Do you remember that feeling you got when you were a child, standing in line for Santa, wondering what toy he would give you? Well, this year, you may experience that excitement once more, as there is what many may see as an 'adult Christmas grotto.'
King Colis, a French start-up, who are dedicated to fighting against waste, has opened up a pop-up shop in the Square Tallaght. The company specialises in buying lost e-commerce packages and then reselling them at very affordable prices.
In recent years, I have, like so many others, become more conscious about what I buy, what I throw out, and how I can avoid as much waste as possible. Intrigued to see what was on offer, I headed over to the Square to check it out, and I have to say I was not disappointed.
Some of you may agree with me when I say, and maybe it is an Irish trait, that people can't resist what is called a 'mystery box.' No matter what age you are, whether it was those Lucky Bags as a kid or more recently the Too Good To Go offers where supermarkets offer you a bag of goods at a knocked-down price, we just can't seem to pass them by.
Yes, it is a gamble. You pass over money in exchange for a bag full of gifts. You don't know what you are getting, but believe me, if you make your way into King Colis, your 'nosiness' will get the better of you.
Packages are sold by weight, with two categories available: standard and premium. Standard packages are priced at €2.49 per 100 grams, while premium packages cost €2.99 per 100 grams.
As I walked through the doors of the shopping centre, it wasn't the Christmas decorations that caught my eye; it was what looked like a never-ending queue of those waiting to get into the pop-up shop, hoping to catch the bargain of the year.
With security at the top, allowing only a few in at a time, shoppers have ten minutes to choose how many kilograms and packages they want, but they are not allowed to open the items before buying.
As you walk in, you will meet several wooden crates, filled to the brim with unopened items, along with a host of people overcome with what may seem like an overwhelming urge to find the best gift. However, don't worry, it is not like those videos you see online, in the United States, where crowds bulldoze their way in.
Searching through the packages, there is an air of excitement and intrigue with many people shaking items, trying to figure out what's inside. When you are ready, you head up to the till and simply check out with your gifts.
After much deliberation, I got my box, which cost €24.99, and made my way outside to see what treasures lay inside. I have to admit, as I was opening it up, it almost felt like Christmas morning. The excitement, the wonder at what was wrapped up in these boxes, and yes I was surprised by what I got.
First up, a Fortnite jumper which retails at around €20.
An AEC S300 multifunctional Bluetooth speaker and alarm clock worth €35.95.
Next up was a WIFI Panorama Camera, which costs €17.00, a cute tablecloth and a pasta maker. Overall the contents of my mystery box came to over €100 so for €24.99 I had definitely made my money back!
Speaking to one of the founders of the company, Alexis Faur, highlights how thousands of packages each year, that are not collected or are not returned, are burned, so along with his business partner, they decided to try and put a stop to this.
'What is the most fun is trying to discover what the product could be. You could guess, but you never really know until you open it, and sometimes you can have amazing products. We had one buyer who was disappointed with his product, but when we googled it, it was a piece from a BMW car worth €500.'
Walking out the door, I have to say that it almost felt like I was a child again, rattling the bag to see what it was, guessing the shape and loving no matter what was in the box.
Even if you don't get something you like, it is the perfect way to get a feel for the festive cheer of Christmas shopping for one hell of a bargain.
However, a warning to those who get their hands on a box. Make sure you open it before gifting it to anyone. The boxes could be filled with anything, and the last thing you want to be gifting your parents on Christmas Day is something that vibrates!
The pop-up, which has already taken place in major cities around Europe, will be open to all in The Square Shopping Centre in Tallaght until Sunday, December 14.
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