Par Murielle Bouchard
Published on Sep 30, 23 at 1:19 p.m. See my news Follow 76actu William and Marjorie founded the online organic grocery store Épi’Boujou in 2020. Since then, they have opened a store in Le Havre (Seine-Maritime). Today they are launching a call to investors. (©DR)
In 2020, William Baillehache and his partner Marjorie founded with two friends, the first eco-responsible drive in the conurbation of Havre (Seine-Maritime) with their premises located at Montivilliers. Since then, they have opened a store in Le Havre, setting up a subscription system last July allowing the purchase of products locally at almost cost price.
The couple had “the best month of activity in August 2023” and are preparing to move to an activity zone however… failing to find investors, the sustainability of the Epi’Boujou cooperative is threatened. Asked by 76 currentlyWilliam Baillehache explains the situation.
“There is an urgent need to find investors”
“I am very attached to my job as a grocer. We are part of a real territorial political project with Épi’Boujou, we are actors in the transition and yet…” Despite a month of August displaying record activity, William and his partner Marjorie are giving themselves until October 15 2023 to decide whether they continue their activity or not.
There is a context where overall for grocers today it is very complicated, particularly for grocers of organic products,
William
A long-awaited move that is delayed
And to this is added an internal problem: “A year ago, when we were financially able to do so, we undertook to move to a much better located premises, in full view of everyone in the area of activity of the beautiful star. The move has been delayed and today we have to do it by November 1 at the latest. »
Except that since then, the results of the cooperative have not made it possible to finance this move itself.
“It is for this reason that we invite investors or candidates for the association to contact us to continue the adventure. Our problem is financial, it’s true, but Marjorie like me also needs new blood to help us. »
The remaining urgent matter is the provision of money. “We recently noticed that we will not be able to financially balance our activity within a reasonable time frame. These difficulties have pushed us to relentlessly innovate but we expect to reach break-even during the first quarter of 2024.” This is why the couple, “can no longer wait for the financial situation to deteriorate further”, is opening “today the door to new financiers and/or associates. “
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A network of solid partners
Both William and Marjorie are convinced that “this cooperative can and must continue to serve the region. By relying on the existing legal structure and a deliberately broad corporate purpose, it is possible to deploy numerous activities that respect people and the environment while also benefiting from an existing team and a network of strong partners.”
Partners already present for some “and who will support us if our call is heard”, positive William.
Practical information :
Telephone contact: 06 60 20 41 43.
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