France/ Shops in Gournay and Ferrières-en-Bray vital to local economy
The Gournay-en-Bray-Ferrières-en-Bray UCA won its 4th smile. Proof of the retailers' warm welcome and of the attractiveness of the two towns.
The union commerciale et artisanale has been brainstorming all year to offer customers and residents of Gournay-en-Bray and Ferrières-en-Bray(Seine-Maritime) some nice surprises for the 2024 edition of the Journée nationale du commerce de proximité. Objective: to win a4th smile as part of this event. Challenge met.
An extra smile is not just another symbol for the shops, but a token of a town'sattractiveness.
The economic role of shops
In these difficult economic times for Gournay-en-Bray, following the Akwel and Autoliv redundancy plans, the retail sector has a real role to play in enhancing the attractiveness of the area.
Pierre René Jullien, an elected member of the Rouen-Métropole Chamber of Commerce and Industry, made this clear this week when he presented a cheque for 900 euros to the Les Boutik's association.
Today, you're the driving force. Shops are the lifeblood of towns. Welcoming customers is essential. It's what brings people in, what encourages businesses to set up shop and people to live there.
Pierre-René Jullien
This sum was awarded in recognition of the actions carried out by the Boutik's during the Journée nationale du commerce de proximité, as well as "the economic players and associations involved in the values of proximity and the social link of local commerce", notes Marie-Pierre Joncour of the CCi Métrople de Rouen.
Local dynamism
The communes of Gournay and Ferrières, a key partner of the commercial and craft union, were invited to receive the 4th Smile diploma. A smile for which the shopkeepers got their jerseys wet. They invented a song to defend local commerce.
Marie-France Devillerval, mayor of Ferrières-en-Bray, did not miss the event. She was keen to express her support for Boutik's. The commune subsidizes the association every year.
Downtown Gournay and Ferrières-en-Bray are a whole. It's a great reward for our businesses. Entertainment is very important for customers. They look forward to these events.
Marie-France Devillerval
The local councillor also praised the work of the shopkeepers and their investment. "Your work is thankless. Your days are long, knowing that you also have a family on the side. Despite this, you find time to invest in the association and make our towns more dynamic".
The diploma could not be presented to the town of Gournay-en-Bray, as no-one was present to represent it.
Towards a 5th smile
L'association des Boutik's is already working towards the top step of the podium and a 5th smile. And to achieve this grail, Les Boutik's commercial and craft association will be judged not only on the events it organizes on Local Business Day, but also on its dynamism throughout the year.
Source: actu.fr/normandie/
