La Samaritaine, one of France's oldest department stores owned by luxury goods giant LMVH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, is to close for up to six years for essential repairs to its 1870s-era structure.

The store shut its doors on June 15 after announcing that the building had become decrepit over the years and was a danger to shoppers. Management said that the 656,600 square-foot structure needs major renovation, in particular to its metal framework and flooring.

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