Two euros for a piece of clothing, one euro for a book, a major second-hand sale to “allow everyone to have fun”

Despite declining purchasing power, treating yourself at low prices is possible with second-hand goods. On November 8 and 9, 2024, the Sart thrift store is organizing a major sale of books for one euro and clothes for two euros, in its new store in Lille. We'll explain it to you.

Already established in Villeneuve d'Ascq and Amiens, the Sart thrift store opened its doors in the heart of the Cormontaigne district of Lille on September 11, 2024.

In just a few weeks, this new store specializing in the sale of second-hand items has made a name for itself among local residents. On November 8 and 9, 2024, it is organizing a major sale open to all. Two euros for a piece of clothing, one euro for a book, a bargain.

Responsible for the Lille premises, Marjorie Griselain agreed to answer a few questions before the event.

What is the big sale on November 8 and 9 about?

Marjorie Griselain : “It’s a somewhat emblematic operation within the various second-hand bookstores in Sart. On key dates and at regular intervals, we release a certain number of books for the whole family at low prices.

We also clear out second-hand clothes. These are clothes that we have sorted, and which come from donations. They are a little old, but are completely portable. It may be missing a small button or have a small stain.

This sale allows us to reach another type of customer. You have to put yourself in everyone's shoes, allow everyone to enjoy themselves through a piece of clothing or a book. We have solidarity prices, within everyone's reach. With this sale, we will see if there is any response for Lille customers.“

Who are the customers of the thrift store?

Marjorie Griselain : “Generally, we have a fairly diverse clientele. We have a student clientele given the fact that we have quite a few higher education establishments nearby. They are looking for low prices, in terms of second-hand clothes and books.

Neighborhood families come regularly. They are happy to have a business on their street. This is a clientele that is very attached to the social and environmental aspects which are an integral part of our concept. We also have a clientele of retirees, and direct neighbors, who come several times a week. They understood that we had restocking every day.

In general, we have a loyal customer base. Some already have their own habits, they know what they want and how to find good deals. Attendance at the store varies from day to day, but on average, we have 150 customers daily.“

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What is the “Bouquinerie du Sart” concept?

Marjorie Griselain : “We are an association and we offer jobs for homeless people, to help them bounce back. We work with accommodation centers to get in touch with those who have strayed from the job market. Currently, we are recruiting to welcome people into integration. We haven't found our little gems yet.

►Read also: Recycling and reintegration: the second-hand bookstore gives new life to books and people far from employment

Otherwise, our premises in Lille have 150 m² of sales space, and we will expand in the coming weeks. Previously, this premises was the office of the National Forestry Office, we adapted the walls to create different worlds: youth, men's and women's second-hand clothes, second-hand books.

If I use the words of the customers who have come, they say that they feel good in the store, that it is on a human scale and cozy. For the atmosphere of the place, we deliberately adopted the codes of a professional boutique, the clothes are displayed on racks, arranged by product type, by color. Whether it's clothes or books, customers often say it's beautiful and “like a real store”.“

The big Bouquinerie du Sart sale takes place on November 8 and 9 in the Lille Cormontaigne boutique: 24 rue Henri Loyer, 59800 Lille.