The economic crisis continues to rage on commerce in France. And the least we can say is that even the most emblematic brands do not seem to be spared. One of them is preparing to close several stores.
This brand is going to close these stores?
After the closures of several historic brands, a historic brand is experiencing a new shock. Indeed, an emblematic group is about to close two stores located in Marseille. It is also a announcement that worries employees and customers.
The situation of this brand shows the current challenges that the sectors are facing. Last December, the group had already initiated a “project to cease activity” for its BazarChic private sales platform.
In 2023, he also sold another emblematic place, the Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville (BHV) in Paris. From now on, it is the boutiques of Galeries Lafayette, the Center Bourse and the Prado shopping center, close to the Vélodrome, thati should close.
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According to the press release consulted by BFMTV, the decision to close these two stores aims to “limit losses, which have been recurring for several years”. The brand explains that these stores have not succeeded in reviving their attractiveness.
“Nearly 30 million euros have been invested over the last 10 years”but the cumulative losses reach 10 million euros. Alexandre Liot, director of operations at Galeries Lafayette, confirmed to La Provence that this decision was “carefully considered”.
“We have been present at the Center Bourse since the 90s and that makes this announcement even more difficult”he said. He emphasizes that this closure took place because of two very specific things.
-A justified decision
“The unfavorable development of commerce in Marseille in recent years and the change in customer flows, particularly since the opening of the Terrasses du Port in 2014”he said on the subject.
The closure of these two Marseille stores directly threatens the jobs of 145 employees. The group nevertheless assured that it would do everything necessary to support all affected employees.
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In its press release, the brand promises to “promote reclassification” employees concerned and to support them as much as possible. The general director Nicolas Houzé also claimed to have “searched for [solutions] possible alternatives ».
In particular to find a new location which would have allowed the group to maintain its presence in Marseille. On the other hand, he assured that no option that met their criteria had been able to see the light of day.
Despite this difficult announcement, Galeries Lafayette wants to reassure everyone. Please note that this closure would not call into question their economic model. According to the press release, this event in no way affects “the relevance of department store model in the heart of provincial towns« .
On the contrary, the group wants to do everything possible to continue its development in France. The brand also wants to strengthen its network.
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