The celebrations are approaching. A few days before Christmas, the period is strategic for many traders. But how is business doing in Old Nice?
One week before New Year’s Eve, the race is on for many traders. And for good reason: end-of-year holiday purchases often represent a crucial moment for their turnover.
However, in the old center, an almost dead calm reigns this Monday, December 16 in the afternoon. The streets are barely busy. But then what is the conclusion for those who bring it to life? We went to meet them.
“We feel that the people of Nice no longer have money”
Fabienne is the owner of the store Zebulonspecializing in children’s clothing. “The month of December is very calm but it’s been like that since mid-November. Since the tourists finally left… We feel that the people of Nice, and the French in general, have no more money. foreigners have more purchasing power”.
For this professional, installed here for three generations, “We have been feeling this for several years. We depend on tourism. When they are not there, the visitors, there is no one left. With very, very slow periods.” Concerning the Christmas market organized on Place Masséna, “It doesn’t bring us more people, like Carnival does.”
Béatrice works for the confectionery The Delights. “We are not favored by everything that is happening in town. People go to the market and not to the Old Town, which is neglected.” As a result, “For our part, we can’t wait for the tourists to arrive after the school holidays. They are the ones who frequent our businesses.”
A little further, Marie-Isabelle, owner of the accessories and clothing store Antipodes for 26 years, notes that “For the moment, it’s quite calm. In previous years, we had a few more people at this time. I think that with everything that’s happening, it’s difficult.”
“The people of Nice, when they go to buy their gifts, they don’t go to the old town. We are dependent on tourists. In general, they are there between Christmas and New Year’s Day. At that time , we are finally working…”
“People have less morale”
What observation for Colette, employee in the furniture and decoration store Hut ? “It’s a little sadder than other years. We see that people are less in morale. It takes longer to get going…”
Another factor to take into account: “events that happen before the holidays, like Black Friday (a special day with discounts, Editor’s note), are a bit boring for little ones, like us”. Despite everything, “we still have our customers, our regulars!”
On the rue de la Boucherie side, Sarah prepares some assortments from the delicatessen Donato oil. “It’s going well, but not quite as much as last year. With inflation, people are buying a lot less. We’ve noticed that they’re taking small gifts, rather than boxes, for example. elsewhere, what we sell is mainly for businesses and not for individuals.” Nevertheless, “we can’t complain. We still have locals who come.”
Catherine works at Aventurinespecializing in designer jewelry. “The period is calm. It’s also the time when a lot of restaurants close, or are open part-time, so there are fewer people around here. But things will start up again with the holidays…”
