Nearly 2.5 million people took part in the traditional Lille flea market this weekend of September 14-15, according to figures from the authorities. A crowd that benefited traders and tourism professionals.
“A very good sale” despite a change of dates. Despite “a natural concern” linked to the postponement of the Lille sale by two weeks, the traders seem satisfied this Monday, September 16. Nearly 2.5 million people were there, according to the national police, from Saturday 8 a.m. to Sunday 6 p.m.
Excellent figures that benefit retailers and tourism professionals. “We will be at more than 90% occupancy rate of hotels. The Paris-Lille trains were full, the regional trains too”, announces François Navarro, general director of the Hello Lille attractiveness agency, guest of BFM Grand Lille this Monday.
Restaurateurs are not left out. “We saw restaurants that served 500, 1,000 meals in two days,” says François Navarro.
People in the shops
According to the CEO of Hello Lille, “there were all the ingredients needed” to have “a great sale” this year: dry weather, neither too hot nor too cold. A great way to end a summer rich in shows for the capital of Flanders after the craze for Olympic Games.
Among the tourists present were “a lot of English, Belgians, Germans”, notes the director of Hello Lille. Furthermore, due to the two-week delay of the sale this year, there were also more students than in other editions.
Around the stalls, the shopkeepers have also seen new customers come through the doors of their shops. “It’s always a beautiful day, plus we’re taking advantage of the good weather. There are lots of people there so it’s a great weekend,” rejoices Paulin, manager of a ready-to-wear shop in the Rihour sector.
“It’s a highlight, people who didn’t know us come here, and it’s an opportunity to get to know us,” adds Paulin.
