to the copper kettle, and the old, vintage machinery. In every sense, they can feel that our caramel is different than the ones you can buy at the big supermarkets."

What Pärlans offers is a story, a little escape from the often harsh reality of the modern world. Even during economic recession, people still find the money for relatively inexpensive sweet indulgences. When people twist open the wrapping of a vanilla and sea salt caramel and pop it into their mouth, they are not only tasting the joy of the sweet, salty, and buttery combination; they are engaging with a story, a little bit of gentle nostalgia. Inspired by the look and feel of the 1930s and 40s, customers can watch perfectly lipsticked girls with their hair curled, stirring the copper pots whilst listening to vintage jazz. But the experience doesn't stop there; when they get home, they open the silk ribbon, unfold the tissue paper, twist open the wrapper, and pop the caramel into their mouth, experiencing the magic of Pärlans once again. As Lisa explains, "People are fond of products with a story".

According to Lisa, the recipe for Pärlans success is simple: "I believe that many people are fascinated by what we do, and they love the atmosphere. It makes them happy, it is as simple as that, I think."

Labour & Wait

Stores throughout London & Tokyo

Redchurch Street in Shoreditch, near Spitalfields Market, is a culturally diverse and creative area that attracts shoppers and visitors from around the globe. Here you will find the much talked about Labour and Wait, serving their loyal customers in a former green tiled Victorian pub. Labour and Wait is a design led shop selling homewares, hardware, gifts and clothing. Their brand is focused on tradition and durability, a brand whose identity has been strong enough to support concessions in New York and Japan.

For founders Simon and Rachel, a brand is not simply a mark of fashion but a particular experience and environment. Although online trade is vital to their business, Simon believes that a physical shop is really important.

“Online shopping is convenient and is a very important sales channel, but it cannot convey the essence of a brand the way a physical shop can. When you step into a real shop, you are entering the world of that brand. Many sensory experiences cannot be replicated, from the feel of the products to the way the staff interact with customers, even the smell of the shop or the type of music being played. These qualities are essential in conveying what a brand stands for."

Online shopping may often be cheaper and more convenient, but there is something to be said about the human touch and opportunities for human interaction. In addition to selling quality goods, Labour & Wait strives to provide some good old-fashioned customer service in a global city that can often lack genuine human interaction.

"When we opened Labour and Wait, we were keen to create an environment where people could meet and where the customers would feel at ease to talk to the people behind the counter. We hoped we could create a friendly atmosphere where people could take their time. Hopefully, this is the case. Many customers have become good friends. Our customers genuinely seem to enjoy visiting our shop. They often comment on the atmosphere, the general ambience and particularly the smell!"