City center or commercial area: for Christmas shopping, these Brest residents have made their choice

Christmas is coming and, with it, the mountains of gifts under the tree. To make their purchases, Brest residents have two options: the shops in the city center or the large peripheral shopping areas. The editorial staff of Le Télégramme de Brest surveyed readers on their consumption habits at the end of 2024. The thirty responses received reflect the differences between each consumer.

For Jacques, 68 years old, the question is quickly resolved: “It is currently impossible for me to go to the city center, taking into account the work, the difficulties of parking and traveling, the cost of parking spaces… What a stress ! “.

To overcome these difficulties, Bibus offered free access to public transport on Saturday December 14, 2024. A great initiative for some, but not sufficient for others: “We could extend free access to three weekends before Christmas” , suggests Raphaël, 22 years old. “Free parking at the end of the day in December would also be a good idea,” suggests Carole, 53.

“More convenient for parking”

Because, since the increase in the price of parking and the extension of paid zones in the city center, some people prefer large car parks in commercial areas. “It’s more practical for parking,” says Céline, 47 years old. “I used to go to the center regularly, but I now only go there once or twice a year.” There is also work for the future tram line. Enough to disgust Aurélie, 36 years old, who prefers the shopping area “without hesitation. The work causes me a lot of stress.”

We must bring life to city centers before they disappear.

Supporting small traders

To still enjoy the shops in the center, Annie, 68, has the solution: “I stay longer in the city center, but I go there less often. I group my purchases.” Carole also continues to favor small businesses, “despite the work”. “We must bring life to city centers before they disappear,” she insists. “And put the independents to work for whom the costs are heavy.”

Fans of Siam, Jaurès and the surrounding boutiques have another argument in common: the good atmosphere, especially during this end-of-year holiday period. “It’s more pleasant to go from business to business,” says Raphaël. “The prevailing atmosphere is conducive to shopping and entertainment. The peripheral commercial areas are absolutely not aesthetically pleasing.”

“The magic of Christmas is at the center”

Patricia, 54, still deplores the lack of decorations to her taste: “Just for the shopping centers and stores that don't play the Christmas game, I still prefer to buy from Amazon…”. Caroline, 36, does not have the same opinion. Between the light garlands, the Christmas market huts and the fir trees, she is sure: “The magic of Christmas is at the center”.