Openings and closings of shops in Foix

With a vacancy rate of shops that has stabilized at 3.94% for several months, it would be wrong to speak of a waltz of signs in Foix. However, there are some changes to the historic city’s shops, testament to an economy in perpetual flux. Élisabeth Clain, Deputy Head of Economy, provides an update on these developments.

Hardly visible to customers, since February there have been changes of ownership of some brands. These are the Gutierrez bakery, the Passe Temps catering establishment “taken over from the employee”, the Bistronome restaurant “where world cuisine will be served”, the Serge Blanco clothing store.

Many openings

The city can boast of having many commercial creations. The small restaurants Chez l’Espagnole and the Château d’Alep now delight Fuxéens. A roastery has set up shop in rue Pyrène but hasn’t yet managed to open, “the work to do is long. The merchant has just set up a click and collect to sell his products”, declares the elected one. In the same street, a ceramist will take up his position “soon”. Rue des Marchands, an oriental tea room is advertised. Heart of pearls took possession of rue Bayle several months ago, while the Fil d’étoile clothing store was born in rue Labistours.

The Secours populaire has opened its Cours Cros boutique. The Pétrolettes et Vieilles Bécanes 09 association has planned to land shortly at 14 Cours Bouychères. “He will hold hotlines with volunteers” to, in particular, hold the repair shop. On the outskirts, in the commercial area of ​​Peysale, a Basic Fit gym will open next to the toy shop, route d’Espagne.

Rue des Marchands and Labistour, the moves will take place. The jeweler moved into the old pharmacy, the Côté femme store moved into the jeweler, the real estate agency located opposite Côté femme crossed the street to move into it. Enough to make the customer lose his mind at first.

A difficult start to the year

Unfortunately, some stores have had to close or are in the process of closing. This is the case of the Foix Immobilier Conseils real estate agency, the Etrier clothing store and the Comptoir des Quartiers. Shutdowns of activities related to “the economic situation, inflation”, confirms Marika Repond, part-time director of the city center and director of the economic development pole for the Agglo.

In fact, despite the massive number of openings, the economic situation remains subject to fluctuations. Since the beginning of the year, the Municipality has recorded “a drop in attendance”. Compared to previous years, this is demonstrated by the pedestrian counters installed in rue Bayle, Delcassé, Lazéma, Senator-Paul-Laffont. “The first three months of the year we were in a low period in terms of attendance,” says the manager.

Participation that rose in strength right at the beginning of the summer. “The last two weeks of June, the world arrived. I’d say it’s ahead of other years,” said Elisabeth Clain. Good numbers can herald one of the best summer seasons.