French Retail: Storefronts on the Move
In 2025, French commerce is showing signs of stabilization after years of turmoil. City centers are reinventing themselves, while local businesses are gaining importance.
Local businesses are regaining ground
Codata highlights the rising prominence of local convenience formats, which appeal to both consumers and investors. Convenience stores, artisan bakeries, organic concepts, and short supply chains now account for more than 16% of the French retail landscape, up from 13% in 2019.
This shift reflects a lasting change in behavior: the French are favoring more frequent, local, and convenient purchases. Specialized food retailers, pharmacies, and healthcare stores are among the few experiencing a clear growth in the number of locations.
Towards a New Balance in Physical Trading
The Codata barometer also observes a shift in commercial real estate investments. Property companies and asset managers are now prioritizing lease flexibility and adaptable spaces. Shopping malls are incorporating « test spaces » that allow pop-up or digital brands to establish a presence without long-term commitments.
New hybrid uses such as coworking, fast-food services, and click-and-collect are becoming permanent fixtures, signaling a redefinition of the store's role: less a place for storage, and more a venue for experiences and social connections.
Towards a New Balance in Physical Trade
Nationally, Codata notes that nearly 40% of new openings involve already existing brands, which are consolidating their local presence rather than expanding internationally. This caution is due to the economic context: high interest rates, persistent energy costs, and lower profitability of large formats.
The study concludes there is a kind of « return to reason » for physical retail, where the quality of the customer experience and the integration with digital take precedence over growth at any cost.
This content has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence. While we strive for accuracy, some nuances may differ from the original French version.
