arms and smiles that break the loneliness during your shopping

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In a corner of Perpignan, an innovative idea sprouted in the head ofHéloïse Lamottefounder of the start-up Mains d’argent, launched in 2021. By observing elderly and often isolated people struggling to do their shoppingshe felt the need to act. “Their look, inviting us to open a conversation, made me aware of the solitude that they could live,” she confides. Thus was born the Shopping Companions serviceintended for make everyday life easier for customers in supermarkets.

Help and break isolation

The Shopping Companions, who are self-employed people trained by Mains d'argent, offer their help free of charge to customers, while being paid by the stores to the tune of 15 euros per hour. ” It's a winning service for everyone,” says Héloïse.

On the one hand, companions rediscover meaning in their activity and create social bonds, while customers break their isolation. Stores, for their part, build customer loyalty by offering rewarding service.

Since the creation of her company, Héloïse Lamotte has already convinced 25 stores in France and intends to double this figure in 2025. Among them, the Hyper U of Aizenay which has offered this service to its customers every Friday morning since May 2024.

Additional income that makes sense

This Friday, October 26, Julia, 45 years old, language trainer, and Inès, 21 years old, nursing student, dressed in their very recognizable white chasuble, are ready to welcome customers. Julia, full of life, is committed to reaching out to those who need help. “I don’t jump on them as soon as they arrive,” she says. In search of additional income, she found this mission a rewarding opportunity. “I thought of my aging parents who would appreciate such support. »

That morning, Julia spots a woman and offers her help. Marie-Paule, retired, accepts with enthusiasm, delighted with this unexpected company. “There’s going to be three of us!” » exclaims her husband, Antonio, who joins their conversation. The friendly couple quickly engages in dialogue with Julia, who is attentive to their needs while helping them find the products in the store.

At the same time, Antonio took the opportunity to present the service to a friend, also looking for support in his races. This man, whose wife is in a wheelchair, explains with regret: “I find myself doing the shopping alone, because I cannot push both the trolley and the chair. » Julia, with empathy, replies: “I can accompany you, I can push the trolley or even the chair. » A simple solution that could be a game-changer for him and his wife, allowing him to get out and see people.

“We become attached to them very quickly”

In another department, Inès, who started the previous week, accompanies Jeanine, 85 years old. “I don't need help, I do very well on my own, but I like having company,” admits the bubbly octogenarian, who is not in her first race in a pair.

Inès, although motivated by a small income, is above all there to build relationships and provide comfort, in accordance with her vocation to take care of others. “It’s enriching. People open up, tell us a part of their lives. We become attached to them very quickly,” admits the future nurse.

In Vendée, this new service is only in place in Aizenay for the moment. Shopping companions should also soon arrive in Luçon, in the La Belle Vie store.

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