Emile Zola

The Ladies' Paradise Emile Zola

Denise comes to Paris to work as a saleswoman at the heart of retail innovation - a new department store which threatens the existence of all the neighbourhood shops. Octave, the owner of this successful megastore, has gathered silks, woolens, ready-made garments, accessories and furniture. His aim is to overwhelm the senses of his female customers, forcing them to spend more. As Octave continues to drive the traditional retailers who operate smaller, speciality shops out of business, he finds himself slowly falling in love with Denise.