Since its opening, the Duralex boutique located in the city center of Orléans, while awaiting a factory outlet, has never been empty. A success which makes the employees of the historic glassworks rather optimistic for the future of their company.
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“So, how old are you?“In the aisles of the Duralex pop-up store, open since Thursday December 12, 2024, at the Halles d'Orléans, many recall youthful memories. Among them, the small numbers written on the bottom of the legendary French glasses.”These glasses are the ones we had in the canteen when we were kidsrecalls Léopoldine, who came to browse the store. At the time, we always looked at our “age” with the number under the glasses and it was always the oldest who won!“
A certain nostalgia accompanies the success of this sale just before the end of year holidays. But not only that, many customers also come to support the French know-how of the company which has experienced complicated recent years.
In the Duralex boutique in the Halles d'Orléans, there is something for everyone. From the classic glass or transparent canteen bowl to new models with color to add a touch of originality. A few days before Christmas, many people take the opportunity to finish their gifts. This is the case for Sandrine. “I buy glasses to give gifts. I saw that this store was opening and I wanted to come and see. There is innovation and more classic products like the glasses from the canteen when we were little“, she notes, delighted.
New colorful models give a touch of originality to Duralex lenses.
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© Perrine Roguet – France Télévisions
The same idea came to Marie-Noël, present this Sunday, December 15 to support the company which is getting a second wind after being placed in receivership. “It's a good initiative to restart something that was losing a little speedshe appreciates. I'm going to buy some to give for Christmas, it's the occasion, a gift from the region!“
Duralex is our childhood, in the canteen, with the little glasses!
Arianne, customer of the Duralex pop-up store in Orléans
Others seem too in love with the glasses made in La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin to offer them. “I keep them for myselfsays Laura. We came to do some shopping nearby and saw Duralex. So, we wanted to come and see the products we had when we were younger. And then it helps support the French economy which really needs it.”
The same goes for Arthur who had not planned to stop by the Duralex pop-up store: “I arrived completely by chance while I was shopping for Christmas. We saw Duralex, we went home and finally, I come out with a set of 12 glasses!” According to him, the brand represents a “French and regional know-how“. “They try to keep the spirit of Duralex with a touch of modernity“, he notes, visibly seduced.
On the opening day of the Duralex store, Thursday December 12, sales reached more than 17,000 euros. Since then, the pop-up store has welcomed no less than 20,000 visitors, half of them over the weekend. Nearly 30,000 euros in sales were recorded on the single day of Sunday, December 15.
All with the only sellers, the factory employees! Ahmed Terristi is a team leader at Duralex. He controls and repairs all the molding for the manufacture of iconic glasses. But temporarily, he converted to sales for his company. “This is all new to mehe confides. It's nice to be in contact with people and also be able to talk to them about our job. Glassmaking is a profession that is being lost and being able to attract people who want to be part of it is great!“
Beyond childhood memories, many come to the pop-up store in downtown Orléans to support Duralex.
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© Perrine Roguet – France Télévisions
Even if he hoped, Ahmed Terristi did not expect such success. “It's a big surprise. Saturday, there were crazy people and already Sunday morning at 10 a.m., there was a queue, it's impressive and it gives courage“, rejoices the usual team leader of the factory. Now, the glassworks intends to open a permanent store in La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin, close to the place of glass manufacturing.
This success gives Ahmed Terristi a good dose of optimism for the success of his business: “It shows that Duralex will last a very long time and that people don't forget us. They support us and it warms our hearts to see all that. Here we go again!“More than ever, Duralex can count on numerous supports. Like that of the State, which has just granted a loan of 750,000 euros to the historic glassworks.
