New consumption habits
The current economic crisis is pushing the French to revise their purchasing behavior to adapt to a more restrictive financial reality. A recent study indicates that 78% of households have changed their spending habits over the past year. One of the main changes observed is the reduction of expenses deemed non-essential. Dining out, leisure activities and vacations are often the first budget items to be sacrificed. In fact, nearly 65% of French people say they have reduced their leisure spending to maintain a balanced budget.
Furthermore, households are increasingly favoring free or low-cost activities, such as outdoor walks or community events. The use of online shopping continues to grow, with a marked preference for products on promotion. Consumers use apps and price comparison sites to find the best deals. According to a study, 82% of French people systematically look for promotions before finalizing a purchase. This trend is particularly notable in the food and essential goods sectors.
Methods to maximize your purchasing power
To cope with rising prices, the French are adopting various strategies aimed at maximizing their purchasing power. These behaviors include not only adjustments in their consumption habits but also more profound changes in their financial management. Private label brands are growing in popularity, offering a more economical alternative to big brands without sacrificing quality. Nearly 74% of consumers prefer to buy private label products for food shopping. This trend is also seen in other sectors such as hygiene and household products.
Energy consumption represents a significant part of the household budget. To reduce these costs, the French are adopting more responsible behavior. The installation of more efficient heating systems, the insulation of homes and the use of energy-efficient household appliances are commonly implemented measures. Around 57% of households have invested in equipment to reduce their energy consumption over the past two years. Finally, rigorous budgetary management is essential to maintain stable purchasing power. More and more French people are tracking their expenses in detail and establishing strict monthly budgets. Around 68% of households use financial management apps to monitor their finances and optimize their spending.
