“Because of theft, I no longer install one at the entrance to my business”: when Christmas trees disappear as if by magic in Toulouse…

As the Christmas holidays approach in Toulouse, the fir trees disappear as if by magic… In 2014-2015, the Fédération des commerces du center ville, under the direction of Philippe Léon, distributed 1,500 small fir trees financed by the CCI of Toulouse , in partnership with associations, to beautify the entrances to businesses. An operation unfortunately stopped over the years. In question, the various incivilities including thefts and logistical problems such as delivery: “Many reasons explain this change, testifies Laurent Lopez, from the commerce commission at the CCI of Toulouse. The theft of course, the incivilities and then everything what happened in the city center: the yellow vests, the covid have changed habits, the various construction sites have also reduced the space on the sidewalks.

The scourge of theft

In addition, merchants had to bring in the fir trees in the evening to prevent them from being stolen during the night. Many did not do this and asked that they be replaced once they had disappeared.” Another constraint: delivery. “The merchants had to finance the delivery and that had a cost,” assures Laurent Lopez. “We no longer have any help from the CCI then no more fir, notes Jean-Louis Busquets of the eponymous grocery store. Certainly festive, this installation was also restrictive: recurring thefts, dirt left by dogs, etc. We stopped. On the other hand, the decorated windows are still there.”

Another trader testifies anonymously: “The two small fir trees installed and decorated were stolen several times during the night. It’s true, I didn’t bring them back. I was wrong. I bought them back but at one point, I I stopped. Today I no longer have it. It’s difficult to organize something attractive in the city: everything is often stolen or damaged. It’s sad and unacceptable.

Some traders persist

The disappearance of the fir trees led to a drop in turnover, despite the efforts of a few traders who maintain the tradition: “I delivered between 40 and 50 each year to traders, remembers Thierry from Perfect Gardener. Sometimes we had the load of entire streets. With these fewer trees, our turnover has decreased, even if a few traders still play the game. This is the case of Philippe Merle, of the restaurant La Madeleine de Proust, who for nothing in the world would change this “essential” tradition according to him: “Every year, I invest in three small fir trees that I decorate and place in front of the entrance In the evening, they are illuminated and the atmosphere changes completely. This little “extra” which is not too expensive, gives visibility to the establishment. By looking at the window, passers-by also discover the menu. Then it’s the spirit of Christmas. It makes commerce more welcoming and attractive.” Please note: Philippe brings his little trees home every evening, out of caution.