1. Respond to demand
Mathilde Nargeot is categorical: “Monday is my busiest day, especially as few of us are open; it's the equivalent of a Saturday in a traditional restaurant. » Illustration Monday December 2. The owner of Aloha Poké, rue Massillon, served no less than 46 poke bowls – this Hawaiian-inspired salad – or 11 more than the next day, Tuesday December 3, and her 35 dishes sold.
“I realized that I walked better during the week than on weekends. »
“Initially, I worked from Tuesday to Saturday then I realized that I walked better during the week than on weekends,” says the boss. A trend which can be explained by the frequentation of Aloha Poké: court, banks, shops, “80% of my clientele are workers from the Plateau”. The business is now open every lunchtime from Monday to Friday and Mathilde Nargeot wouldn't go back to the old rhythm for anything in the world: “It's super comfortable for me. »
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Its competitor Oh My Juice, rue de Genève, has also opted for a Monday opening. A measure taken in October by the new manager Yvelise Leleu, who arrived last summer. “People told me they couldn't find anywhere to eat on Mondays. I told myself that there was something to be done, says the shopkeeper. I have attracted new customers compared to Saturdays when my street is not the one that works best. The concentration is especially on rue Hergé. »And to conclude: “I had planned to switch back from Tuesday to Saturday on sunny days but ultimately I'm not even sure I'll do it. »
A change in schedule also observed at L'Atelier LM Coiffure, rue de Saintes, open on Mondays since September. “It allowed me to attract a lot of ladies from the banks [fermées le lundi]notes manager Margerie Gaillard. Clients had to pose one day to come and have their hair done. » Monday December 2, between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., all her slots were taken, she shows, appointment book in hand.
2. Make a difference with the competition
For others, Monday is an opportunity to stand out in the ultra-competitive downtown bar and restaurant sector. This is the case of We Love Italy, the pizzeria opened last January in Place Marengo. “As everyone is closed, it’s an opportunity to make ourselves known,” hopes Theresa Pemot, the manager. We have a lot of new customers who found us by searching for a restaurant open on Monday on Google. » If lunchtime attendance is “on average for other days of the week”, evening attendance is “quieter. I can have ten place settings. » “It’s an experimental phase,” she adds, announcing that adjustments will be made: “If all the others remain closed, I will not eliminate Mondays. This day is important. »
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Anthony Bonfant, owner of the bar L'Art Doise, open since October on rue de Genève, will not say the opposite: “Monday is one of my most important days along with Friday, Saturday and Sunday. » “As many bars are closed, there is market share to be taken,” he continues. More and more people want to go out on Monday. »
3. Commit to the city and tourism
“Monday, outside of school holidays, is a fairly quiet day,” says Manon Picot, co-manager of the Lilosimages bookstore, rue de la Cloche-Verte. However, his establishment is open that day until Saturday: “It is our commitment to make access to the independent bookstore as easy as possible. » This enthusiast would like, like her, other businesses to remain accessible on Mondays: “At least for the tourist period,” she asks. There is disappointment among tourists who see a dead city. I see the attractiveness of Angoulême increasing in recent years but if this is not supported, it will be damaging for its image. »
Is it benefiting from a shift in customers linked to the Monday closures of L'Autre Librairie, rue de Beaulieu, and Mangakat, place Marengo, both located less than 300 meters away? “No, it’s a rule in our profession: a closed bookstore rarely benefits others,” replies Manon Picot. Our main competitor today is the internet. »
