Au Bonheur des Dames presents a look at late nineteenth century Paris and the introduction of the large department store. It takes a close look at the conditions in the department store, as well as the appeal to its customers and affect on the small businesses. This backdrop is the scene of a developing romance between Mouret, the store's owner, and a girl from the provinces, Denise, an unlikely match given their different social status. As Denise learns about the struggle for survival, Mouret discovers that his money cannot buy what he really wants.