Winter sales begin in eight counties between 1 and 5 January. For the rest of France, it was not until January 12.
Winter sales begin in eight counties between 1 and 5 January, and in most of the territory on 12: an opportunity for consumers to buy cheaper and for merchants to sell their stocks.
In the DOM-TOM, the start dates differ for climatic reasons, while several departments have exemptions border to match the beginning balances of neighboring countries. Guadeloupeans open the ball on 1 January. They will be followed on January 3 by the four departments of Lorraine (Meurthe et Moselle, Meuse, Vosges and Moselle), which align with Luxembourg and Belgium. January 5, enter the dance Landes and Pyrenees-Atlantiques, synchronized with Spain. Guyana will begin the same day.
In the rest of metropolitan France, and Martinique, consumers will have to wait until Wednesday, January 12 at 8:00. This should not prevent some retailers offer last week of promotions, or even private sales with discounts for their loyal customers. The kickoff will be later in revenge for Saint Pierre and Miquelon (19 January), St. Barthelemy and St. Martin (May 7) and Reunion (5 February).
On the internet, it depends on the starting date of the department where the site is based. The market share of net apparel continues to grow (8.7% in first half 2010), and should benefit from the recent arrival of major retailers online stores like Zara.
Discontent professionals
The dates for exemptions for the winter sales are not welcomed by all professionals."We had requested the repeal," says Jean-Marc Genis, president of the Federation of clothing brands (FEH, chains). "It's supposed to fit across the border," but it comes at the expense of neighboring counties, "he laments. "It's completely unfair," adds Charles Melcer, president of the National Federation of clothing (FNH, independent), referring to adherents located near areas with derogations and who complain of "seeing the bags go."
In December, snow has delayed deliveries stores. Products originally planned for the holidays could "arrive after the battle," says Jean-Michel Silberstein, managing director of the National Council of Shopping Centers (CNCC), thus providing inventory and markdowns "very important".
The summer sales and winter have long been regarded as a ritual and a celebration of consumption. But buying cheap has become a necessity barred budget for a majority of French (56%), according to a report by the French Fashion Institute (IFM) and the documentary credit. Five years ago, it was still "happy" for 53%. "These are the groups most affluent and most vulnerable who benefit the most," said Evelyne Chaballier, director of economic studies at IFM.
The clothing market rebounded in 2010 after a fall of over 7% in two years, says she. "We should probably finish the year on a balance." "Retailers see from the animation was better outlets, better attendance, even though consumers are still a little chilly."
The balances are the only time where traders can sell at a loss to sell their unsold stock and make room for the new collection. Consumers must see a clear distinction between the sale items and open items. To be certain to receive a real discount, consumer groups advise to make scouting.