What: French fashion retailers achieved a modest 0.7% growth in December 2024, with department stores leading the sector at 5.8% growth despite having one less Saturday than the previous year, while online sales surged by 31.6%.

Why it is important: Despite challenging calendar effects, the success of department stores amid overall market stability demonstrates their effective positioning in the luxury and fashion sectors, while highlighting the continued transformation of retail formats.

According to the French Fashion Institute (IFM), the textile-apparel market showed resilience in December 2024, with department stores and popular retailers like Printemps, Galeries Lafayette, BHV, Le Bon Marché, and Monoprix achieving 5.8% growth compared to December 2023. Specialised chains (+1.2%) and mass-market chains (+0.1%) saw modest gains, while independent multi-brand retailers declined (-1.8%). Hypermarkets and supermarkets experienced the steepest decline at -7.6%. Online sales demonstrated exceptional growth at 31.6%, contrasting with a 1.7% decline in physical store sales. For the full year 2024, the sector achieved 0.5% growth, with IFM projecting 2025 performance between -2% and +2% growth.

IADS Notes: French department stores' December performance reflects broader market evolution. While achieving 5.8% growth compared to December 2023, major players like Galeries Lafayette have invested in modernisation and store improvements. This success contrasts with hypermarkets' 7.6% decline, suggesting department stores' strategic focus on luxury and experience is resonating with consumers.

French department stores performed in December 2024