Will Monoprix disappear? Will a new luxury boutique open its doors? We explain the reshaping of the retail landscape in Saint-Tropez.
"Did you hear that Monoprix is going to close by next year?" " Oh really, that's terrible! Do you think it's going to be LVMH buying it again? " " No, I heard about a large delicatessen instead... "
At the Saint-Tropez counters, rumors spread at lightning speed, and all bets are on with each new announcement of a property sale or a change of business. These discussions are also recurrent during municipal council meetings, where opposition elected officials often denounce the ever-increasing presence of large corporations in the region each year.
Between ongoing projects and upcoming acquisitions, it's sometimes difficult to separate fact from fiction. A look at the state of affairs in Saint-Tropez.
"No, Monoprix will not move"This is one of the latest businesses targeted by gossip. " Since this winter, we have been receiving customers every day who ask us if we are going to close next year. The answer is no. Monoprix will not move from here," clarifies the director of the local branch located on Avenue du Maréchal Leclerc. Formerly called Prisunic , this food store, spread over two floors, is one of the oldest in the town. " It remains very important for the people of Saint-Tropez. We signed a new lease almost two years ago . This contract is a fixed rental for twelve years. It is therefore impossible to break it , he reassures. If it is to be released in an emergency, the Monoprix company will demand huge compensation . In addition, we speak regularly with the town hall, which wants the business to continue properly ."
No shops next to Monoprix either.Still on this same avenue, a project was however planned between the Monoprix and the entrance to the Château de Saint-Tropez. This plot, consisting of a 128m 2 house and a 28m 2 premises, was purchased in 2020 for 4,240,000 euros by a Monegasque professional civil company. For several months, the building permit has been displayed on the front of the villa, indicating a " renovation of the exterior building with extension and creation of a new building and two basement levels under the two buildings ".
If the information entered suggested the arrival of professional activity, everything was put on hold.
" Initially, the owners had planned to renovate everything to create a space dedicated to commercial activity. They wanted to find a buyer, but the search is very complicated. Ultimately, this project risks being recategorized as residential only," reports the architectural firm Studio Oreka, in charge of the project.
The disappearance of the casino shop located on Allard Street had stirred up a municipal meeting last fall. Minority councilor Christine Blanc was worried about the future of this space. " Is the town hall going to allow yet another clothing store to open? " she asked, fearing a single activity in this commercial artery. At that time, the mayor had responded that " the legal conditions did not allow a pre-emption of the property."
Since this exchange, this 240m² space - which can be divided - has been taken over by workers and a complete renovation of the ground floor has been launched. " This space will benefit only one tenant and the work should be completed before the summer ," announced the Marclé real estate agency, which is in charge of the project. This company is also behind the marketing of the brands Gucci, Mauboussin, Hermès and Balenciaga in the village.
The name of the future tenant has just been announced. The Spanish brand Massimo Dutti will move into the premises before the start of summer. Contacted by Var-Matin, the company declined to comment on the new facility.
Var-Matin
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