Opened in 1973 by the current shopkeeper's parents, Patrice Chaussures will close its doors for the last time at the end of October. A closure that comes at a difficult time for downtown businesses.
53 years of keeping Nantes on its feet
The story of this shop began in 1973. At the time, Daniel and Christiane Courteille decided to open their shoe store in Nantes. A few years later, their son Patrice naturally took over the reins. He took charge of the business in 1996, when his parents retired. For decades, the shop built itself a loyal customer base thanks to a very particular specialty: comfortable shoes. City loafers, sports models, boots, ankle boots, mules and slippers, the store offered collections for men and women, with special attention paid to comfort, width and shoe quality. A philosophy that notably succeeded
has built a clientele looking for models capable of lasting, rather than simply following trends.
« Business is struggling »
But after more than half a century in business, Patrice Courteille has decided to turn the page. The shop now displays an unambiguous sign: « total liquidation before closure ». Until the end of October, customers can enjoy significant discounts before the final closure. For this shopkeeper, this decision comes at a particularly challenging time for downtown boutiques, he notably points to rising rents and declining foot traffic in stores. According to him, the accessibility of Nantes' city center also plays an important role in this shift. Customers from outside Nantes would be notably less present, while some residents now prefer to head to shopping centers located on the outskirts, where access and parking are simpler.
A closclosure that also marks a retirement
This closure doesn't just signal the end of a store that has been here since 1973, it also marks the retirement of Dominique Sabri, the shop's dedicated saleswoman since 1981. For more than four decades, she has accompanied several generations of customers looking for their perfect pair of shoes. Such longevity has become particularly rare in downtown retail. And in front of the window, some regulars aren't hiding their disappointment—for a loyal clientele, this closure represents the disappearance of a beloved address known for years.
Up to -70% off before closing
The shutters won't come down until the end of October, and until then, the shop continues operating with a major clearance sale. Items are offered with discounts ranging from -30% to -70%, depending on the models. A last chance for regulars to find their favorite brands and styles, but also for Nantes residents who wish to discover the shop before it c
it doesn't disappear forever.