The Alésien Household Counter, 70 years of service in the Cévennes

Eric Giraud and Christophe Molinier, in front of the store founded in 1954 by Mr. Navarro. Midi Libre – ALEXIS BETHUNE

The Comptoir Ménager Alésien (CMA), opened in 1954, is celebrating its 70th anniversary. An opportunity to retrace the history of the store and to discuss the home and renovation show that it is organizing on October 19 and 20, at 9 a.m. in Saint-Privat-Des-Vieux.

In 70 years, a lot has happened in Alès. From hundred-year floods to mine shaft closures. But if there is one thing that has never changed, it is the Comptoir Ménager Alésien. The household appliance store is still in the same place, with the same hours, and has been since 1954. "Mr. Navarro moved to Boulevard Gambetta to open a shop dedicated to boiler rooms and plumbing", says Salindrois Cédric Giraud. “The premises haven't changed since then. Even though we haven't stopped trying to improve”, he adds with a little smile. A few years later, his two sons, Eric and Thierry Navarro, took over the business. They diversified and opened up to household appliances. It was a revolution at the time. The Navarro brothers ran the shop until their retirement in 2023, which led to a transfer of power to the current managing partners Cédric Giraud and Christophe Molinier.

“We've moved upmarket”

“They had seven employees. Today, there are 17 of us, , specifies the co-director of the CMA. It is impossible to push the walls, so why not create a new pole ? This is done since, since March 2024, the CMA has had an antenna located in Saint-Privat-des-Vieux. "We have moved upmarket", Cédric Giraud emphasizes. This is evidenced by the many RGE labels, i.e. “Recognized guarantor of the environment”. This new hub makes it possible to diversify the areas of action. “New energies, that's the future”, declares the Salindrois.

“We are developing a network of trust”

An entire hub is dedicated to the use of new energies and overall energy renovation. “By 2035, all houses must be insulated and renovated”, explains Cédric Giraud. “But we realize that people are often put off by the administrative burden. Our goal is to advise them.” The CMA has two support labels for this purpose, Silverbat and Handibat, respectively for seniors and people with disabilities. “We are developing a network of trust”, declares the manager, who can boast of having the support of many associated structures. “We work with the same people, like that, we are sure to provide quality to our customers”, he continues.

A show for global energy renovation

The CMA was unable to attend the recent housing shows, no matter since he is organizing his own. On October 19 and 20, heating, global and ecological energy renovation will be highlighted at the Saint-Privat-des-Vieux center, starting at 9 a.m. An opportunity for Cédric Giraud and Christophe Molinier to showcase their expertise with their partners. The show will be held at 2 p.m., impasse de l'escale, Saint-Privat-Des-Vieux. Free admission.

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