Three out of ten retailers expect to sell less during the summer sales, compared with 48.7% last year, according to the latest survey by the Union des Classes Moyennes (UCM), which represents independents and SMEs.
However, this optimism contrasts with the first half of the year, with almost one in two retailers claiming to have sold less over the past six months.
According to the UCM survey, almost half of the independent retailers questioned claim to have experienced a fall in sales over the past six months. In addition, over 40.9% of them have more stock than usual, compared with 49.6% the previous year.
This situation can be explained by “retailers’ anticipation when it comes to managing their stocks” as well as by external factors such as “the energy crisis and supply delays,” the federation argues.
To clear their stocks beyond the legal sales periods, 37% of retailers have already introduced promotions and joint offers from the beginning of June, compared to 51.4% last year.
Around three out of ten retailers expect lower sales compared to the previous year. In addition, the number of retailers who decide not to take part in the sales has risen from 10.3% to 18.8% in 2022.
Unlike last year, when discounts were higher from the outset, retailers will start the sales at 30%, “a more traditional percentage,” notes the UCM.
The survey also highlights the change in payment methods in local shops. Debit cards are accepted in 90% of shops, while more than one in two retailers also offer smartphone payment.
“Electronic payment has become a matter of course,” with more than 75% of those polled stating that over half of the purchases they make are paid for electronically.
