In Normandy, Pays d'Auge Ressourcerie has given new impetus to the collection and reuse of furniture thanks to several complementary solutions. Focus on a multifaceted project, supported by Ecomaison as part of the Call for Expressions of Interest (AMI) Reuse and Territories 2024.
Established in 2017 in the center of Lisieux, Pays d'Auge Ressourcerie moved in 2023 to Saint-Désir, a nearby village, to more suitable premises. "More accessible and more visible thanks to its ideal location on a busy road, the building also has large outdoor areas, which are more practical for handling goods. As a result, visitor numbers quickly increased. The structure has grown and we have recruited new staff. Ecomaison's AMI came at just the right time to give our "furniture" project an extra boost," explains Audrey Lefrançois, director of Pays d'Auge Ressourcerie.
Expand collection
The first phase of the project involved expanding collection to improve access to the resource base. Thanks to financial support from Ecomaison, the organization purchased a second vehicle, which is smaller and therefore more practical in urban areas, enabling the creation of a second team of drivers. "This means we can offer more furniture collections from private homes and collect from two new reuse areas at waste collection centers located in the neighboring Lisieux metropolitan area. We also use the vehicle for deliveries to customers," she adds.
Addressing the lack of space
To increase the display and sales area for furniture—and thus its chances of being reused—a40-square-meter tent with a raised wooden floor was set up as an extension of the store. It now houses small furniture items.“We took the opportunity to completely rearrange the space: the furniture is displayed just as it would be in a home. Better showcased, it finds buyers more easily,” explains Audrey Lefrançois.
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- 11
employees, including 7 on permanent contracts and 4 on fixed-term contracts
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- 15
volunteers and 2 young people doing community service
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- 40
- %
of turnover in the furniture sector between 2023 and 2025
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- 2
- x
more reused furniture between 2023 and 2025
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- 30
- %
additional surface area devoted to furniture
Transforming for better reuse
At the same time, the small furniture repair area has been transformed into a fully-fledged air blasting and carpentry workshop, equipped with all the necessary equipment (air blaster, compressor, sanders, drills, screwdrivers, etc.) and run by an employee. "The idea is to give the furniture a more raw and modern look, more in line with current trends. This saves it from the dumpster: the renovated furniture usually sells out within two days, ready for its second life," she says happily.
Professionalize management
Finally, Ecomaison's assistance enabled the organization to strengthen its IT capabilities by purchasing an additional license for the GDR (Gestion des Données d'une Recyclerie) software, a tool specifically designed for resource centers. The result is easier and more professional management of the business, particularly in terms of tracking furniture donations.
The circular economy as experienced by those who make it happen
“We felt there was a real demand among residents for reuse, especially since we’re the only reuse center in our area. We were frustrated that we couldn’t do more! Ecomaison’s support gave us an extra boost to collect more furniture, display more, refurbish more, and thus save more. And to accelerate the development of the furniture sector within the resource center.”
Audrey Lefrançois, Director of Pays d’Auge Ressourcerie
“Ecomaison’s ‘Reuse and Territories’ AMI has been a real boost, enabling the organization to bring to fruition development projects that were ready to move forward. The positive impact on its operations is already evident, as the volume of reused furniture has doubled in just one year.”
Aurélia Reungoat, Regional Development Manager for Western France
AMI Réemploi et Territoires: accelerating solidarity-based reuse
As part of the Reuse Funds initiative,the AMI Reuse and Territories of Ecomaison aims to promote and financially support business development projects led by social and solidarity economy (SSE) structures and built around local ecosystems, which increase the volumes reused within French territories. Following three sessions, 150 projects have now been selected to increase sustainable collection, improve refurbishment, and develop new outlets in Ecomaison's four approved sectors.