Since October 2023, Amazon.fr and other online sellers must charge a minimum of 3 euros for book delivery, for any order less than 35 euros. The law of December 30, 2021 on the book economy provides that the delivery of new books “cannot under any circumstances” be free, “unless the book is collected from a book retail store”.
This law is intended to encourage French people to buy their books in a bookstore or other point of sale. It was contested by Amazon before the administrative courts, which requested the opinion of the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Exceptional contribution: Amazon warns of the loss of attractiveness of France
2,500 collection points throughout France
Without waiting for this opinion, Amazon found a solution that it believes complies with the texts in force.
“For their book orders, customers can now choose free delivery in a vast network of more than 2,500 collection points throughout France. This option is available for a selection of collection points located in businesses selling books in particular »he said in a press release.
These collection points are automated lockers generally located in the shopping mall of supermarkets, or counters at the checkout or reception of various businesses, mainly supermarkets.
“More than 70% of these collection points are located in rural areas or small towns”specified Amazon, giving examples of supermarkets in Cher, Côtes-d'Armor, Oise or Var.
“We are excited to offer this new convenient and cost-effective delivery option to readers today”indicated the books manager of Amazon.fr, Géraldine Codron, quoted in a press release.
The skeptical bookstore union
Questioned by AFP about this offer, the French Bookstore Union (SLF), professional organization of independent booksellers, said it was skeptical about its legality.
“We can ask ourselves a lot of questions. Is a locker a business? Is it enough to be within the confines of a hypermarket to satisfy the terms of the law? »affirmed the general delegate Guillaume Husson. “Amazon is an actor without faith or law, which attacks a text supported by the government and voted unanimously by parliamentarians”he added.
(With AFP)
