What: Despite a traffic decline of 11.7% compared to 2019, French malls’ turnover is close to the pre-Covid level, at -1.9% compared to three years ago. This is an increase of 29% compared to 2021.

Why it is important: Despite uncertainties and inflation, 2023 is off to a fairly good start for the various retail sites in France, with traffic up 3.8% for retail parks (open-air shopping malls) in January (compared to January 2022), 7.2% for shopping centres, 15.6% in city centres, and even 18.9% in commercial areas.

In 2022, small towns city centres (10,000 to 50,000 inhabitants) are on the rise, recording the largest increases in attendance.

Consumer traffic in retail parks, which combine brands, leisure and catering, show a more measured increase of 8% last year (vs 2021), but this type of shopping place had suffered less during the pandemic.

The vacancy rate is between 2 and 3%, i.e. 2 to 3 points better than during the crisis.

French shopping malls’ figures close to pre-Covid level