Li Store Story

Our parents opened the convenience store in 2003. It was initially located at 10 bis Avenue de Verdun and was called "Store Bonheur". Then, during the redevelopment of this avenue by the municipality of Ivry-sur-Seine, our parents moved the convenience store to 6 bis, where it is currently located.

Originally from Shanghai, China, our parents initially wanted to open an Asian convenience store, similar to those in the thirteenth arrondissement of Paris. However, after a few months, customers started asking if their store sold cassava flour, plantains, "Caribbean peppers" (habanero), okra, wheat semolina, spices for West African cuisines, yams, and other products foreign to their daily lives. The store, which originally had only five shelves, expanded to offer all these new products. Upon the advice of customers, our parents also added a section for cosmetic products, and then one for household goods.

Some of our customers have been shopping at the store for twenty years. Others have discovered it recently, especially when coming to pick up a package. Our parents are always happy to welcome them. They take pride in having opened a store where so many different cultures intersect. The lives of the customers fuel our conversations with them. Finding the products that customers are looking for motivates our parents to continue and takes them on journeys. As for us, we have grown up with the scents, colors, and flavors of these products.

The convenience store now employs seven staff members, the majority of whom have been working there for over ten years. It is also the living space of our parents, where they wish to work until retirement. We are grateful every day that customers come or continue to come to our convenience store to shop. They support a local business, employees, and a family.

Elisa & David Li
Children of the Founders