The Kerbio Europe store in Brest, devastated by riots in June 2023, is set to reopen on November 28 after a deep renovation and a hefty investment. The cooperative managing the store is committed to staying put, embracing a fresh start with new layouts and a promising future.
In the lively town of Brest, the much-loved Kerbio Europe is back in business — well, almost! After being frosted by furious flames during the riots of June 2023, the store’s reopening is on the calendar for November 28, almost a year and a half after it flamed out (pun totally intended). 40% of the building went up in smoke, but instead of moving out to greener pastures, the locals decided it was much more fun to rebuild right where they left off. “At no point did we consider moving. We want to stay here, and we’re all pumped to return!” says Yann Clugery, the head honcho of Finisterra, the cooperative that manages this iconic spot. Enter the Herculean rebuilding effort! The top floor, which moaned and groaned during the blaze, has been freshly reconstructed, while the commercial space of 660 square meters got a deep cleaning that would make your mother-in-law proud. The previous burned furniture that survived has joined the party too. “We took this chance to start fresh and rethink the store,” chirped Jean-Christophe Ramel, one of the executive board members, perhaps having coffee on a fancier-than-usual day. And fancy it shall be, with a reinvented layout and a central island for all the best things in life: cheese and bread! The cooperative has poured a whopping 1.2 million euros into this fiery transformation, complete with 200,000 euros spent purely on how the shop looks — because looking good is half the battle, right? Meanwhile, to keep customers from heading to outer space while waiting for the big reopening, a temporary shop popped up in Guipavas on October 19, 2023, ensuring that 40% of previous sales were maintained. But come November 15, that temporary gig will close its doors, bringing customers back to Ponatenzen—where all the magic and stench of smoke-free shopping will happen. Let’s not forget the Biocoop on Boulevard de Plymouth that also had a go with the flames and reopened its doors in May, with business booming at 80% of its pre-incident numbers! “Our customers are loyal. We hope for the same here,” Clugery adds with confidence. As the countdown ticks down, the team is ready to schmooze their beloved customers once again! Hold onto your shopping lists, Brest!
In June 2023, Brest experienced riots that led to significant destruction, impacting local businesses, particularly the Kerbio Europe store. Following the incident, the cooperative that manages the store decided against relocating and instead focused on rebuilding and renovating the original location. This rebuilding effort involved substantial financial investment and planning to ensure customers would return to a transformed shopping space.
The rebuild of Kerbio Europe symbolizes resilience and community spirit in Brest. With a grand reopening soon approaching, locals are eager to shop at the newly reimagined store that has not only survived the ashes but has been reborn better than before! Let’s hope those loyal customers come back with as much gusto as before!
Original Source: actu.fr
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