«Our aim in starting Cahier Central was to say yes and not shy away from new and experimental publications» in conversation with co-founder Julien Achard
Cahier Central: a bookstore in Paris
Former colleagues Julien Achard, Noa Kéhati and Benjamin Parienté launched a digital bookstore, Cahier Central, in 2019. Once a side project, Cahier Central now stands as a physical store and a full-time job for the three founders. Co-founder Julien Achard states that their ethos is «saying yes». He explains, «There are few independent bookshops in Paris and fewer that host magazines. The ones that do, opt for well-known magazines. They tend to say no to small-scale and unconventional publications. Our main aim in starting Cahier Central was to say yes and not shy away from these new and experimental publications».
Independent print magazines are Cahier Central’s focus. The products at Cahier Central encapsulate the work of emerging artists, authors, journalists, graphic designers, and creators. Topics range from sports and science to fashion and politics.
Jardin des Plantes
Cahier Central is situated three minutes from Jardin des Plantes, France’s main botanical gardens, in the fifth arrondissement and on the left bank of the river Seine. The fifth arrondissement is one of Paris’ oldest districts with a rich history. The locale has been dominated by universities, colleges and prestigious high schools since the twelfth Century and thus, is home to scores of bookstores. Achard says there were no marketing reasons behind why they chose their current location– it occurred through an organic process. «Even though it was not a predetermined choice to be there, we have found that we make an addition to the neighboring bookstores as we bring something else to the market».
Providing inspiration for young creatives
Embracing the imaginative nature of the creative publishing industry means that Cahier Central has caught the eye of a French clientele. «University students from the nearby graphic design and art universities come in to explore what’s current. Not all of our customers live in the area. The demographics would be twenty five to thirty five-year-olds, sixty percent female». Achard says he hopes the bookstore can act as a space of inspiration to the French youth in 2022. The bookstore hosts launches as well as art exhibitions. «We try to accommodate magazines and publisher launches where we take a small percentage of the sales. We aim to be a hub for creativity».
The Cahier Central store is covered in magazines from head to toe. At the moment, they occupy a small space; most of their magazines are placed in a way to attract potential customers such as in the window-front. In the future, they hope to expand to allow seating arrangements for people to sit and read, but for now the store has placed a bench outside of the shop.
The people behind Cahier Central
Cahier Central consists of three key components; its founders Julien Archard, Benjamin Parienté and Noa Kéhati.
Julien Achard is co-founder and general manager at Cahier Central. Initially, Achard studied Sound Engineering in Paris and followed up with a Masters in Sonic Arts in London. It was only upon moving back to Paris after graduating that he got involved with the communications industry. Through an internship in IT and Communications, Achard found his passion for independent magazines. After working in the industry for five years, Achard was convinced there was a need for a service such as Cahier Central.
Noa Kehati & Benjamin Parienté are co-founders of Cahier Central and PR firm NWB creative studio. Since 2015, the pair have been assisting with the distribution and marketing of Cahier Central and the publications they host in-store and digitally.
Independent publications and an internet culture anthology
Cahier Central is an extension of Julien Achard’s practice as an independent publisher. In 2013, Achard published the bilingual French-English magazine, Nichons-nous dans L’Internet (Abreast of the Internet). The Internet-centered print publication featured images of Google Street View, gaming avatars, futuristic 3D renderings and written content involving Internet culture and its intricacies. Achard printed the Internet.
In the last few years, print magazines have been going digital. As Achard puts it, «some printed publications have to die». It is the economic model that is not sustainable but Achard sees the future of print publications in independent publishers and magazines because it comes from a place of ‘love’. Achard says, «since bigger publications have tired out due to the economic situation, I see more independent magazines launching to fill the void. They may not last for long but there are always new magazines coming out».
Sustainability in print publishing
Achard admits it is difficult to be sustainable in the publishing industry. Cahier Central makes an effort by mass ordering magazines from publishers. «The publishers we deal with try to use recycled paper and not overprint copies of books and magazines to not waste paper but there is a bit of guilt in selling paper and shipping goods to faraway places». He resolves these feelings by posing it through the lens of «broadening culture and choosing the magazines that discuss issues such as climate change so they can educate people».
The future at Cahier Central
At present, Cahier Central’s focus is on sustaining its physical store. They have been at their current location for a year. Cahier Central will look to expand to a bigger space in another region of Paris after another year. Achard and the team also hope to publish independent publications of their own for which he has a few ideas in mind but doesn’t plan to execute them till the end of the year.
Cahier Central
12 Rue Lacépède, 75005 Paris, France
Cahier Central is a bookstore dedicated to independent publishing. Since 2019, the Paris-based bookstore has become a frequent spot for artistic inspiration. Cahier Central also operates as a digital bookstore shipping internationally.
Anisha Khemlani
