It's the end of the road for Simone Sisters, the decor shop of Cécile Siméone, which has been a beloved spot on Quai Saint-Antoine for nearly 10 years. In a video shared on Instagram, the former presenter and actress from Lyon announced the imminent closure of her store. What's the reason? A pedestrianization of the city center that has been deemed too harsh.
"I have to announce the closure of Simone Sisters in a few months"
As she was about to renew her lease, Cécile Siméone decided to draw the curtain, explaining that the current situation no longer allows her to continue the adventure. "I'm not the only one aware that doing business in Lyon is becoming very complicated. The pedestrianization of Lyon's city center is happening in a very abrupt and rapid way. We haven't had time to adapt."
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If the interior designer doesn’t question the idea of a greener city, she highlights the immediate consequences for shop owners. "A pedestrian city should be fantastic, certainly, but it might only be great for those who will open businesses in a few years; at least I can't hold out."
An Online Shop in the Works
Despite the closure of her physical store, Cécile Siméone is considering continuing her journey online. Meanwhile, many Lyonnais shopkeepers are sounding the alarm about the difficulties brought on by pedestrianization, while some residents fear a decline in their quality of life.
As the pedestrianization project continues, it remains to be seen whether other businesses will follow the same path as Simone Sisters. The future of downtown Lyon may hinge on adaptation and resistance…