This was one of the prides of Paris 2024: organizing more sustainable Games. An ambition which has resulted in the use of existing facilities, the reduction of carbon emissions and various initiatives such as the sale of some of the equipment and objects created for the Games. These were offered at knockdown prices in major clearance sales, giving fans the opportunity to leave with a unique souvenir. A report by Lou Ecalle.
The queue is endless in front of the Paris City Hall. 2,500 people wait before the opening of one of the last flea markets Olympic Games. Cécile, blue fur jacket on her back, is snug in her camping chair. She is the first in the queue and, to achieve this feat, she spent the night waiting for the opening. Behind her, many of them have slept outside and shared thermoses of coffee and cakes.
“ We talked a lot last nightrejoices Cécile, we had a great time, like reminiscing about the Games and all that. It’s really nice. Even if we’re cold, there’s a side where we’re really euphoric about it. »
Keep the flame alive until the end
Keeping the flame alive until the end is what these Games enthusiasts are looking for. “ It was great, the Olympic Games, the Paralympicsit was truly extraordinary, remembers Cécile, there was a crazy atmosphere with everyone, internationally, with all the French people, it was really incredible. The athletes were extraordinary, it’s a memory of a lifetime. Truly, it left its mark on all of us. »
At 11 a.m., the sale finally opens its doors. T-shirts, jackets, towels in the colors of the Olympic Games, all these objects will soon have a new owner. For customers, purchases are limited to ten items. Prices vary – the pin is 1 euro, the volunteers’ jacket is 45 euros, for example – and are fixed. Some still try to bargain.
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Repeat buyers
Certain products are particularly in demand, such as t-shirts, bags or shoes. And among the buyers, there are some who are multiplying the Olympic clearance sales, like Alain, who is on his fourth: “ I took K-ways, I took t-shirts, I took a watch and also cups. I got it for 217 euros. »
While almost all buyers leave with a smile on their face, others have not found the products they were looking for. And outside, glued to the barriers, a few curious people watch the spectacle. “ We arrived at 10 a.m., with flowers in our guns, quips this Olympic fan, telling ourselves that it would pass and we learned that people had been there since 4 p.m. the day before. So, we quickly let go of the matter and we just enjoy the show, we encourage people, it’s incredible! The beauty of the Games in all its splendor! »
Thirteen clearance sales have already taken place throughout France and more than 250,000 pieces of equipment have already begun their second life.
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