thrift stores and flea markets are full as the holidays approach

Just now, a customer has just left with a cup. Requests for gifts are becoming more and more frequentsays Roméo Flinois-Mallais, manager of the second-hand second-hand store Chez Désiré, rue du Rabot.

Visitors to the store increase as the holidays approach. “We find parts that no longer exist in new form. Customers are proud to do something for the planet and, at the same time, to stand out by not wearing the same clothes as everyone else”the young man tries to explain.

“We find more original pieces than in department stores”

Clara, 75, has been buying second-hand for two years. She is looking for a houndstooth jacket: “I have a crush or not. We find more original pieces than in department stores », she confirms.

This is also the primary motivation of Margot, a 34-year-old from Niort, who is trying on a hat at La Renarde Vintage, a flea market located on rue Henri-Clouzot. “Ancient silk blouses are of better quality than those made today. »

The store is mainly frequented by regulars, of all ages, looking for what they are looking for. “Our oldest customer is 101 years old! »exclaims Audrey Bonnin, the manager. It opens exceptionally during the week, during the holiday season.

“Customers offer a lot: mothers come for their daughters and vice versa. For dads, denim shirts are popular. » The prices are affordable and suitable for all audiences. “It ranges from two euros, for students, to 60 euros for a leather jacket, the most expensive item. »

Second-hand and local items

At Happy Troc, in the Mendès France area, the store is always full on weekends. “In Niort, we broke our attendance record at the opening. On Saturday, there are crazy people”is still surprised by Nicolas Guignard, manager of the brands of the same name in Sables-d'Olonne, La Rochelle and Niort.

The latter, opened on July 3, 2024, quickly found its audience. Its promise: to provide everything you need for the home and more, only second hand. After appraisal, Happy Troc buys back the furniture or trinkets left by customers.

They can also consign them to consignment, with sellers receiving their due once the item is sold, or prefer purchase vouchers. “90% of products come from 10 kilometers around. We buy and sell to local people”likes to recall the 46-year-old man, who wanders the aisles.

“People are tired of throwing away”

“We record a lot of small purchases. Some people come twice a day. They treat themselves to CDs, vinyls, boxes of Lego. We also notice an interest in small furniture and beautiful lamps. We follow trends, like Pokémon cards. » For the manager, “people are tired of throwing away, the motivations are both ecological and economic. And all products are guaranteed for two years, like new”.

Sarah, 53, a Swiss who has lived in Chauray for 20 years, has been a long-time believer. “I prefer to come to the store and browse, rather than looking on Leboncoin. My two older children have all had second-hand products: sofas, tables, beds, shelves… This helps a lot when you start working life. You can find everything and very beautiful things. »