“It’s a good Christmas market, the results remain the same as those of 2023,” underlines a non-sedentary trader, in her chalet exhibiting animal-shaped hot water bottles, Tuesday, at the Christmas market on Place des Halles. The speech is the same in all the aisles of this market, which closed the day before yesterday, after eighteen days of activity.
The majority of traders interviewed declared themselves rather satisfied when it came time to take stock. Yoanne Loberot, a fairground worker, offered gingerbread and, above all, homemade mulled wine in two 50 liter copper pots: “I have been coming for six years. During the week, it's very calm, but on the weekend, I'm overwhelmed. »
Partly secret recipes
He added: “We weren't helped by the weather, with a lot of rain. » This itinerant trader analyzes the sociology of his clientele: “40% are regulars. I also have tourists, less from Eastern countries this year. » His mulled wine recipe, partly secret, seduces: “People ask me what ingredients I use. I'm only giving away a few! » This year, the merchant innovated: “In 2023, I had a lot of requests for white mulled wine, because people visit other Christmas markets, particularly in Alsace. So, I made some on site and sold everything. You have to listen to your customers and be responsive. »
Further on, another chalet houses the stand of the Lemonnier oil mill, created by Nadège Gest, in Landelles. On the stalls, rapeseed, sunflower, hemp and hazelnut oils: “I am satisfied. Sales worked well. »
The palates of market visitors have been lured by another gourmet-themed chalet. There, candy apples, lollipops, cotton candy and popcorn jostle together. The saleswoman lacks perspective: “Attendance was OK despite bad weather. It was a first for us. We plan to return in 2025.”
“All age categories”
Even further away, the seller of roasted chestnuts cooks his last chestnuts of the season: “I come from Étampes. This is my second year. The results are positive. During the week, you have to wait until after school to see customers. We were not spoiled by the bad weather. »
The Champholoise brand “Piquette de Luxe” also participated, with organic and biodynamic wines. He outlines a first trend: “I have not yet taken stock of my sales to compare with the other four years. In 2023, I sold a lot more white wines, but this year it's the opposite. The clientele is unchanged, I really have all age categories. » He also says he is motivated to return to the market in 2025. With or without the rain, it is “the place to be” for the end of year celebrations!
