Patrick Seguin remains optimistic, reelected last month for a second term at the head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bordeaux-Gironde, the president of the CCI believes that the regional economy is armed to face the new wave of covid sweeping over the country. It also takes stock of the last very important weeks for Bordeaux trade.
How is the Girondins economy doing while the Omicron variant is soaring in France?
Patrick Seguin: The state of play is paradoxically rather positive. The economy is doing well. Apart from the tourism and events sectors which suffer a lot following the cancellations of all the vows ceremonies. On the other hand, we were able to note that at the Palais de la Bourse, which we operate, most events are postponed and are not canceled outright as was the case last year. It is a cause of hope. We are also managing Vinexpo Paris which is to be held in mid-February. If the decision is not official, I can say that the event will stand.
The traders have done absolutely decent deals.
Does the increasing number of covid cases not pose organizational problems for companies?
Of course, but they are getting organized. Companies reacted very quickly to the government’s request to reinstate teleworking three days a week. Absences for covid, on the other hand, pose a problem. We ourselves, at the Bordeaux-Gironde CCI, have the entire administrative and financial service almost at a standstill with six out of eight people affected. But we adapt, that’s the watchword in all companies today.
Has the holiday season gone well for Bordeaux traders?
Yes, and what we have seen is that the average basket has greatly increased. There was no doubt that many of us wanted to have fun. This made up for the lack of tourists. It can be said that the traders have done absolutely decent deals.
Next step, the sales from Wednesday January 12?
Each time, the sales periods are crucial because it serves to eliminate a certain number of stocks. Today, the traders who are doing the best they can are those who have understood that there needs to be a marriage between digital and face-to-face. This is why we continue to support businesses that are not yet developed and that do not benefit from an efficient website. Since September, we have supported 400 more.