Already established in several departments of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the “Comptoir de campagne” brand is now setting up in Côte-d’Or and is opening its first store in Gevrey-Chambertin this Wednesday, March 30. His philosophy? Reestablish trade in the rural world by promoting short circuits. But more than just a store, “Comptoir de campagne” is also a multi-service and friendly place. Interview with the president of this young shoot from Lyon, Virginie Hils.
– Country counter
The companion counter, what is it?
Comptoir de campagne is a social and solidarity economy company that aims to bring businesses back to rural areas.
This is the 14th store you are opening in France and the first in Côte-d’Or. What will we find in this shop?
In a country counter like in Gevrey, you will find local products on a short circuit, fruits and vegetables, of course, meat, dairy products, cheeses. And then the sweet and savory groceries, so pasta, rice, everything you need to do your daily shopping and eat healthy while participating in the development of the local economy. You will also find local services and a small “bistro” space to have a bite to eat, have a drink, meet your neighbors or take part in an activity or a small event.
– The campaign counter
That is to say that it is more than a store, it is also a friendly place?
Exactly. In fact, we have three objectives. It means bringing local services to the heart of rural areas that sometimes lack them. It is also to promote local and artisanal production and it is finally to promote social ties.
Why Gevrey-Chambertin to open this shop?
We had a request from Mayor Christophe Lucand. It often starts like this. We came to see how things were going in this commune. There, it is one of the largest communes in which one is established. And then there was a Vival and the couple who ran it wanted to change activity and so we thought it might be interesting to settle in the heart of Gevrey-Chambertin with this counter concept in an area that is also eminently rural, eminently turned towards agriculture, rather viticultural. We thought that was like us and that’s why we’re opening this Wednesday, March 30, the first Côte d’Or counter.
You have created a partnership with the Beaune wine school regarding wines. What is this partnership about?
Indeed. When we settle in a territory, we work with the entire local ecosystem, producers and local players. We have a person who works in the territory of Burgundy and Mâconnais, who actually met the wine school and who selected their wines to reference them. And it is our desire to promote learning and to play the game with them. They really loved our concept too. So that’s a great partnership. We will soon have new openings in Côte-d’Or, in other villages where there are already slopes. Normally, this will be the case in a few months in Corgoloin and Saulon-la-rue, and other projects are also underway in the department. These counters will open duty-free. So we are looking for project leaders. If entrepreneurs want to create, reopen businesses in their territory and in the villages who, if they are interested in doing so with the support of a campaign counter, do not hesitate to contact us via our website. Internet.
– Country counter