As Christmas fast approaches, Quimper merchants are seeing an increase in traffic, but not always up to expectations. Between the city center, which focuses on its charm and entertainment, and the gallery on the route de Bénodet, more structured and practical, the dynamics differ. One thing is certain: the magic of Christmas is still slow to fully operate.
In shopping malls, more thoughtful purchases
In the shopping mall, the crowds are there, with constant passages throughout the day, but the atmosphere is calmer than in previous years. “Christmas necessarily increases attendance, but we expected more,” explains Maëlle Bertet, work-study salesperson at Nature et Découvertes.
This observation is shared by a trader at a pop-up stand: “We feel that there are people there, but it’s calmer than other years.” This apparent lull could be explained by more cautious and thoughtful purchasing behaviors. Customers favor practical or affordable products. “People are spending less and focusing on inexpensive gifts,” she adds.
For Shirley Louisor, of Histoire d’Or, anticipation of purchases also played a role. “This year, customers started shopping in November,” she observes.
“It’s starting to move well, but it’s less dynamic than last year,” remarks Enola Bertil, back-up saleswoman at Atelier d’Amaya.
“The whole city should be ‘wow!’ »
In the heart of Quimper, the observation is similar: the excitement is there, but remains muted. “It’s starting to move well, but it’s less dynamic than last year,” remarks Enola Bertil, a sales assistant at the Atelier d’Amaya, still specifying: “There are more people in the evening with the illuminations. It’s in waves in fact.”
While some brands take advantage of their proximity to events such as the Christmas market or the lights of the cathedral, attendance remains uneven. Magalie Normand Pison, manager of the La Manufacture store, deplores a lack of festive atmosphere: “There is a lack of music and magic… The whole city should be “wow!” “.
However, she notes that strategic time slots, such as midday or weekends, make it possible to maintain a good flow and “do well in the game”. “For the moment, it’s a normal December, not like Christmas. What saves us are the people who come between noon and two. »
A rush expected in the last days
Despite still limited attendance, traders remain optimistic. The school holidays, Friday December 20, and the traditional last minute purchases could well transform this wait into a real rush and boost sales. “The big rush is for this weekend and especially the final straight before the 24th,” predicts Magalie Normand Pison.
In the meantime, the results remain mixed. Between economic prudence and festive expectations, Christmas is slowly settling in in Quimper. The real test will come in the days to come, when the excitement could finally transform into total magic.
