The Au vide grenier store, a little second-hand paradise, will open its doors on August 7, in Béziers

Julien Claret is the deputy manager of the Au vide grenier franchise brand, which will open on August 7. Diane Petitmangin

L’enseigne Au vide grenier comptera 303 box, 89 penderies et 214 stands hybrides. Diane Petitmangin

Membre d’une franchise, le commerce biterrois a pris possession des anciens locaux de Go Sport pour proposer son concept de brocante permanente.

In the 1 200 m2 hangar where there are still some traces of the former Go Sport brand, the screwdrivers know no respite because the teams are hard at work to assemble and install the 303 stands which will soon house the "treasures" individuals wanting to clean up their homes. The Au vide grenier brand is, in fact, moving to Béziers – he will be one of the biggest centers in the franchise – and intends to ride the second hand wave.

The popularity of second-hand products is in the midst of an economic boom, whether out of ecological concerns or due to declining purchasing power. Some sell to make money from objects or clothes they no longer want, others buy at reduced prices and preserve their wallets.

A showcase for creators

But is the idea viable in a South where sunny days see a thousand and one Chinese meetings flourish ? "When we participate in flea markets , it often costs a little money and takes up the person for a whole day. There, for three weeks, she is calm and has nothing to manage since we take care of everything, indicates Julien Claret, deputy manager of ;rsquo;At the Béziers garage sale. For whom the other advantage of the formula is to "allow creators to offer themselves a showcase, to showcase their work".

The formula is certainly attractive, since 300 candidates have already applied to have a stand for the opening, scheduled for August 7. "We are full but interested people can already apply, on our Facebook page for the period of August 29". In practice, the applicant for a box can choose between two formulas: either a large wardrobe, ideal when selling textile items, or a hybrid stand with shelves and a small wardrobe area.

Hangers and locks provided

"We will have 214 hybrid stands and 89 wardrobes that we will also bring together to offer an attractive clothing space. Hangers, locks and price tags are provided,continues Julien Claret. No fitting rooms, however, to avoid mowing. The individual who reserves a stand pays 30 € three weeks, renewable according to the waiting list and the company takes 35% of the sale price. Enough to push prices up, no ? Not according to Julien Claret, who estimates "that prices remain really reasonable".

The Biterrois business will also offer an exhibition area for furniture, "it’is free for large objects", display cases under good surveillance for precious objects and a storage area. It will also be a collection point for Mondial Relay and Vinted Go. The location in the ZAC de la Domitienne is not a hindrance for the deputy manager, quite the contrary. "There There is a lot of traffic in the area, which is well stocked and, as there is no store of this type between Béziers and Montpellier, we have people from Sète or Bédarieux who are interested. Meet for the opening…

A concept from the Nordic countries

While flea markets, sales and other Sunday garage sales are not new, the concept of a permanent store to sell unwanted objects, furniture or textiles is an idea that originated in the Nordic countries. The French brand Au vide grenier was founded in 2016 by Romain Chassagne, who brought the idea back in his suitcases while traveling.

The first store opens in Fougères (35), before others spread throughout the territory, over the years. Au vide grenier had already opened a franchise, in Colombiers (Viargues area) but the manager, since then, has regained his independence and is called Seconde main.

Au vide grenier, 40 rue de l’Industrie, in Béziers. Opening on Wednesday, August 7, at 10 a.m. The store will be open Monday to Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Facebook page “Au vide grenier Béziers”. I subscribe to read the rest