Editorial photo #4974150 Human Interest

Congress Of The National Tobacconists Confederation In Paris

Philippe Coy (L), President of the National Tobacconists Confederation, adresses tobacconists, in front of French Minister for Public Action and Accounts Gerald Darmanin (3R), during the Congress of the Confederation in Paris, on October 10, 2019. In the last few years, the increase in the price of tobacco has been devastating for tobacconists. Since 2003, 500 shops have closed their doors every year. Today, tobacconists sell food and other products, and also serve as an intermediaries for the local city hall, often times as a pick-up point for packages. More services should continue to arise in the next years in the hopes that if tobacconists diversify their business, they will be able to survive. (Photo by Michel Stoupak/NurPhoto)