The scent of polished wood and innovative textiles has long defined Rue Jarente in Lyon, emanating from the doors of Arrivetz, a name synonymous with contemporary design. But as of early 2026, this olfactory signature, and indeed the very essence of the store, will shift. The Sansavini family, custodians of this design beacon for decades, has announced its departure, handing over the reins to new owners.
A Bittersweet Farewell on LinkedIn
“We have decided to sell the family business; it’s a wrench for us, but it’s to embark on new projects and a new professional horizon not far from the world of design.” These poignant words, shared by Julie and Marion Sansavini on LinkedIn, resonated deeply within Lyon’s business and design communities. For many, Arrivetz was more than just a store; it was a testament to enduring quality and a passion for aesthetic living.
From Humble Beginnings to a Design Powerhouse
Founded in 1968 by Pierre Arrivetz, the 600m² contemporary furnishing store quickly established itself as a benchmark in decoration, interior architecture, and design. For over 50 years, its concept thrived, riding the wave of growth in tertiary real estate and the increasing purchasing power of affluent demographics. Its most notable achievements, when the showroom boasted a prominent presence on Cours Lafayette, included furnishing 2,500 chairs for the new headquarters of Courly (now Grand Lyon) and 1,800 seats for the administrative city, both state bunkers in the Part-Dieu district. Richard Sansavini acquired the brand from its founder in 1988, expanding it significantly by incorporating the most prestigious contemporary and designer furniture brands. Each year, the “tout Lyon” flocked to the immense showroom, mingling amidst sofas and champagne during the Rue Auguste Comte’s red carpet event.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Julie and Marion Sansavini joined their father in 2010, steering the company through various challenges. However, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly weakened the business, followed by the real estate crisis, which brought property development to a halt. The loss of the prestigious Cassina brand, holder of the Le Corbusier license, further compounded these difficulties. In response, the two leaders sought a new direction. After engaging with several key players in Lyon’s furniture sector, they found an agreement with their neighbor, Maison Home Design, which operates two showrooms in Lyon (Rue Auguste Comte and Rue Edouard Herriot). “We are not abandoning you, we are passing the torch to professionals like us,” Julie affirmed. Richard Sansavini, interviewed by [lyonpeople.com](https://www.lyonpeople.com/les-annonce-legales-de-lyon), simply stated that “Arrivetz is starting anew under fresh auspices with Marc and Ned Rekic (pictured above in 2010 with Romain Bombail at the inauguration of MHD Minotti), as Marion and Julie wished to explore new horizons.” The specifics of their future endeavors are eagerly awaited.
A Legacy Continues
While the Sansavini family’s direct involvement with Arrivetz concludes, the store’s legacy in Lyon’s design scene is set to continue under new leadership. The transition promises to bring fresh perspectives while hopefully maintaining the high standards of quality and innovation that Arrivetz has always represented. The city of Lyon, a hub of culture and commerce, will undoubtedly watch with interest as this new chapter unfolds for one of its most cherished design institutions. [arrivetz.com](https://www.arrivetz.com/) and [bureau.arrivetz.com](https://bureau.arrivetz.com/) will continue to showcase the brand’s offerings.
