The winter sales start today in Moselle and Meurthe-et-Moselle. At the same time as in Luxembourg. Some traders see the neighboring country as competition.
Less 50%, 60%, even 70%… At the Geric shopping center in Thionville (125 shops, restaurants and a hypermarket), large brands started their private sales several days ago. Others only since December 27. Unlike sales, private sales take place all year round and thanks to them, brands can temporarily destock without competing with distribution networks. Private sales are similar to sales, except that they take place all year round.
For this winter, the sales dates in France have been set from Wednesday January 8 to Tuesday February 4 inclusive. Everywhere in France? No! In Moselle and Meurthe-et-Moselle, they will take place from Thursday January 2 to Wednesday January 29. As usual, the sales have been brought forward by a week so as not to be “burned” by those in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (from January 2 to January 25) and Belgium. But is Luxembourg really a source of competition?
Opinions differ
For Melila, “not at all!” The manager of the H&M store in downtown Thionville offers a different analysis. “It’s just about being consistent. Our clients do not see Luxembourg as a country, the border does not exist for them. It would not make sense to sell on one side of the street and not the other. The sales aligned with the Grand Duchy suit me perfectly.”
A few meters further on, Jade doesn't see the question the same way. “For us, Luxembourg is very competitive,” explains the Marionnaud Parfumerie employee. “They have more quantities than us, niche perfumes and private collections that we don't have. Not to mention the fact that we are limited to a 34% reduction while they go up to 70%.”
Last year, the winter sales in Luxembourg attracted shoppers after a dark episode marked by the health crisis. The La Cloche d'or shopping center, for example, recorded a 10% increase in attendance.
