What: Overall spending on transport, energy, school supplies, food and more, the French shopper has altered their consumption habits.

Why it is important: Inflation trends are likely to continue throughout 2023 with shoppers reducing purchases, buying more durable products, selecting timeless designs and planning their buying to coincide with sales.

OpinionWay conducted a study which revealed that 73% of consumers have reduced their fashion consumption over the past two years, with only 12% stating that they have returned to their pre-pandemic buying habits. Some habits include carefully comparing prices between brands (80%) and simply making less frequent purchases (59%).

82% of respondents are looking for clothing that is timeless and 76% are looking for clothing that transcends fashion trends. 57% of respondents are waiting for the economic climate to be more favourable to renew their wardrobe, leading retailers and brands to believe the sales season will see greater purchases. This is backed by the study results showing that 69% of consumers will wait for sales to make necessary purchases and 44% will avoid shopping altogether to avoid the temptation of buying.

Second-hand platforms appear to be ideal alternatives in the eyes of French consumers with 41% using these channels for deals. New networks of hard discounters are also appealing, as 39% of respondents report shopping through these channels.

Inflation changes French shopping behaviour