Stores open on Sundays near Toulouse before Christmas, to the delight of shoppers
It is not yet noon, this Sunday, December 5, but Nancy and her husband already have a full tank in the toy department. “We try to find toys that are similar to those on the list, but not exactly those, because there is the risk of duplication.“Nancy laughs. Shopping is almost done. “Sunday is convenient, I can come with my partner, who works Monday to Saturday. Otherwise, we don’t have the same days off.”
This Labège 2 shopping center, on the outskirts of Toulouse, therefore opens on Sundays until Christmas. Convenient, but also on a less frequented day, and that surprises Sylvie, who lives in Ramonville. “Amazing, as Christmas approaches! But it’s good, there are less people, it’s more pleasant.” She just bought a large teddy bear, which is almost her size.
Those less amused by it are the traders, like Bénédicte, she sells jewelry in the shopping arcade: “It’s a bit peculiar, a small business. We shouldn’t even do it, I think. At least I have my regulars who are there, faithful, for Christmas.” It is a little more optimistic with his neighbor, Mounira, who sells cashmere clothes: “Yellow, electric blue, it sells very well! Of course there are fewer people than a normal day, but there are quite a few people who come for Christmas, all the same”.
Most Toulouse shops, such as shopping centers, open every Sunday until the end of the year holidays.