Imagine ferrets chasing rabbits. This is the origin of the name Furet du Nord. Originally a fur shop in 1936. It transformed into a bookstore. The owner kept the name. It reflected a local tradition.
Today we stand before Furet du Nord. It is a landmark on Lille’s Grand Place. The most important Furet du Nord is located here. It has been here since 1959. From 1992 to 1999, it was the world’s largest bookstore. Even now, it remains one of France’s largest.
Georges Poulard transformed the fur shop. It was located on Rue de la Vieille Comédie. He was a high school principal. He kept the name Furet du Nord.
Paul Callens began working there in 1947. He was passionate about books. In 1950, he bought the shop. He moved it to Grand Place in 1959. Previously, Galleries Barbès occupied this space. Renault also wanted the location. Paul Callens convinced the Parisian management.
The Furet du Nord became the first self-service bookstore. In 1963, it opened France’s first pocketbook section. A youth department followed in 1970.
In 1960, book signings began. They became a tradition. The store expanded over the years. It grew from 200 to 7000 square meters. Today, it welcomes around 12000 visitors daily.
The facade was renovated in 1969. The 19th-century parts were removed. It was restored to its original 18th-century style. The design was inspired by a painting. It was François Watteau’s “La Procession de Lille in 1789”.
The Furet du Nord launched its website in 2009. It began selling books online. In 2018, it expanded internationally. It acquired Chapitre.be with stores in Belgium. In 2019, it acquired Decitre. This made Furet du Nord the fourth-largest bookseller in France.
The history of Furet du Nord is a story of vision. It is a story of adaptation. It is a story of passion for books. It remains a cultural icon in Lille.