“The French and the Summer Sales” OpinionWay survey for Mollie

“The French and the Summer Sales” OpinionWay survey for Mollie

“The French and the Summer Sales” OpinionWay survey for Mollie

French consumers remain loyal to the sales season, but with significantly reduced budgets

French consumers remain loyal to the sales season, but with significantly reduced budgets

June 16, 2025

Paris, 16 June 2025 - French consumers remain loyal to the sales season, but with significantly reduced budgets

  • Nearly 4 in 10 French people (39%) plan to take part in the 2025 summer sales, a stable proportion compared to last year, despite a challenging economic climate.

  • The average budget has dropped to €233 – €74 less than in 2024 – with over half of shoppers planning to spend less than €200.

  • 92% of consumers say they will remain loyal to brands they already know, while hybrid shopping (in-store + online) has increased by 11 percentage points.

Ahead of the 2025 summer sales, Mollie – one of Europe’s fastest-growing financial service providers – is releasing its consumer insight report for the second year in a row. Conducted by OpinionWay, the survey “The French and the Summer Sales” highlights more cautious and even constrained purchasing behaviour, particularly marked by a sharp decline in expected budgets.


Paris, 16 June 2025 - French consumers remain loyal to the sales season, but with significantly reduced budgets

  • Nearly 4 in 10 French people (39%) plan to take part in the 2025 summer sales, a stable proportion compared to last year, despite a challenging economic climate.

  • The average budget has dropped to €233 – €74 less than in 2024 – with over half of shoppers planning to spend less than €200.

  • 92% of consumers say they will remain loyal to brands they already know, while hybrid shopping (in-store + online) has increased by 11 percentage points.

Ahead of the 2025 summer sales, Mollie – one of Europe’s fastest-growing financial service providers – is releasing its consumer insight report for the second year in a row. Conducted by OpinionWay, the survey “The French and the Summer Sales” highlights more cautious and even constrained purchasing behaviour, particularly marked by a sharp decline in expected budgets.


Paris, 16 June 2025 - French consumers remain loyal to the sales season, but with significantly reduced budgets

  • Nearly 4 in 10 French people (39%) plan to take part in the 2025 summer sales, a stable proportion compared to last year, despite a challenging economic climate.

  • The average budget has dropped to €233 – €74 less than in 2024 – with over half of shoppers planning to spend less than €200.

  • 92% of consumers say they will remain loyal to brands they already know, while hybrid shopping (in-store + online) has increased by 11 percentage points.

Ahead of the 2025 summer sales, Mollie – one of Europe’s fastest-growing financial service providers – is releasing its consumer insight report for the second year in a row. Conducted by OpinionWay, the survey “The French and the Summer Sales” highlights more cautious and even constrained purchasing behaviour, particularly marked by a sharp decline in expected budgets.


Paris, 16 June 2025 - French consumers remain loyal to the sales season, but with significantly reduced budgets

  • Nearly 4 in 10 French people (39%) plan to take part in the 2025 summer sales, a stable proportion compared to last year, despite a challenging economic climate.

  • The average budget has dropped to €233 – €74 less than in 2024 – with over half of shoppers planning to spend less than €200.

  • 92% of consumers say they will remain loyal to brands they already know, while hybrid shopping (in-store + online) has increased by 11 percentage points.

Ahead of the 2025 summer sales, Mollie – one of Europe’s fastest-growing financial service providers – is releasing its consumer insight report for the second year in a row. Conducted by OpinionWay, the survey “The French and the Summer Sales” highlights more cautious and even constrained purchasing behaviour, particularly marked by a sharp decline in expected budgets.


Average spending drops to €233 despite stable shopping intentions

This year, almost 4 in 10 French consumers (39%) plan to take advantage of the summer sales – a figure virtually unchanged from 2024 (-1 point). For most, it remains a matter of choice (27%, stable) rather than necessity (12%, -1 point). However, the expected budget has fallen steeply to €233, down from €307 in 2024 – a €74 drop that reflects a drive to better manage spending amidst economic pressure.

It’s worth noting that last year’s actual spend was even lower than expected, averaging €223. Only 25% of French consumers spent more than €200 – 7 points fewer than in 2023.

This year, almost 4 in 10 French consumers (39%) plan to take advantage of the summer sales – a figure virtually unchanged from 2024 (-1 point). For most, it remains a matter of choice (27%, stable) rather than necessity (12%, -1 point). However, the expected budget has fallen steeply to €233, down from €307 in 2024 – a €74 drop that reflects a drive to better manage spending amidst economic pressure.

