Specialist retailers in France posted a modest 1.6% sales increase in August 2025, according to the Procos federation. The improvement followed a 2.3% decline in July but masked mixed sectoral performance. Clothing sales rose 3% and beauty and health gained 2.9%, while household equipment slipped 0.2% and catering fell 3.3%, reflecting tighter consumer budgets during the holiday period.
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Despite sales growth, in-store traffic declined by 2.4% compared with August 2024, though Paris performed more strongly than the national average. Since the start of the year, store sales remain broadly flat against 2024 (-0.3%), but with inflation at 1.5%, volumes are under greater pressure.
Procos warned that retailers are entering a period of heightened uncertainty as they prepare for crucial year-end trading. The federation cited risks linked to social unrest, notably the "Block Everything" protest movement, political instability and intensifying competition from Asian e-commerce platforms.
The statement called for "clarity and stability" in the political environment and urged authorities to ensure fair regulation of overseas competitors. It stressed that secure operating conditions and consumer access to stores are "vital" for the sector's ability to invest and adapt.
Source: www.meuble-info.fr
