Thionville. These shops change hands... but not their state of mind!

31,700 sales and transfers of businesses were recorded in France in 2024 (source: Altares). This slightly uptick (+2.5%) also reveals greater dynamism in small towns. What's the situation in Thionville, which is classified as a medium-sized town? In the center, around fifteen businesses are for sale. There are food shops, restaurants, and a few hair salons. Some are selling for another life; others have reached retirement age. This is the chapter we will focus on, although the age limit is a very relative criterion.

On Rue du Mersch, the Gerry Weber by Amandine ready-to-wear boutique is on clearance sale until the end of July. Customers know: Amandine Ornielli is leaving; so is her longtime employee, Yolande. Between the shelves and displays of her den, Amandine Ornielli proudly wears her 73 years. Until last year, the question of retirement had never crossed her mind, but all things must come to an end. "I've been here since July 9, 1980! To survive, you have to be serious; being there, all the time, that's the secret." You also have to be in the right niche, which has clearly ensured the longevity of the business. The buyer? "One of my suppliers who is setting up his franchise, Léo & Ugo." The latter will therefore arrive next fall on very solid foundations; proof that the sector can still remain buoyant for those who are sure of their products and the target clientele.

A hundred meters away, on rue Jemmapes, the Actuelle boutique (high-end ready-to-wear) is also in the middle of clearing out its inventory before a change of ownership. At the end of July, Nathalie Lefort will hand over to Christel Blanchet, a former financial director with a passion for fashion and easygoing manner. The meeting happened naturally: "Christel is one of my clients. Our first exchanges date back to June 2024. She's like me: she loves beautiful fabrics, beautiful cuts. She also loves dressing people," confides Nathalie, who was looking for someone who reflects her image. "A business transfer is a step... I turned down two offers before this one: one that didn't seem serious, the other that wanted to change the concept."

Nathalie chose to accompany Christel. "I took her to the collection; she spent time in the store to see how I work. She had all the figures, of course." For the business owner, "it's reassuring. There are lots of new things to discover, and we're investing money." Her project is on track: it has been approved by the Alexis business creation/takeover support network, as well as France Initiative for financing assistance. A promising business.