A committed shopkeeper and president of the Bonjour Cluses association, Amandine Simonin works daily to support local businesses in Cluses. We met with this passionate woman, deeply attached to people, community, and the dynamism of her region.
My name is Amandine Simonin and I am the president of the Cluses merchants' association, "Bonjour Cluses".
The smiles of his customers, his greatest reward
What I enjoy most about my job is, above all, customer satisfaction. I run a men's clothing store, and I love taking the time to find what suits each customer, their tastes, and their expectations. Seeing them leave with a smile, happy with their experience and feeling good in the clothes we've offered them, is a real source of satisfaction.
Secretary yesterday, president today!
When I took over the presidency of Bonjour Cluses, it wasn't necessarily something I had initially planned. I had already been part of the association's board as secretary for about ten years. I started my career 14 years ago and quickly became involved with the association because I firmly believe in the importance of working together rather than each of us working independently. After serving as secretary for about ten years, and as the presidency evolved over time, the time naturally came for me to take on the role. But above all, it's a collective endeavor: we work as a team, with a very dedicated and complementary board.
In Cluses, we have a choice!
For me, the great strength of Cluses' businesses lies in their diversity and the wide selection they offer. Cluses is a town on a human scale, bringing together numerous activities and shops. A quick look at our website is enough to appreciate this abundance. We are also fortunate to enjoy a genuine close relationship with our customers. We know them, we can offer them personalized advice, and a relationship of trust develops over time. It is this close connection and the quality of our advice that allow us to stand out from large chains, shopping malls, and online retailers.
The gift that boosts the local economy
Among the Bonjour Cluses initiatives we are particularly proud of, besides the events and meetings organized for local businesses, are the gift vouchers offered by the association. We sell them to employee committees as well as individuals, and they directly support the local economy. Recipients can then use these vouchers at participating businesses and, in their own way, contribute to the vitality of local commerce.
President, yes… but as part of a team!
Being president of a merchants' association is, above all, a team effort. I work with the other board members, and we're also fortunate to have a full-time employee who handles the association's projects. Our role is to contribute ideas, support and coordinate activities and events, and maintain relationships with our various local partners. Everyone contributes to moving the association's projects forward.
The challenge of local commerce
The biggest challenge for local retailers today is undoubtedly managing to stand out in the face of ever-increasing competition, whether from large chains, shopping centers, or the internet. In this context, it is essential to continue highlighting what makes us different: our local presence, expert advice, personal touch, and the quality of our relationships with our customers.
And tomorrow? Even more ideas!
In the coming months, Bonjour Cluses' plans and ambitions will be to maintain this momentum by continuing to offer attractive events and create opportunities for local businesses to connect. We also want to continue fostering new ideas and developing projects that contribute to the vitality and promotion of local commerce.
Supporting Cluses' shopkeepers
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