Boutique en Scène is more than just a shop. It’s a social economy project that merges entrepreneurship, local development, and social inclusion into a unique model of business incubation.

Situated in Épinay-sur-Seine, the 200m² boutique functions as a hybrid space: half-café, half-shop, and full-scale training ground. Since its launch in February 2022, it has welcomed local artisans—many of them women previously selling informally—into a structured environment where they receive support to test products, gain retail experience, and develop business skills.

The initiative was co-designed through a collaborative process led by the Departmental Council of Seine-Saint-Denis with support from Pointcarré Cooperative, Auxilia Consulting, and integration partners Adie and Miel. The space was generously provided by social landlord Seqens, and the City of Épinay funded refurbishment works as part of the Centre-ville vivant urban regeneration programme.

Participants, referred to as “beneficiaries,” are remunerated through their own sales. In its initial months, Boutique en Scène recorded:

• 578 sales (March to mid-May 2022)

   

• €9,500 turnover, 25% directly from beneficiary sales

   

• 11 women supported (8 micro-entrepreneurs, 3 without formal status)

The boutique also serves the local community with handmade products—from textiles and ceramics to local organic foods—and a friendly café space open five days a week.

Looking ahead, the project aims to support up to 50 entrepreneurs over 3 years, expand the shop floor and develop training in culinary professions.

With strong institutional backing and a dynamic cooperative governance model, Boutique en Scène showcases how inclusive entrepreneurship can revitalise local high streets and empower marginalised entrepreneurs.