A French supermarket in a town once dubbed the nation's most boring has become an unlikely tourist magnet, all thanks to the viral TikTok fame of an 18-year-old part-time cashier.
From Checkout to Viral Sensation
Leonie, an 18-year-old student, works part-time at a Carrefour store in Laval, located in the agricultural Mayenne department west of Paris. Her life changed dramatically after the supermarket began featuring her in their official TikTok videos. The clips, posted this year to boost the store's profile, regularly show Leonie dancing to French rap and R&B in the aisles and storerooms alongside colleagues, all wearing their distinctive blue uniforms.
The teenager's charismatic performances have captivated millions of viewers online. Social media users flock to the comment sections, praising both her dancing talent and her looks. This digital adoration has translated into real-world action, with flocks of Gen Z fans now making pilgrimages to the unassuming town of Laval in the hope of spotting the cashier in person.
Real-World Consequences of Internet Fame
The sudden influx of visitors has stunned local staff. Store manager Angelique Durchon told radio station Ici Mayenne she was surprised to see groups of fans turning up at the shop chanting Leonie's name. "We were not ready for that," she admitted. The situation has escalated to the point where the supermarket has had to hire a security guard specifically to protect the young social media star.
Ms Durchon described the intense fan behaviour, noting, "There are mothers who take their children to the supermarket just to see her, and others who buy just one item to go to her till." She expressed concern over the phenomenon, adding, "Fake accounts have been created about her. I can’t understand it. It’s a bit unhealthy."
A Town Reinvigorated
Despite the challenges, the attention has undeniably put Laval on the map. Locals are reportedly delighted that their town is gaining new recognition, as reported by The Times. The fame has also boosted staff morale within the Carrefour store. The trend caught the attention of Carrefour's chief executive, Alexandre Bompard, who paid a visit to the Laval store this week and even joined Leonie and her co-workers for a dance video.
While the supermarket management celebrates the positive profile boost, they are left wondering how to manage the ongoing attention. The story of Leonie proves how social media fame can rapidly reshape the fortunes of both an individual and a community, turning a once-overlooked location into a destination for a new generation.
