“Since the beginning of 2022, we have seen a significant drop in attendance”, explains Mary. In November 2020, she created Les Petits bocaux, an organic and 100% bulk grocery store. Immediately, she finds her clientele. But for a few months, she no longer sees them. Marie is not the only one concerned. A phenomenon that therefore worries the town hall and other traders. Some have joined together in an association to set up a loyalty card and help revitalize the city centre.
“You go to participating merchants, there are about fifteen of them, and from a certain purchase amount, you recover an amount which is credited to your card and which you can use as you see fit in these shops in the center of the city. town”, explains Nicolas Bardot, printer and president of the association of merchants and businesses of Péronne. There are about 300 in circulation right now and to get it, just ask for it at one of these shops and pay a membership fee of five euros. The sum will be immediately credited to the card.
The advantage, says Nicolas Bardot, is that it is possible to cash in at Leclerc and Intermarché, the two large retailers located in the commercial area. “It represents about 3% of the price you will pay. We can thank their spontaneity. And there is also Gazelec and Énergie du Santerre who have joined. If you are one of their customers, you go to their premises and you can credit your card without doing anything”he continues.
“We give people purchasing power” — Nicolas Bardot, printer and president of the Péronne merchants and businesses association
“Now, customers have to play the game. They are the ones who have the key to success. Mentalities have to change, people have to eat locally. There is a cheesemonger, soon a fishmonger in Péronne”says Isaac Perez, municipal councilor responsible for businesses, businesses and economic development in Péronne. “We try to help businesses as best we can, we advertise them, we facilitate administrative procedures, but people really need to go to small businesses”he ends, specifying that about fifteen businesses had been created in the last 18 months in Peronne.