The National Day of Local Commerce, now in its 18th edition, will take place on October 10th in Marennes-Hiers-Brouage. The event, organized in collaboration with the association Marennes Commerces, aims to celebrate local merchants and artisans through various activities. The day will focus on discovery, conviviality, and local purchasing, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of the town centers.
Festivities will begin in the morning in the center of Marennes, with a program including the market, an elected officials' stand offering tastings and distributing "Rallye Marennes Commerces" kits. A public crier will liven up the morning from 10:00 AM. In the afternoon, activities will continue in Brouage, Place d’Aviaux, with a free guided visit of artisans offered by the tourist office (reservations required), followed by a performance by the public crier from 3:30 PM.
A grand rally will be organized to encourage the discovery of participating businesses. Participants will need to get their Rallye card stamped at affiliated shops for a chance to win numerous prizes. This fun initiative aims to encourage residents to visit shops, interact with merchants and artisans, and learn about their activities.
The municipality emphasizes that "a town's attractiveness also depends on its businesses, its artisans, and the connections they create with residents." This day is an opportunity to highlight those who animate the town centers daily and to encourage local economic activity. Choosing to buy locally helps preserve the vibrancy of town centers and the exchanges that contribute to the community's life.
The complete program, including the rally, is available at the town halls of Marennes and Hiers, at the tourist offices of Marennes and Brouage, and online. Stamped rally cards must be submitted to a participating merchant of Marennes Commerces for the prize draw.
