The street market breathes new life into the heart of Marigot
Whilst there were bargains to be had from Friday onwards at all the shops, it was undoubtedly Saturday – and the big street sale on Rue du Général de Gaulle – that drew in the crowds looking for a bargain.
According to Yann Lecam, chairman of the Marigot Traders’ Association, the decline in purchasing power is being felt, but despite this, the summer street market was a success. From 9 am, around 90 stalls run by private individuals or shops were set up to attract customers. However, the crowds were a little slow to arrive, preferring to stroll along Rue du Général de Gaulle – which had been closed to traffic for the occasion – only from mid-morning onwards. Visitors were generally pleased they’d made the trip, as this year’s event offered plenty of variety at all price points. Clothes, books, toys, home décor, DIY items and some rather surprising finds all found new owners; it’s true that with items starting at just €2, there were plenty of bargains to be had. A real bargain for those on a tight budget looking to treat themselves or buy something useful, and a breath of fresh air for the town centre shopkeepers, who are feeling the full brunt of the drop in footfall during this quiet period when both tourists and residents are spending far less than usual. Yann Lecam admits that, overall, the season has been very good, but events like this are about maintaining a balance during quiet periods when running costs weigh heavily on the budget. Events such as the street market help to bring people back into the town centre and, above all, give local businesses a much-needed boost. The success of this street market was praised by the president of the CCISM, who emphasised the importance of such key events for Marigot’s appeal. The Chamber of Commerce, which has signed an agreement with the retailers’ association to strengthen its support for their initiatives, intends to provide more concrete support for this collective effort. As Angèle Dormoy points out, beyond the buzz created over the course of a single day, these events also provide an opportunity to gauge the health of the local economy. The decline in footfall and changing consumer habits are trends that the CCISM intends to monitor closely, drawing in particular on feedback from business owners and regular dialogue with local businesses. The challenge now is to transform this renewed appeal into real and sustainable economic activity for the town centre’s shops.