It’s worth noting that last year’s actual spend was even lower than expected, averaging €223. Only 25% of French consumers spent more than €200 – 7 points fewer than in 2023.

This year, almost 4 in 10 French consumers (39%) plan to take advantage of the summer sales – a figure virtually unchanged from 2024 (-1 point). For most, it remains a matter of choice (27%, stable) rather than necessity (12%, -1 point). However, the expected budget has fallen steeply to €233, down from €307 in 2024 – a €74 drop that reflects a drive to better manage spending amidst economic pressure.

It’s worth noting that last year’s actual spend was even lower than expected, averaging €223. Only 25% of French consumers spent more than €200 – 7 points fewer than in 2023.

This year, almost 4 in 10 French consumers (39%) plan to take advantage of the summer sales – a figure virtually unchanged from 2024 (-1 point). For most, it remains a matter of choice (27%, stable) rather than necessity (12%, -1 point). However, the expected budget has fallen steeply to €233, down from €307 in 2024 – a €74 drop that reflects a drive to better manage spending amidst economic pressure.

It’s worth noting that last year’s actual spend was even lower than expected, averaging €223. Only 25% of French consumers spent more than €200 – 7 points fewer than in 2023.

Clothing remains the top priority

Among those planning to shop the sales, 70% intend to buy clothing, with 44% naming it as their top priority. Behind this leading category, other segments are also gaining ground. Children’s products rank second, cited by 33% of respondents (+5 points vs 2024). Household appliances and equipment follow closely at 30% (+3 points), while leisure products have also seen a rise to 25% (+5 points).

Conversely, spending on home décor has seen a sharp decline, now attracting just 16% of shoppers (-4 points). This suggests such purchases are being deprioritised as consumers focus on essentials.

Among those planning to shop the sales, 70% intend to buy clothing, with 44% naming it as their top priority. Behind this leading category, other segments are also gaining ground. Children’s products rank second, cited by 33% of respondents (+5 points vs 2024). Household appliances and equipment follow closely at 30% (+3 points), while leisure products have also seen a rise to 25% (+5 points).

Conversely, spending on home décor has seen a sharp decline, now attracting just 16% of shoppers (-4 points). This suggests such purchases are being deprioritised as consumers focus on essentials.

Among those planning to shop the sales, 70% intend to buy clothing, with 44% naming it as their top priority. Behind this leading category, other segments are also gaining ground. Children’s products rank second, cited by 33% of respondents (+5 points vs 2024). Household appliances and equipment follow closely at 30% (+3 points), while leisure products have also seen a rise to 25% (+5 points).

Conversely, spending on home décor has seen a sharp decline, now attracting just 16% of shoppers (-4 points). This suggests such purchases are being deprioritised as consumers focus on essentials.

Among those planning to shop the sales, 70% intend to buy clothing, with 44% naming it as their top priority. Behind this leading category, other segments are also gaining ground. Children’s products rank second, cited by 33% of respondents (+5 points vs 2024). Household appliances and equipment follow closely at 30% (+3 points), while leisure products have also seen a rise to 25% (+5 points).

Conversely, spending on home décor has seen a sharp decline, now attracting just 16% of shoppers (-4 points). This suggests such purchases are being deprioritised as consumers focus on essentials.

Spending varies by profile: parents and Parisians spend more

Sales budgets vary significantly depending on shopper profile. Parents expect to spend €279 on average, compared to €203 for those without children.

Age is also a key factor: 47% of under-50s plan to shop the sales, versus only 30% of those aged 50 and over. Women are also more likely than men to plan purchases (43% vs 34%).

Geography matters too. In 2024, consumers in the Paris region spent an average of €361 – nearly twice as much as those living outside the capital (€193). These differences are linked to both income levels and shopping habits.

Sales budgets vary significantly depending on shopper profile. Parents expect to spend €279 on average, compared to €203 for those without children.

Age is also a key factor: 47% of under-50s plan to shop the sales, versus only 30% of those aged 50 and over. Women are also more likely than men to plan purchases (43% vs 34%).

Geography matters too. In 2024, consumers in the Paris region spent an average of €361 – nearly twice as much as those living outside the capital (€193). These differences are linked to both income levels and shopping habits.

