"Do you have anything on the kings of France?"
asks a woman after looking around the many shelves.
I would like to take this opportunity to re-read classics and historical books.
This live sales scene was one of the last before a month of closure at the Lettre et Merveilles bookstore in Pontoise (Val-d'Oise).
Laurence Hurard, at the head of this independent bookstore since 2003, has indeed had to close for containment, like all her colleagues not considered essential businesses.
Their situation to be reviewed in two weeks according to the Minister of Culture, Roselyne Bachelot.
However, the sector has benefited from a few easing compared to last spring.
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"We will be able to
click and collect
from this week," welcomes this enthusiast, who hopes to avoid partial unemployment for her and / or her employee Ludivine.
Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. already advertise the store's social networks.
An option already offered to its customers in the second half of the first containment.
“As soon as it was possible after April 15,” she recalls.
And there was a demand because as soon as the ad was posted on our Facebook page, it had been shared more than 100 times, which is a lot for us.
"
A dedicated website since September
But the bookstore learned lessons from this first experience.
“It was a bit handcrafted.
Orders were made by email and phone because we did not have a real website.
This is now the case, ”says the owner.
Indeed, since the beginning of September, it is possible to order via www.lettreetmerveilles.fr.
“Then all they have to do is come and pick them up at the store.
The idea is to make books available while maintaining our personality with reading tips, favorites… And in addition, buyers can immediately see what we have in stock, ”continues Laurence Hurard.
" That's great!
a client exclaimed Thursday, already several novels under her arm.
Can you give me the address of your site?
"
The end of year celebrations are 25% of turnover
However, despite the testing of the drive system, the first containment had been very difficult for Lettre et Merveilles.
“What really saved us was the real rebound that we have seen in stores since the reopening with a real influx of customers.
Regulars but also people who discovered us.
A clientele that has also rejuvenated with a real approach to defend small independent bookstores and local commerce, ”emphasizes the professional.
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And if Laurence Hurard is delighted with this phenomenon, that does not prevent her from worrying about the consequences of this new episode of isolation.
Even the announcement of the postponement of several literary prizes like the Goncourt in solidarity with bookstores is not enough to reassure her completely.
“Yes it's an important time of the year for us so it's good.
But the big question is Christmas.
With us, the month of December represents 25% of our turnover for the year.
So everything will really play out based on that.
"