Magic wands, burgundy scarves and figurines with a scar on their forehead…impossible to go wrong, we are in a Harry Potter-themed shop.
It is a shop that belongs to the Sweets company. This is the 17th store to open in France.
It has been more than two years since Nicolas Rondin, the president of Sweets wanted to settle in Quimper. But he was uncompromising on one point: location.
Finally he found his happiness for 150 000 euros : “In commerce, we need to have the number 1 location, otherwise it doesn’t matter what store you have, it’s useless. Rue Kéréon is an emblem of downtown Quimper. If I had been in a “next door” as we call it, these are shops that are just a little bit next to a main street, that’s not where it’s at. The tourist on his own comes to the street Kereon”says the president.
About 300 visitors per day
The store is located in the city center and attracts many onlookers, Nicolas Rondin estimates that around 300 people walk through the door of the store every day.
And among her, there is Chemina. This 27-year-old from Quimper, an unconditional fan of Harry Potter, takes advantage of her day off to come and do some shopping: “I already have mugs and lots of Harry Potter goodies. Arriving here was like heaven! There are so many things, so many choices! And it’s a first in Quimper so I’m super happy!”entrusts the young woman with a smile.
So the store is not only betting on the Harry Potter universe. With 4 years of experience, Nicolas Rondin is aware that you have to know how to diversify: “We manage to surprise people with a back shop full of products from other universes. For example DC Comics with Marvels, Star Wars or Strangers Things. It’s very well received”
And her strategy works: Emilie has been working in the shop since its launch, she confirms that interested people do not necessarily fit into boxes. At the same time, with more than 5,000 referencesthere is something for everyone: “Some people will think that it’s reserved for young people, but not at all. We have customers of all ages, of all generations. From the very young to the big children of 50 or even 70 years old. Many come with their families” , details the seller.
Vary the pleasures
The Covid crisis has affected product delivery costs: the container has gone from 2,500 to 20,000 euros.
So now we have to make the store prosper, and for that Nicolas Rondin can count on the support of the local association. The World of Magic which brings together fans of the Harry Potter universe. And the president has other ideas in mind: “We really need to energize the shops so we have planned, for example, to work with Youtubers. I can’t say everything but there will be a huge surprise next week.” slips the president.
A surprise that will be in the Vannes shop. A next store opening is also scheduled for April 1 in Royan. For more information, visit the site de Sweets.