Sales budgets vary significantly depending on shopper profile. Parents expect to spend €279 on average, compared to €203 for those without children.

Age is also a key factor: 47% of under-50s plan to shop the sales, versus only 30% of those aged 50 and over. Women are also more likely than men to plan purchases (43% vs 34%).

Geography matters too. In 2024, consumers in the Paris region spent an average of €361 – nearly twice as much as those living outside the capital (€193). These differences are linked to both income levels and shopping habits.

Sales budgets vary significantly depending on shopper profile. Parents expect to spend €279 on average, compared to €203 for those without children.

Age is also a key factor: 47% of under-50s plan to shop the sales, versus only 30% of those aged 50 and over. Women are also more likely than men to plan purchases (43% vs 34%).

Geography matters too. In 2024, consumers in the Paris region spent an average of €361 – nearly twice as much as those living outside the capital (€193). These differences are linked to both income levels and shopping habits.

Strengthened brand loyalty

The trend seen in 2024 has continued and intensified: 92% of consumers plan to shop with brands they already know (+10 points). In contrast, only 6% intend to use the sales as an opportunity to discover new brands (-10 points), underscoring a preference for familiar choices in uncertain times.

Income levels also affect purchasing behaviour: among those earning more than €3,500 per month, 21% plan to treat themselves to products from usually unaffordable brands, compared to 16% of those earning under €2,000.

The trend seen in 2024 has continued and intensified: 92% of consumers plan to shop with brands they already know (+10 points). In contrast, only 6% intend to use the sales as an opportunity to discover new brands (-10 points), underscoring a preference for familiar choices in uncertain times.

Income levels also affect purchasing behaviour: among those earning more than €3,500 per month, 21% plan to treat themselves to products from usually unaffordable brands, compared to 16% of those earning under €2,000.

The trend seen in 2024 has continued and intensified: 92% of consumers plan to shop with brands they already know (+10 points). In contrast, only 6% intend to use the sales as an opportunity to discover new brands (-10 points), underscoring a preference for familiar choices in uncertain times.

Income levels also affect purchasing behaviour: among those earning more than €3,500 per month, 21% plan to treat themselves to products from usually unaffordable brands, compared to 16% of those earning under €2,000.

The trend seen in 2024 has continued and intensified: 92% of consumers plan to shop with brands they already know (+10 points). In contrast, only 6% intend to use the sales as an opportunity to discover new brands (-10 points), underscoring a preference for familiar choices in uncertain times.

Income levels also affect purchasing behaviour: among those earning more than €3,500 per month, 21% plan to treat themselves to products from usually unaffordable brands, compared to 16% of those earning under €2,000.

Omnichannel shopping on the rise

In-store-only shopping is in decline: just 44% of respondents plan to shop exclusively in physical stores, a 9-point drop from last year. Meanwhile, hybrid shopping (in-store and online) is gaining ground, with 35% embracing this more flexible approach (+11 points). Fully online shopping remains stable at 21% (-2 points), indicating that digital is now part of a blended journey rather than a standalone alternative.

This shift is more pronounced among under-50s, 63% of whom use digital in part or in full during their shopping journey, compared to 50% of over-50s. Parents are even more inclined to go digital (66%), likely for convenience and time savings.

“Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, French consumers remain committed to the sales season – but in a more considered way. This study confirms a dual trend: tighter budget control and a shift towards more hybrid, practical shopping journeys. For retailers, it underlines the importance of offering smooth payment experiences both in-store and online. At Mollie, we are committed to supporting them with turnkey solutions that help deliver the best possible customer experience,” explains Philippe Daly, Vice President of Mollie France.

📥 You can download the full report here (in french).

In-store-only shopping is in decline: just 44% of respondents plan to shop exclusively in physical stores, a 9-point drop from last year. Meanwhile, hybrid shopping (in-store and online) is gaining ground, with 35% embracing this more flexible approach (+11 points). Fully online shopping remains stable at 21% (-2 points), indicating that digital is now part of a blended journey rather than a standalone alternative.

This shift is more pronounced among under-50s, 63% of whom use digital in part or in full during their shopping journey, compared to 50% of over-50s. Parents are even more inclined to go digital (66%), likely for convenience and time savings.

“Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, French consumers remain committed to the sales season – but in a more considered way. This study confirms a dual trend: tighter budget control and a shift towards more hybrid, practical shopping journeys. For retailers, it underlines the importance of offering smooth payment experiences both in-store and online. At Mollie, we are committed to supporting them with turnkey solutions that help deliver the best possible customer experience,” explains Philippe Daly, Vice President of Mollie France.

