Marguerite Boucicaut

Marguerite Boucicaut, née Guérin (born 3 January 1816 in Verjux, France; died 8 December 1887, Cannes) was a French businesswoman and benefactor.

She participated in the creation and prosperity of the first department store, Au Bon Marché, in Paris alongside her husband Aristide Boucicaut.

In return, loyalty and adherence to a moral code (ironic given that the Boucicaut's relationship might have involved cohabitation before marriage).

[2][3] In 1880, Marguerite changed the company to a société en commandite, or a partnership with her top managers that continued the "family" nature of the Bon Marché even after her death.

[3] With no heirs, Marguerite willed her fortune to the employees of the Bon Marche and her social works, including a hospital and a home for unwed mothers.