About New Orleans
New Orleans is an iconic city in the American South that has a unique culture and dynamic history. It is known for its vibrant nightlife, diverse music scene, art galleries, carnivals, delicious food, and more. The city's nickname is the Big Easy, referencing its relaxed atmosphere and easy-going lifestyle.
The city was founded in 1718 by French colonists who named it after Philippe II, Duke of Orléans. This makes it one of the oldest cities in the United States, although it was ceded to Spain for a period of time before becoming part of the United States at the end of the 18th century. The influence from its French roots can still be felt today through its architecture, language (it has its own dialect), cuisine (it’s known for beignets and gumbo), and music, especially jazz which was born in New Orleans during the late 19th century.
Many major retailers call New Orleans their home. Retail locations in New Orleans contribute to the city's economic dynamism and provide a wide range of products and services to locals and tourists alike. There are shopping districts filled with boutique stores that feature local craftsman goods as well as international designer brands. Apart from helping consumers obtain the products and services they need, you can also find retail space in New Orleans for content creation, production, and photo shoots.
Retail Options in New Orleans
- Decor
New Orleans, Louisiana, is a city renowned for its unique and vibrant decor. From the iconic wrought iron balconies in the French Quarter to the brightly colored architecture found along Canal Street, there are countless retail options available for those looking to bring a touch of the Big Easy into their home. Whether you’re looking for statement furniture pieces or subtle accent pieces, there are plenty of stores offering everything from antique and vintage pieces to modern fixtures.
- Furniture
With so many nearby furniture stores, there are endless opportunities to find the perfect piece for your home. From traditional wood pieces to more contemporary metal and plastic designs, shoppers in New Orleans can easily find exactly what they’re looking for. Some furniture stores even specialize in customizing existing pieces with creative upholstery or finishes.
- Computers
For those who need a reliable computer, New Orleans has several retail options available. Many local stores have tech professionals on staff that can help customers choose the right laptop or desktop depending on their needs and budget. There are also numerous online retailers that offer discounted prices on new computers.
- Lighting
Because of its Caribbean influence, New Orleans is also known for its bright and vibrant lighting choices. Local shops feature everything from elaborate chandeliers to bold wall sconces and pendant lights. Additionally, some stores also offer energy-efficient LED lighting systems that can be used both indoors and outdoors year-round.
Retail Vendors in New Orleans
- Perfect Presentations Florals and Events Design
For over 40 years, Perfect Presentations has been the go-to for those looking for a remarkable event in New Orleans. Event planners depend on the expertise of owner Johnny Lopez and his thorough understanding of all local hotels and venues to plan any special occasion — from weddings to corporate meetings or galas. Along with a team of highly skilled designers, Johnny is able to create custom presentations according to each client's unique vision.
- Collectible Antiques
Collectible Antiques is a shop that truly stands out from the rest. Located on Decatur Street in the historic French Quarter, this cozy, art-filled shop has been owned by Paul Ward for over three decades, and here serious collectors can find quality antiques and collectibles from the 19th and 20th centuries. From charming furniture to vintage fabrics and beyond, visitors will find something special to add to their collections at this unique store.
- La Belle Nouvelle Orléans
Fernando Promoslovsky is a third-generation antiquarian and dealer who had the ambition to extend his family's business dealings in the United States by traveling all the way from Buenos Aires to New Orleans. His father had already established some footing in the city, but Mr. Promoslovsky wanted to make a name for himself and provide customers with an exceptional collection of rare treasures from a variety of sources, spanning from Argentina and Europe. This motivated him to pursue his vision of creating La Belle Nouvelle Orléans, which quickly became quite the successful antique shop in America.
Pros and Cons of Retail Locations in New Orleans
New Orleans is an iconic city known for its vibrant culture, unique architecture, and picturesque views of the Mississippi River. It's also a great place to use a retail store for any production project. While there are many advantages to using a working shop in New Orleans for your film/photo shoot, there are also some drawbacks that must be considered before committing to any location.
Advantages
- Many retail spaces in New Orleans are centrally located, so they're easy to access via public transportation and are near major city attractions.
- The retail spots in New Orleans come in different sizes, shapes, and styles, allowing you to pick one that suits your project.
- While rent prices have been steadily increasing throughout the country over recent years, they have remained relatively affordable compared to other metropolitan areas making it more affordable for small production companies.
Disadvantages
- While it's easy to find retail spots in downtown New Orleans and the surrounding areas, the owners may not always be open to using the entire space for your project.
- Since many retail spaces in New Orleans are located near popular areas, you might have to deal with large crowds while filming or during a photo shoot.
- You don't always have control over the environment, including lighting, traffic, bad weather, and pedestrians, when filming in a retail location.
Tips on How to Organize Retail Locations in New Orleans
New Orleans is a vibrant city on the Gulf Coast of the United States, and it has long been a popular destination for tourists. With its rich culture and history, New Orleans is also home to a thriving retail sector. But if you’re looking to use the city's retail settings for your next project, there are a few things to keep in mind to guarantee success. Here are some tips on how to organize a photo/film shoot in a retail location in New Orleans:
- Research your target location: Before you can begin setting up for the shoot, it’s important that you understand the area. Know when the busiest time is, the space layout, and what services and facilities are available.
- Secure permits: You need to get a permit from the city whenever and whatever you're filming. You should also ensure you've cleared all the shops or buildings that will appear in your shots.
- Check lights and sounds: Retail stores are often located in busy and noisy areas, so anticipate and plan how you'll play around with audio. You should also check the lighting and see what equipment you will need to enhance the visuals.
- identify power outlets: Most retail locations in New Orleans have enough power outlets. But if you bring lots of audio and lighting tools and equipment, you might need extension cords to be sure.
Famous Locations in New Orleans
- Historic New Orleans Collection
Exploring New Orleans wouldn't be complete without delving into its unique culture and history, something in which the Historic New Orleans Collection specializes. With captivating exhibits that display the city's beautiful artwork and memorable background, this museum offers an immersive experience of what makes the Big Easy so special. Since 1966, The Historic New Orleans Collection has provided an entrance into the past via General Lewis Kemper Williams and Leila Hardy Moore Williams' private collection. In 1938, the couple acquired the Merieult House in order to turn it into their personal residence — a place that continues to hold and showcase an astounding collection of over one million items today. This storied home remains a testament to them, filled with permanent and changing displays that honor their legacy.
- Longue Vue House and Gardens
The Longue Vue is an elegant and timeless attraction in New Orleans, deeply rooted in the state's history. It represents one of the Country Place Era's final estates, originally owned by Edgar B. Stern in the 1930s. The house itself has been beautifully preserved, and its Classical-Revival architecture stands as a reminder of the sophistication and style of past generations. Inside, visitors can explore over 20 rooms that are furnished with authentic or recreated period furniture pieces from all over the world — including antique carpets and ceramics — transporting guests back to a bygone era. Beyond this lies eight acres of luscious gardens that provide stunning sights for walkers to enjoy year-round
- Music Box Village
The Music Box Village in Bywater is an enchanting place to visit. This dreamy haven for music lovers fuses the classic Creole cottage style with a creative selection of little music boxes. The entire village was designed by visionary artists and builders who wanted to create an interactive, tranquil space that would bring joy to the community. Each of the mesmerizing treehouses within the village can be experienced up close, making it perfect for visitors of all ages to explore. In addition, during certain parts of the year, live concerts are hosted here, enabling guests to make magical musical memories that will last a lifetime.