The traders hope to find a little air with the winter sales, after a year 2020 which had left them bloodless.
But the first weekend turned out to be disappointing: "Traffic is down from 15% to 20% in physical outlets," explains the president of the National Clothing Federation.
INTERVIEW
The sales started on Wednesday with stores less crowded than usual.
For this first weekend, "the traffic is down from 15% to 20% in physical points of sale", specifies on Europe 1 Eric Mertz, president of the National Federation of Clothing (FNH).
A lower attendance which is reflected at the cash desk: compared to last year, he estimates that the turnover of his federation has fallen from 10 to 35%.
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"Our profession is in danger of death"
This winter, about 73% of French people plan to take advantage of the winter sales, compared to 80% last year, according to a Spartoo / Ifop poll.
For Eric Mertz, the 6 p.m. curfew is partly responsible for these difficulties.
"This worsens the situation, we are talking about an additional 40 to 50% drop in turnover."
As for the extended hours in the morning, they do not appeal to the public, he says.
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The world of shops was upset by the health crisis last year.
Certain segments suffered particularly, such as clothing.
The brands in this sector have lost nearly 30% of their annual turnover.
The prospect of a new confinement, less and less excluded by the government, frightens this already very fragile sector.
"Our profession is in danger of death," warns Eric Mertz.
He asks to be received at Bercy at the start of the week with other professionals in the sector.