Toys, books, board games, clothes… The shelves at Bric-à-Brac Emmaüs in Escalquens, near Toulouse, are getting in tune with Christmas as the holidays approach. And rightly so, because more and more people are opting for second-hand or reconditioned gifts to spoil their loved ones. For the Emmaüs association, this ecological, economic and solidarity reflex is not completely new.
Kamel* didn’t wait for second-hand fashion to opt for reconditioned toys for her daughter. “I’ve been coming for two years. I always bring back the old ones and I take new ones adapted to his age,” explains the father, who also comes all the rest of the year.
A clientele of regulars but who are getting younger
The situation of Kamel, a regular at Bric-à-Brac Emmaüs, who comes for Christmas is not surprising. As François Gossa, development and traceability manager at Emmaüs Toulouse, explains, “there is no particular change in customers for the holidays compared to the rest of the year. On the other hand, we notice that more and more young people are joining the ranks of our regulars.”
A rejuvenation of the clientele of which Jeanne, 26 years old, is an example. “I come here to complete my Christmas presents, especially because I have a big family, so it’s good for the budget,” explains the young woman, her arms full of toys and books. “And what is good about Emmaüs is that in addition to the economic and ecological aspect, there is a solidarity aspect. We know that by buying we help people, so it’s great,” she adds.
“More ecological and solidarity awareness”
And it is truly these ecological and solidarity aspects which constitute the hallmark of Emmaüs. In fact, the money raised by the association helps support a community of 45 people in Escalquens, and more than 130 in the three stores near Toulouse.
A regular at flea markets, Elisabeth recently discovered Emmaüs and was seduced by the formula offered. “I come in particular for my grandchildren and my daughter, who wants exclusively second-hand gifts for herself and her children. I used to go to flea markets, but I come here because we find pretty things, especially on the tableware side, and because we indirectly help those who need it,” explains the grandmother, observing from the corner of her eye. a white and blue earthenware dish.
“The Abbé Pierre effect”
Whatever the motivations of each person, Emmaüs Toulouse continues to function well. This year in particular, with the release of the biopic on Abbé Pierre, founder of the association, the Emmaüs rating has seen real progress. At least, this is the feeling of Emma*, a work-study worker within the association who speaks of an “Abbé Pierre effect”. “This biopic gave us visibility and, I think, made certain people aware of the fight we are waging,” specifies the young woman.
Despite this enthusiasm, François Gossa notes a decline in the quality of donations compared to previous decades. A decline which can be explained by a general deterioration in the quality of goods sold in stores, but also by a change in the reflexes of certain donors. With the development of resale platforms, many seek to sell their goods on their own, and only give away what they are unable to sell.
* First names have been changed
2023-12-20 23:17:26
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