Per Anne-Sophie Hourdeaux
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Rue du Vieil Abreuvoir in Roubaix (north), on the side of the Saint-Martin church, in the very center of the city, it is reborn. Eight creators they investedold pharmacy create a “common store”says the concept store “Office”. Grand opening on September 8, 2022, there’s ethnic jewelry, custom furniture, homemade cookies, dried flowers, vintage clothing, and even an art gallery! Further, three actions at trial are also started. We introduce you to these new companies before the street becomes pedestrianized and greened at the beginning of 2023.
Revitalize the city center
We are located in a former pharmacy of 160 m2. The place no longer delivers medicine, but it’s still good for your health: come and drink a bowl of creativity, color and flavor at the Dispensary!
Roubaix City Hall entrusted the Roubaix Shopping association with the task of revitalizing the city center with new shops. “The goal is for this once lively street to become commercial again. We put out a call for creators, we had a lot of requests! Eight were selected, mostly from Roubaix and the surrounding area”.
As soon as you enter, you will be greeted by a more than delicious stall: Maison Cookie, launched by Hanane Elaissaoui. “My family is a fan of pastries, the biscuit is my leading biscuit, I like to sublimate it, invent it”.
Berries, hazelnuts, caramelized apples, peanut butter, you will find about 7 different recipes. With a specialty: biscuit cake, on soft chocolate fondant!
Cookies, second-hand clothes, decoration…
Hanana is helped by her husband Salim: “We are Roubaisiens, we like to participate in the rehabilitation of streets, abandoned buildings”. You can even sit down and taste them on the spot while having a drink.
Lamia Terir of La Matiérérie offers her universe of highly original custom furniture: “My husband runs a kiosk in Roubaix, I collect posters and process them on wood with glue and varnish for decorating furniture. It’s very long, but it’s very rewarding when you see the result! »
Racks presents elegant vintage clothing by Müll, Armelle Depermentier. “Müll means waste in German! I offer used, more for 15-18 years with skater, oversize, dark universes… Stylist for large groups in the base, I’m tired of fast fashion”.
Jessica Sanyasi offers with Jeswindra Creations retro-ethnic jewelry based on Japanese glass beads and embroidery. “I am a craftsman, each piece is unique. In my jewelry we find a touch of Art Deco-Art Nouveau, Egyptian, Peruvian, Aztec inspiration…”
Gallery, safe!
The most surprising thing is at the back: heavy thick doors and the door is open… revealing an art gallery. “This is an old safe, because before the pharmacy there was a bank here! laughs Xavier Tanchon, painter. He offers pictures he created while listening to music. “My paintings are the visual result of musical works! »
There are also carpet decorations by Louise (Mokette brand), dried flowers by Coralie with Flowralie, jewelry for men by Christiana with Camena.
Why joint trade?
Why choose a joint store? “It’s a way to test your concept, to limit risks, with a very moderate rent,” says Nicolas Mollet.
For Jessica, it’s an opportunity because, when you’re alone, it’s hard to run a store and create your own jewelry at the same time. “We share the presence time on the hotlines. Each of us knows the work of the other, when one is not there, we can explain his concept and sell for him”.
The friendly atmosphere also plays a role in this unique project in Roubaix. “We support each other, facing the same problems, we motivate each other. Strength is being with others,” confides Hanane.
The next step for the revitalization of this street: at the beginning of 2023. It will become pedestrianized and will be overgrown.
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