Be Ethical and Generous During the Holidays

Paris abounds in 'Concept Shops'. A great way to highlight coming trends and very contemporary fashion, design, homewares and more, concept shops add to that incomparable Parisian 'buzz'. "Ethical Concept Stores" are a welcome new addition to this universe of the hip, cool and contemporary. Essentially these shops are distinguished by attention to solidarity based, artisanal and organic means of production, responding to 'ethical' and sustainable interests of customers.

Merci, located in the Marais, is a great example. Merci was created by the owners of Bonpoint, the upscale children's clothing firm. The store is designed to resemble a house, and it is a house chock full of all manner of beautiful and useful objects chosen for their adherence to principles of solidarity. There is even a florist and bookseller-café included in the mix! And, a portion of profits are donated to aid disadvantaged children. 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, Marais. www.merci-merci.com

House of Organic is another terrific shop. International designers sell creations that are made solely of natural and nonpolluting materials. There is ready to wear, design and cosmetics included in the offerings. 7 rue Mahler, Marais. www.houseoforganic.com

Boutique Talents-Ateliers d'Art de France is a hybrid of a shop and an art gallery offering 100 plus works from 85 artists and craftsmen. 1 rue Scribe, Paris 9. www.ateliersdart.com

Happy shopping!