“A second little family”: the Emmaüs store in Méru, forced to close, leaves regulars distraught

As usual, there were smiles and chatter. But this time there were also hugs and long embraces. Tears too. In the middle of the shelves filled with clothes, books and all the bric-a-brac still on sale in the Emmaüs store in Méru (Oise), Sandrine, one of the volunteers, hugs Josette, a loyal customer among the faithful.

For regulars at the Meruvian store, it was time to say goodbye. The transition to the year 2026 will take place without it. While the association had noted the opening, this summer, of a new store located in the heart of the Saint-Maximin commercial area, the one located in the city center of Méru, since 2013, permanently closed its doors this Wednesday, December 31 at noon.

Inconsolable, Josette cannot hold back a few tears this Tuesday, the eve of the fateful date. The retiree visited the store once or twice every week. Sometimes to buy. Inevitably to discuss and build this precious social bond. It was his unchanging ritual “since the opening” of the site. “It hurts my heart to see them leave. Here we meet great people. I like coming here, at least there are people, we can talk,” she says, with annoyance.

Obsolescence and drop in subsidies

Unfortunately for the fifteen volunteers and the three employees, it could not be otherwise. The place had not been up to standard for too long and the dilapidation had become too glaring. No emergency exit or heating since a breakdown three years ago. Especially since the store was making a loss due to the drop in sales. And with the loss of 140,000 euros in subsidies paid to the associations, suffice to say that bringing them up to standard – a bill of 250,000 euros is mentioned -, considered too costly by the association, was unthinkable.

Questioned by France 3, Laurent Lamarche, director of Emmaüs Beauvais on which the Meruvian site depends, explained the reasons for the closure. “We have to make strategic choices, in particular stopping loss-making activities,” he argued. That’s why we’re closing it, selling it and finding other systems to continue generating sales and social ties with the population of Méru. » According to him, discussions are underway with the town hall “to have pop-up sales, exceptional stores, things like that”.

Despite the cessation of sales, the association will however maintain a small space at the entrance to the site and will continue to collect donations – except furniture – twice a week from January 24: Tuesday or Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. But nothing will replace the loss of the store. “It’s really a page that is turning,” laments Sylvie, who became a volunteer five years ago. And the “spirit”, inseparable from the site, which flies away through it.

“The only place where people who can’t afford it can come”

Intern, then volunteer and finally client… Kahina has experienced everything here. “The day I learned that it was closing I felt something explode in my heart,” confides the mother of three children. “It’s the only place where people who can’t afford it can come without wasting a lot of money.” It’s the end and it’s so heartbreaking. »

Now a volunteer, Sandrine was able to take off professionally by signing an integration contract, which allowed her to subsequently find a part-time job in an association after ten years of inactivity.

“It gave me a taste for work again. Socially and psychologically, it feels good. » After a year of unemployment, his daughter Laura did the same and joined the association as an employee at the very beginning of the year.

“A second little family”

Beyond sales, all the interns welcomed and the professional integration contracts signed, it is above all this social bond that so many come to seek, clients and volunteers alike, which is disappearing. “When I’m not working I come here from morning to evening, I need it,” continues Sandrine. For me they are friends, they are a second little family. » The laughter in the storage room while sorting and labeling the laundry, the atmosphere, the music and the dancing “while working”… They will “miss” all their “little deliriums”.

“It’s not possible, our Emmaüs is being closed to us, we were so good,” laments Munire, another regular. I’m angry because the town of Méru needs this kind of thing. We absolutely have to make another one. »

Some familiar faces won’t be returning. Like that of Laura, employee, who will be transferred to the Beauvais site. “It’s unfortunate,” Josette breathes. With sobs in her voice, she turns to the young woman of 26 years. “I won’t see you anymore? »