traders draw up an initial positive assessment of Christmas shopping

Stores in Nord and Pas-de-Calais were full of customers last weekend. Traders draw up an initial assessment.

Last weekend, the last one before Christmas, the stores in Nord-Pas-de-Calais were still full of customers looking for last minute gifts. From now on, they can take a breath and take an initial assessment of their sales.

“It took a little longer to get going last week given that the weather was not good. We had a small drop last weekend, which was quickly made up for this Sunday, this Monday and this Tuesday”, indicates Thomas Poulain, manager of La Folle Address in Boulogne-sur-Mer, at the microphone of BFM Grand Lille.

Same observation for Jihane Fkihi Legrand, co-manager of the À la ligne café bookstore in Boulogne-sur-Mer: “Saturday, we made 120 tickets, Sunday 150”.

“We really had a lot of people”

The people of Lille were more forward-looking by starting their Christmas shopping in November. A phenomenon observed by Pierre Antonio, manager of the Lille Sock Bar.

“We saw shopping a little earlier than usual. People shopping for Christmas gifts, for New Year’s Eve, table gifts, etc.,” he explains.

Other traders are delighted to have had the pedestrian street. “Lille center is very lively. We are lucky to have had the pedestrian street regularly. We really had a lot of people, it wasn't too cold. The weather also played a role a little”, notes Virginie Payet, manager of the Kusmi Tea store in Lille Esquermoise.

Sellers happy with their sales, despite customers spending less this year.

“In a few days, we will draw a more definitive assessment. But overall, it is simply a slightly lower average basket, we clearly feel that the economic crisis is present,” testifies Romuald Catoire, president of the Lille federation of commerce, crafts and services.

However, he notes “there is still a good atmosphere in the city, despite everything that is happening around us.”