Chilly forecast for winter sales

BARGAIN hunters in France expect to keep a tighter hold on their purse strings when the winter sales begin on Wednesday, January 7, according to two surveys.

The bad news for retailers is that the sales - which this year run for six weeks, not five - are no longer the draw they once were, as shoppers believe year-round promotions can offer better deals.

As a result, many shoppers expect to rein-in their spending even when the “soldes” signs start appearing in stores. One study, for RetailMeNot-Yougov-ma-reduc.com, suggested 39% of shoppers will spend less in the sales, while a touslesprix.com poll found 56% of French consumers say they will a close eye on their spending.

Shoes and accessories are expected to be the most popular purchases during the six-week discount period, according to the studies.

Nearly half of respondents (47%) blamed the increase in household expenses for their decreased spending power, while 42% said their income had fallen, while 38% said higher taxes were the reason they had decided to take extra care in the sales.

Photo: OliBac