“One of the oldest businesses in Dax” is to be taken over. Located on rue de l'Évêché, right next to the building numbered 9, this store has been offering religious articles for over a hundred years. Called Art and Book since the 1970s (when Miss Anne-Marie Apollin diversified the products previously marketed by her parents and her aunt under the brand À Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes), it remains known today for to be the last religious bookstore in Landes.
“More than 60% of turnover comes from the sale of books,” emphasizes Sylvie Lanusse. Aged 62, she is completing her forty-third year here. “I joined as an employee of Mademoiselle Apollin on January 2, 1982. By piston, as they said then, thanks to her accountant who knew my parents and had spoken to her about me. »
Transmission
After taking over from her former boss in 2009, then completely renovating the premises in 2017, Sylvie Lanusse now hopes to find someone to succeed her. “If it was a question of selling, it would already be done! But, I want to transmit this bookstore with its religious specificity. »
Beyond a sold business, with premises of around a hundred square meters – including 50 of sales space – it is more than a stock that the bookseller is seeking to sell. It could thus be a question of communion of souls, according to the sixty-year-old. “During my life, I have had periods where I more or less believed. But one thing is certain, it is that my faith grew while working in this bookstore and being in contact with our customers. »
“The Bible is the world’s best-seller in religious literature”
“We are here for believers as well as for all people who are searching,” claims the bookseller. Obviously, its catalog offers “90% religious books, mainly Catholic”, to which are added some personal development works and “a children’s section”.
“Official supplier”
There are, in particular, two versions of the Bible in manga. “The Bible is the world’s best-seller in religious literature,” agrees Sylvie Lanusse. With “more than fifty different editions” on its shelves and reserves, the book remains the best-selling item by Art et livre. “I am especially asked for them as communions approach. »
Without going as far as a cellar for sacramental wine, the Dacquoise brand is “the official supplier of the diocese of Aire-et-Dax” in terms of scriptures and other religious objects. Medals, bracelets, crosses and virgins come in various shapes and materials, like so many gifts to offer to believers.
“The resumption of catechesis is another strong period of our year, as is the approach of Christmas,” explains Sylvie Lanusse. The choice in the nativity scene is still possible, with various statuettes from several continents and Provençal figurines.
For one last time? “Since I announced the sale of the bookstore two years ago, around thirty people have inquired. Some even thought I had closed down. I still want to believe that someone is continuing the activity that has been mine throughout my professional life. Even if in my head, I set a closing date. »
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