The American online sales giant Amazon is stirring up the anger of French merchants, ulcerated to see its activity increase when they have to close shop.
Its director general France explained Tuesday at the microphone of Europe 1 that if he did not intend to give up any activity, he nevertheless wished to "reach out to them".
INTERVIEW
Frédéric Duval is ready "to discuss everything" with the traders.
"I extend my hand to them", assures the general manager of Amazon France, invited Tuesday from Europe 1. The American online sales giant is however under fire from criticism from French federations, ulcerated to see its activity grow then that businesses were forced to lower the Iron Curtain.
The "Black Friday", day of XXL promotions scheduled for the end of November, crystallizes tensions: while traders are asked to remain closed, Amazon will be able to sell off its stocks.
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But the director of Amazon France does not plan to give up this day.
"I want to make everyone understand that this moment is awaited by the French. It is a time when they are saving money, when they prepare for the Christmas season, where they collect toys and equipment products. an important moment for them and for all our suppliers, ”he explains.
"I apply the rules of the government"
Many voices are also rising to demand that online retailers be subject to the same regulations on "essential goods" as small businesses.
At the beginning of November, the Minister of Culture, Roselyne Bachelot, had accused Amazon of "gorging" and recommended that the French not buy books on its site.
Frédéric Duval's response is clear: "I apply the government rules. Like everyone else, I want sanitary conditions to return to normal as quickly as possible. I am not in opposition to French businesses, on the contrary . "
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"French traders must come to digital," recommends Frédéric Duval.
As a helping hand, the CEO of Amazon France offers them a "digital accelerator", aimed at accommodating them more easily on his site.
"Free monthly subscription for three months, advertising credits, webinar training, personalized support ... It only takes three days to open an Amazon.fr account and start selling," he says.
And adds: "It works for 11,000 companies in France, why not for all French traders?"