The winter sales started this Wednesday, January 11. For several years, despite interesting business, private sales and inflation have erased the enthusiasm of the first day of kick-off.
It was not the crowd of the big days, this Wednesday, January 11, in the shopping alleys of the crest. No jostling, rue de l’Aspic and no long queues in the fitting rooms.
“There is no longer the craze for sales like ten years ago”, recognizes Cathy Delmas, at the ready-to-wear and accessories boutique, rue Régale. “For five years, private sales have preceded sales by two to five weekslaments the shopkeeper who has been on the street for twenty-four years. People are no longer waiting for promotional items. There are no regulations, private sales cut prices and benefit franchisees.”
At Paloma, as in many shops in Nîmes, promotions start at 20% up to 50%, on a selection of items.
“I made my first sale at 11:30 am”
If at the meridian break some shops left the curtain drawn, rue de l’Aspic, Edith Ifergane, manager of Riviera and Bella Storia wants to be positive: “I’ve been in the shop since 8:30 this morning and made my first sale at 11:30. It’s not crowded, that’s often the case on the first day of sales, I hope that will start this weekend.”
Business seems interesting in textiles, decoration, sporting goods… but the blue card of shopping queens has suffered from inflation. “I dress in a basic thrift store, says Julie, 22. Today, I came for a walk with the family and I bought four T-shirts for €22.”
For Ludivine and Anaïs, it’s an opportunity for a mother-daughter outing in the city center. “We wait for the day of the sales to buy branded clothes that we like at reasonable prices.” In her large kraft bag from the famous Spanish brand, Anaïs, 14, spent a hundred euros on jeans, a sweater and a blazer. “I was able to have fun!” smiles the teenager rather accustomed to shopping on the internet.
Franchisees around the halls confirm: “We had more people during the private sales”. Everyone is waiting for Saturday and hoping that the big day crowd will be there.
