In September 2024, On the occasion of the 10 years of the Leroy Merlin store in Saint-Louis, Its 150 employees entered the seminar to reflect on the future of the store and in the sense of their profession. Their response took the form of a "vision" of the role, practices, Commitments to improving the quality of life of Reunionais, which will now guide the evolution of the establishment.
To see this future, No crystal ball, But a set of ideas synthesized and planned in the form of a roadmap that starts in 2025. “Our approach has been based for several years in two inseparable pillars : the positive impact and the alliance between commitment and performance. This means that each action we take must both meet an environmental or societal issue and strengthen the solidity of our economic model. We are an actor of sustainable solutions, with products designed to last, repairable, reconditioned, Services reducing environmental impact ", explains Denis Cozian, operations director of Leroy Merlin-Ravate Distribution. The Week is a group experience that highlights environmental degradation and rapid climate change. It is to live this experience that the management of the Leroy Merlin store in Saint-Louis invited its entire team to initiate this reflection. "We have chosen to ask ourselves a question that was going to change everything : How do we imagine the store of tomorrow to improve Reunionese habitat ? »Distributed in participatory workshops, the 150 employees of the establishment made proposals. "We have collected all ideas to build a concrete path of action, While remaining realistic about what can be put in place. »»
An exceptional seminar
This seminar testifies to recognition at the highest level of capacity of Reunion stores to implement the sustainable strategy of the brand (The store is today the second in France as a percentage of turnover achieved in circular economy : equipment, second life, repair, Sale of spare parts). Leaders, experts and partners inspired the store team. The Director General of Leroy Merlin France in person, Agathe Monpays, appeared in a video recording. Loïc Porry, Regional Director Paris Center and Ile de la Réunion de Leroy Merlin, intervened in visio. Zaki Patel, the Retail Ravate pole, came to support the approach validated by the Ravate group. Brought their expertise : Mathieu Baudin, Director of the Institute of Futures desirable, Marie-Jo Payet, Sustainable project expert and animator of The Week, Cédric Delahaye, architect, Agency Director LAB REVIRE, Caroline Lesage, CSR consultant. "It was a concrete dynamic to write a journey by involving all employees", Summarizes Denis Cozian.
What a store in 2034 ?
Four axes of action came out, "Who already guide the transformation of the store". Circular economy and sustainability : extend the life of products, reduce waste, promote reuse. Innovation and product development : Offer solutions adapted to Reunion needs and climate. Engagement social et inclusion : strengthen our role in the community and create opportunities for all. Safety and well-being : guarantee a safe and motivating environment for our employees and customers. The first roadmap, that of 2025, declines several dozen new actions to be launched throughout the year. Some examples. The implementation of "silent hours", Every day except Saturday between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., intended for autistic people. The purchase of reusable pallets to limit the use of plastic film. Support for customers in learning to sort their waste. Environmental awareness actions in store ... The store becomes an actor and promoter of the circular economy. Stake? "Give an additional meaning to our professions and, I hope, encourage consumers to prefer our stores », concludes Denis Cozian.
