The history of our épiciers

« We are reclaiming the etomological term, we are proud to be épiciers and want to give the profession its good reputation back. »

Le Comptoir des Poivres

We are épiciers

Etymologically, an épicier (grocer) is someone who deals in spices. In the past it was used to describe a spice merchant. In the Middle Ages, the épicier was second in the hierarchy of the Parisian trades. They only sold spices and it was only from the beginning of the 18th century that their sales activity diversified. Over time these specialists have become more general grocers selling poor quality products and today the term "épicier" has become pejorative.