It’s over. This Saturday, October 1, 2022, the 2,600 employees of some 500 stores Monochrome de France said goodbye to their loyal customers. The ready-to-wear brand has been placed in compulsory liquidation by the Commercial Court of Lille, Thursday, September 29, following forty years of existence.
For this last day of opening, customers rushed in numbers to the stores, located in town or in shopping centers on the outskirts. As much to find a good deal before the liquidation as to greet the saleswomen, who suddenly lose their jobs.
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Some customers have come with small gifts and slip a word of comfort when paying. “I also experienced a dismissal three years ago, I know what it’s like to dive into the unknown”confides a client in her forties, in Roubaix (North), before launching to a saleswoman: “Can I give you a hug? »
“Sad for the sellers”
In Argentan, in the Orne, the influx of the Camaïeu shop has tripled since the announcement of the closure. Cindy, a loyal customer, thinks to herself « very sad for the saleswomen, e They are smiling, polite, very professional. I got along well with them. »
In Lisieux, in Calvados, a long queue formed a good part of the day, this Saturday. “Your team says a thousand thanks to you”might we read on the front of the store.
feeling of unease
Strange atmosphere between jeans and tunics: “I came to support the saleswomen, they remain smiling and dynamic, do not show anything, notes Angélique. But I feel a little uncomfortable being here, almost ashamed to shop at this time. Some came to do good business, I understand that. »
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Same scenes in Quimperlé, in Finistèreet in Nantes and Saint-Herblain (Loire-Atlantique) where labels – 50% were successful. The revenue linked to this massive destocking should go to the 2,600 dismissed employees, according to the unions. They will make it possible to improve training and retraining possibilities within the framework of the social plan.
“We will unplug the machine”
Comment from Nordine Misraoui, CFDT delegate, who deplores a “Social coffers” which might have been avoided: “Tonight is like the end of life, we are going to unplug the machine. »
In another Camaïeu store, an easel welcomed customers with this message: “Sorry if we are struggling to welcome you as you deserve and as we would like. We are devastated and so tired. We are in mourning. »