But where is the spirit of the sales ? Many traders wonder…

Un premier jour des soldes plutôt tranquille. Midi Libre – C.M.

The sales started this Wednesday, January 10. Rather gently into the city center…

The gray and cold weather in the morning and the rain in the afternoon provided little incentive to wander the streets for this first day of sales. In a boutique of a major clothing brand on Avenue Général Perrier,  there are people and a queue at the fitting rooms but one of the managers' pouted: "this morning, it was dead calm. And this afternoon, it's not a rush…" 

The rushes on sales are over indeed. And this despite the fact that merchants often attack very hard on reductions. 

Black Friday, private sales and promotions all year round

Most merchants notice this:  "With all the promotions throughout the year, private sales, Black Friday which extends over the month of November, sales no longer have much meaning" notes Lucile in her pretty boutique Girls who sparkle.

"The spirit of sales no longer exists" confirms Christina, manager of the Butler decoration store. She would like the City to be able to help the center's merchants with activities during this period and free parking like before Christmas. Despite everything, it will be open for the first Sunday of the sales like several shops in the center. 

Lucile, in her shop, talks about a very calm start. Midi Libre – C.M.

And on the customer side, what do we think ? In the New Yorker clothing store at La Coupole, many young people are waiting to go to the checkout, their arms full of clothes.  Cléo, a high school student came &quot ;spend gift cards and money received at Christmas. She didn't experience the hustle and bustle of the sales of yesteryear! "I came because I had a free afternoon,  but ultimately with the Internet we can have promotions all year round. But it's still nice to do!"

A first weekend which should attract people

Liliane, 78 years old, has her arms full of bags. For her, sales still have value. "I always wait for this moment to buy what makes me happy…" 

Léana and her 4-year-old daughter arrive from a shopping center on the outskirts of Nîmes. "There were people, but that's okay, it wasn't crazy either… "
An event which, even if it becomes commonplace, should still attract people this weekend. 

The sales last until Tuesday February 6.  I subscribe to read more