Poleymieux-au-Mont-d’Or, France – The sole grocery store in the village of Poleymieux-au-Mont-d’Or has once again closed its doors, leaving a sense of disappointment and bitterness among residents and local officials. Lionel and Angélique Veraud, the well-liked managers who had taken over the “Épicerie des Cabornes” three years ago, were forced to cease operations due to a lack of sufficient customer traffic.
A Beloved Local Business Fails to Thrive
The grocery store, whose premises are owned by the municipality, was a popular establishment within the community. “Angélique and Lionel were extremely committed and friendly. People appreciated them enormously. But that’s not enough for a business to survive. It needs…” stated Corinne Cardona (DVD), the mayor of Poleymieux-au-Mont-d’Or, expressing her profound regret at the closure.
Dedicated Managers, Insufficient Support
Lionel and Angélique Veraud had resumed management of the village grocery store in May 2023. Despite their dedication and the establishment’s very generous opening hours, the business failed to generate enough revenue to remain viable. The couple had invested significant effort into making the store a central part of village life, but ultimately, the customer base proved to be too small to sustain operations.
Impact on the Community
The closure of the only local grocery store is a significant blow to the small village, highlighting the challenges faced by small businesses in rural areas. Such establishments often serve not only as places for essential shopping but also as vital social hubs, fostering community spirit and providing convenience for residents, particularly those with limited mobility.
The Broader Challenge for Small Businesses
This incident in Poleymieux-au-Mont-d’Or reflects a wider trend of difficulties encountered by small local businesses in the face of changing consumer habits and competition from larger retail chains. The mayor’s sentiment of a “very bitter taste” underscores the emotional and practical impact these closures have on close-knit communities.
Future of the Premises and Village Services
As the premises belong to the municipality, the future of the storefront remains uncertain. The closure raises questions about potential alternative uses for the space or whether another attempt will be made to establish a similar service in the village. The challenge will be to find a sustainable solution that can meet the needs of the residents while ensuring the commercial viability of the enterprise.
The community now faces the task of adapting to the absence of its local grocery store, which had been a cornerstone of daily life for many. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of local support for small businesses to ensure their survival and the vitality of village life.
