What: Department stores and popular stores in France recorded slight growth, while mass-market channels and hyper-supermarkets experienced declines.

Why it is important: The report reflects mixed fortunes in different distribution channels and a shift towards online sales in the fashion sector.

Sales of fashion items in November 2023 remained stable compared to the previous year, but down 4.9% compared to November 2019. Textile and clothing sales were flourishing online, with a 6% increase compared to 2022, than in physical stores, which saw a 1.4% decrease. The activity of fashion distributors, excluding online sales, increased by 0.3% from January to November 2023 compared to the same period last year.

The Fashion Institute (IFM) expects a 0.8% contraction in textile and clothing sales for the whole of 2023, with a stabilization of prices anticipated for the following year. Specialised chains continue to perform well, while multi-brand independents and hyper-supermarkets struggle.

Department stores in France celebrate growth while grocery stores lagged