While the famous rue de Rivoli in the center of Paris is no longer accessible to cars, except for taxis, buses and emergency vehicles, since May 2020, nearby traders are mobilizing to change things .
“
We need to open a new traffic lane for motorists.
Some shops are very affected with a drop of 30% to 40% in their turnover and we are witnessing more than 10% of store closures
, ”deplores Thierry Véron, president of the federation of associations of craftsmen and traders. of Paris (FACAP).
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The end of access to motorists would cause a drop in attendance, especially on the side of tourists.
“
There are fewer and fewer tourist groups (organized by tour operators, editor's note) because tourists are not always healthy enough to get around on foot or by bike or it is not always practical for them, as for families with children
,” confirms David Pariente, manager of the Arcades Rivoli souvenir shop.
Same sound from the side of a jewelry store located in the street: “
We are seeing a drop in our clientele of a certain age
”.
The closure of this street, which notably runs along the town hall and the Louvre, to motorists came at the time of the coronavirus pandemic.
"
It's hard to know what exactly caused the loss of turnover
," admits David Pariente, who has experienced a drop in sales of up to 80%.
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According to Thierry Véron, of the FACAP, a first meeting with the town hall of Parie was held at the beginning of April, about a potential redevelopment of the street.
A second meeting should take place soon.
Contacted, the town hall of Paris has not yet responded.
