Raphaël wanders among trinkets, books, toys, CDs, tableware… All second hand. “I came for the holidays, to see if I could find a present there.” The young man, not against the idea of offering a good already used for Christmas, discovers La Courtoise, a store like one is not used to seeing in the very heart of a temple of consumption: the Mayol shopping center, in Toulon.
This store, run by Ressourcerie de la Provence verte and dedicated to second-hand items, has nevertheless made its mark among the national brands. In September 2023, it opened its doors for one year. But the success was such that the center management decided to renew its lease for another year. Good news for customers who come to unearth the treasure that will please a loved one, at a lower cost.
In the spirit of the times
Sarah Farhat, manager of the store with another Sarah, ensures that “People don’t hesitate to make their Christmas presents here. Last year, we were all the rage. It must be said that with the increase in prices, everyone is trying to spend less”.
A concept “really in tune with the times”underlines the young woman, specifying to illustrate her success that “the weekly deliveries arriving from our sites in Brignoles and Saint-Maximin flow without difficulty”.
Between the stalls, customers parade. They also follow one another in front of the window, sometimes surprised to come across such a shop. Jean is a regular. He is entering familiar territory. This Monday morning, a little over a week before New Year’s Eve, he came to treat himself. Leafing through a book he spotted, he explains, however, that for his gifts, he has already set his sights on a painting and a trinket. “I find interesting stuff at low prices.” “It’s good, very varied, confirms Bruno, another customer. A very good initiative!”
A step to take
However, not everyone finds what they are looking for: some leave empty-handed; others, although they are fans of second-hand goods, have not yet taken the plunge of offering them. Like Delphine. As she settles the carafe she has just found, she says she considers that the occasion is not suitable for gifts.
Perhaps she will get into it by frequenting La Courtoise? Sylvie, another customer, believes that the concept encourages “start recycling”. And chant: “Don’t throw away, but try to reuse!”
Still, Sarah observes, the concern of the French for their finances in a context of political instability also weighs on La Courtoise. “Some days it’s very calm… We can sense that people are looking to save even more. “
