The initial assessment of the Summer Sales presents a mixed picture, the Union of Middle Classes (UCM) concluded after the final weekend of discounts.
While the fashion sector has expressed disappointment, feeling slightly discouraged, other retailers were more optimistic, performing better than in July 2024.
Jewellers, opticians, and leather goods stores experienced a successful sales period, reporting increased turnover compared to last year, according to the organisation for independent businesses. Favorable weather conditions, significantly better than in July 2024, boosted shop attendance and led to generally satisfactory sales.
However, for the clothing sector, the sunny weather of the initial weeks was not enough, the UCM lamented. Survey respondents used the term “disappointing” more frequently than “satisfactory,” reflecting a decline in average turnover.
“The competition from major retailers offering year-round price cuts undermines the appeal of waiting for the official July sales,” several small clothing store owners complained. They also blamed the influx of parcels from Asia that have been flooding the market, according to Anne-Sophie Snyers, Director of UCM’s Centre for Study.
The sales officially end on Thursday evening.
