Thank you for the reference to Leroy Merlin, Sarastro. I went to BHV on the recommendations of this forum and was very disappointed. I did not know about the upper floor department mentioned by Ackislander, but the basement had less of a selection of merchandise than my local hardware store, and all generic stuff sealed in impenetrable plastic packaging.

I still like BHV, they did have the 5 blue numbers I wanted. So I guess if they have what you want or like, they're good. But if they don't then no one should go, I guess.

Ackislander, I bought a blue work jacket while Bill Cunningham was in his prime, about 30 years ago, though at a uniform shop, not BHV. I still haven't worn it, it's stayed stiff through innumerable washings trying to soften it up. Any suggestions? Maybe rocks. P.S. I, too, loved BC.

<<all generic stuff sealed in impenetrable plastic packaging>>

LOL, nukesafe! Not a day goes by here that we don't mutter or swear out loud about "French packaging." Everything, from ketchup packets at cafés to, say, a pair of scissors from the office supply store, to measuring tapes, to electronic devices, comes sheathed in such heavy-duty plastic wrapping it's necessary to hire a work crew.

Leroy Merlin, at least the one in Périgueux, makes my head spin. Every time I go in there, I spend an hour looking around, making no progress at all on what I leave, and exit without buying anything. But, to be fair, I'm usually looking for big stuff like sinks and countertops and not souvenirs or small things.