Until December 23, Place Saint-Nicolas in Bastia hosts its Christmas market, an event eagerly awaited by locals and visitors. A place for meeting and conviviality, the market offers a wide selection of artisanal products, decorations and gifts. However, this 2024 edition is taking place in a particularly difficult economic context, marked by persistent inflation. This increase in prices, which affects the purchasing power of consumers, has direct repercussions on market attendance and the sales of local artisans.
M., saleswoman at the Cherry Art boutique, specializing in decorations and handicraft products, reports a significant drop in sales this year. “Participating in the Christmas market is always a pleasure, but I feel this year that customers are more hesitant. Perhaps because of the rise in prices or because they are more selective in their purchases. We notice that they are moving more towards low-budget products, such as small decorations or handmade greeting cards, rather than towards more expensive items. she explains. The stand, which offers products ranging from 10 to 200 euros, saw a drop in turnover of around 30 to 40% compared to last year. “We have always tried to offer prices suitable for Christmas, but it is true that this year, many are leaving empty-handed. Customers seem more cautious, and purchases are less spontaneous. »
An observation shared by Delphine Demongeot, founder of ScentSeas, a local company that sells candles and artisanal scents. “This year, with inflation, many customers are more cautious. We see that there is very little traffic on the market, and people do not stay long. However, we remain positive, because we still manage to sell our products, even if the enthusiasm is not there, probably because of the economic context. »