📥 You can download the full report here (in french).

In-store-only shopping is in decline: just 44% of respondents plan to shop exclusively in physical stores, a 9-point drop from last year. Meanwhile, hybrid shopping (in-store and online) is gaining ground, with 35% embracing this more flexible approach (+11 points). Fully online shopping remains stable at 21% (-2 points), indicating that digital is now part of a blended journey rather than a standalone alternative.

This shift is more pronounced among under-50s, 63% of whom use digital in part or in full during their shopping journey, compared to 50% of over-50s. Parents are even more inclined to go digital (66%), likely for convenience and time savings.

“Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, French consumers remain committed to the sales season – but in a more considered way. This study confirms a dual trend: tighter budget control and a shift towards more hybrid, practical shopping journeys. For retailers, it underlines the importance of offering smooth payment experiences both in-store and online. At Mollie, we are committed to supporting them with turnkey solutions that help deliver the best possible customer experience,” explains Philippe Daly, Vice President of Mollie France.

📥 You can download the full report here (in french).

In-store-only shopping is in decline: just 44% of respondents plan to shop exclusively in physical stores, a 9-point drop from last year. Meanwhile, hybrid shopping (in-store and online) is gaining ground, with 35% embracing this more flexible approach (+11 points). Fully online shopping remains stable at 21% (-2 points), indicating that digital is now part of a blended journey rather than a standalone alternative.

This shift is more pronounced among under-50s, 63% of whom use digital in part or in full during their shopping journey, compared to 50% of over-50s. Parents are even more inclined to go digital (66%), likely for convenience and time savings.

“Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, French consumers remain committed to the sales season – but in a more considered way. This study confirms a dual trend: tighter budget control and a shift towards more hybrid, practical shopping journeys. For retailers, it underlines the importance of offering smooth payment experiences both in-store and online. At Mollie, we are committed to supporting them with turnkey solutions that help deliver the best possible customer experience,” explains Philippe Daly, Vice President of Mollie France.

📥 You can download the full report here (in french).

Methodology

This survey was conducted on 12–13 June 2024 among a sample of 1,060 individuals, representative of the French population aged 18 and over. The sample was constructed using quota sampling based on gender, age, socio-professional category, size of urban area and region. OpinionWay conducted the survey in accordance with ISO 20252 standards.

Press contacts – Agence Elektron:

  • Isaline Boiteux / +33 7 83 57 94 80 / isaline@elektron-presse.com

  • Claire Regnaut / +33 6 08 33 32 93 / claire@elektron-presse.com

This survey was conducted on 12–13 June 2024 among a sample of 1,060 individuals, representative of the French population aged 18 and over. The sample was constructed using quota sampling based on gender, age, socio-professional category, size of urban area and region. OpinionWay conducted the survey in accordance with ISO 20252 standards.

Press contacts – Agence Elektron:

  • Isaline Boiteux / +33 7 83 57 94 80 / isaline@elektron-presse.com

  • Claire Regnaut / +33 6 08 33 32 93 / claire@elektron-presse.com

This survey was conducted on 12–13 June 2024 among a sample of 1,060 individuals, representative of the French population aged 18 and over. The sample was constructed using quota sampling based on gender, age, socio-professional category, size of urban area and region. OpinionWay conducted the survey in accordance with ISO 20252 standards.

Press contacts – Agence Elektron:

  • Isaline Boiteux / +33 7 83 57 94 80 / isaline@elektron-presse.com

  • Claire Regnaut / +33 6 08 33 32 93 / claire@elektron-presse.com

This survey was conducted on 12–13 June 2024 among a sample of 1,060 individuals, representative of the French population aged 18 and over. The sample was constructed using quota sampling based on gender, age, socio-professional category, size of urban area and region. OpinionWay conducted the survey in accordance with ISO 20252 standards.

Press contacts – Agence Elektron:

  • Isaline Boiteux / +33 7 83 57 94 80 / isaline@elektron-presse.com

  • Claire Regnaut / +33 6 08 33 32 93 / claire@elektron-presse.com

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MollieNews“The French and the Summer Sales” OpinionWay survey for Mollie
MollieNews“The French and the Summer Sales” OpinionWay survey for Mollie
MollieNews“The French and the Summer Sales” OpinionWay survey for Mollie