They are Opinel – Luce Bouterige | Opinel Grande Bretagne

Let’s meet Luce Bouterige, who has been managing the Lyon shop for the past two years.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Luce Bouterige. I was born in Thiers, a town famous for its cutlery, in 1968 (I’ll leave you to work out my age), and I’ve been in charge of the Opinel shop in Lyon since it opened. I come from a family of cutlers – both my brothers are cutlers, and my grandfather was one between the two world wars. However, my first job was as a communications manager.

Tell us about your career path and how you came to work at Opinel?

Gérard, my husband, and I were partners in a multi-brand cutlery shop that we set up in 2010. We really enjoyed running that shop, but Gérard was due for a well-deserved retirement. So we sold our business to Opinel in 2024 to set up this new shop. I was offered the role of manager as soon as it opened.

Can you explain what your role involves?

Part of my role is, of course, to sell the items in our range as effectively as possible. But a large part involves administration – that is, bookkeeping, human resources and meeting the shop’s operational needs. I try to organise events and ensure the brand is well represented. I’m involved in a retailers’ association and the Tourist Office as well, to try and contribute to the town’s vibrancy.

What do you like best about this job?

Without a doubt, interacting with customers. I’m a firm believer in building customer loyalty through staff who are welcoming, empathetic and good listeners. Local shops allow for genuine relationships, which can even develop over the long term. I feel as though I’m solving a problem for every customer by offering them the item they were looking for, even if they didn’t realise it themselves.

What qualities are needed to do this job?

A love of interacting with people, good organisational skills and boundless energy at all times.

How has the shop been received in Lyon?

Quite well; the transition went smoothly, and there are fewer and fewer people feeling nostalgic for the old shop. And above all, the people of Lyon and tourists are discovering the breadth of our range, which is very rewarding.

Any anecdotes about Opinel?

Several years ago, a customer gave me a No. 01 that he’d found in his loft. He didn’t want it; he couldn’t see any use for it. I was delighted with this gift. But it’s now a painful memory because I lost it whilst moving the shop, and I still feel terribly guilty for not having looked after it better. Every time I find an old box, I think it might be inside. I’m still holding out hope that one day I’ll get my (crowned) hands on it again…