On the Saint-Ghislain side, the idea of reestablishing a merchants’ association has just been launched by the initiative union. Some merchants have already shown support, with the hope of giving new impetus to neighborhoods outside the city center and making local commerce a strong asset for the entity. “There no longer exists a merchants’ association in the villages and that’s a shame”underlines Lory Goavec, project and merchant relations manager at the tourist office.
A “blow drying bar” will open its doors in Saint-Ghislain: “the opening hours will be wide and no appointments will be necessary”
“The dynamics can be very different whether we are in a village or in the city center. We are therefore trying to bring together, federate, motivate traders to come together and it seems to be off to a good start. We will hold a meeting on November 14 so that everyone can talk about their reality and propose ideas. We are only here to make things easier.” And if the merchants are the first to be affected, there is no question of forgetting those who keep the business going: the customers.
For this reason and so that they also have a say, a survey was launched on social networks. “We have already had some answers. We will try to identify needs and expectations and we will give everyone the opportunity to express themselves. We think it is important that merchants can also hear certain comments, for example if the opening hours are too unsuitable and prevent citizens from favoring local purchasing.”
Initially, the objective would be to found only one association of traders for the villages of Tertre, Hautrage, Sirault, Villerot, Baudour and Neufmaison. “We will then see if there is a desire to split things further. One step at a time“, adds Lory Goavec, who is herself a trader. It should be noted that a first meeting was already held last February and that the interest of certain traders had already been expressed.
