French retail chain Fnac will open its new flagship store in downtown Toulouse on Wednesday, October 7, closing its long-standing home in the city center to relocate across the street into the renovated former UGC cinema building.
The current store in the historic Immeuble des Américains, situated at the corner of the city boulevards and Allées Franklin-Roosevelt, will close its doors in stages prior to the move. The first floor, which houses books and music recordings, is scheduled to close in mid-September, roughly two weeks before the ground floor shuts down.
A spokesperson for parent company Fnac Darty confirmed the opening date for the new site, which will serve as a brand showcase in the heart of the regional capital.
Fnac will act as the sole commercial tenant of the newly restored property, occupying nearly 4,000 square metres of retail space spread across the ground floor, first floor, and second floor.
Building Renovation and Development
Real estate firm Caso Patrimoine acquired the former cinema building in 2019 and oversaw the overhaul through architectural firm Taillandier Architectes Associés. Construction work on the structure is now finished, with only minor final touches remaining.
The relocation completes a major redevelopment project in central Toulouse. The initiative officially got underway with a symbolic cornerstone laying ceremony on July 9, securing Fnac's continued presence in the city center.
Fnac Darty is one of France's largest retail groups, operating cultural, electronic, and home appliance stores nationwide. Toulouse, located in southwestern France, is the capital of the Haute-Garonne department and the Occitanie region.
Architectural Heritage of Les Variétés
The building is returning to its original historic name, Les Variétés. The site originally accommodated the Théâtre des Variétés, designed by architect Urbain Vitry and erected in 1837 before a fire destroyed the venue.
An Art Deco building replaced the theatre in the 1930s to house a cinema. The renovation preserved the 1930s Art Deco façade, maintaining the historic character of the streetscape.
Rooftop Amenities and Design
In addition to the three levels of retail space, the renovated complex introduces a 700-square-metre rooftop restaurant. The venue features a 240-square-metre terrace, a 130-square-metre garden, and a performance stage.
