The activity of specialised commerce stores in July ended with a decrease of -2.5% compared to July 2023 (*). The month was particularly negative for home equipment (-7.5%), which saw a significant decline in store activity.
The impact on activities in Paris was stronger than anticipated in the weeks leading up to the opening of the games due to a significant drop in tourism.
Photo: Dreamstime.
Stores present in Paris were severely affected by the challenges of client traffic, notably the lack of tourists ahead of the Olympics and significant impacts on customer mobility. Specialised commerce stores in Paris experienced an average decline of -9% (compared to -2.5% across France), representing a negative gap of 6.5% relative to national activity.
Strategies for stores have varied: some have decided to close certain stores, others not, or adjust opening days based on observed traffic. Undoubtedly, the weather in the coming weeks also had consequences.
'Today, the main uncertainties and concerns remain those related to the political situation in the coming weeks and the impact of the Olympics on September activity, a very important month for commerce with the back-to-school season. What will be the consumer mindset during this period, and we hope that companies do not continue their telework policies, which could negatively impact store and restaurant sales,' concludes the Procos Federation of Specialised Commerce.
More information:
Procos
www.procos.org