French shopping centres are experiencing a surge in daily visitors – averaging 7.3 million in 2025 – yet overall retail sales across these locations have declined by 0.2% year-on-year, according to data released by the Fédération des Acteurs du Commerce dans les Territoires (Fact).
This apparent paradox signals a significant shift in the French retail landscape, with consumer spending increasingly concentrated in specific sectors. The health and beauty industry is leading the charge, posting a 3.6% increase in revenue, building on a 6.7% rise in 2024. Within this sector, perfumeries saw a 3.5% increase, pharmacies and parapharmacies a substantial 7.5% jump, and opticians a 3% gain. This trend has been consistently upward since 2022.
The share of health and beauty within total shopping centre revenue has risen from 19.7% to 23%, gaining almost a percentage point annually at the expense of personal equipment sales. The resilience of this sector is attributed to its status as a spending priority, less susceptible to budget cuts, and the unique value proposition of in-store experiences – particularly the ability to receive personalized guidance and try products before purchase.
Beyond health and beauty, pet stores have emerged as a surprising growth driver, experiencing a 26.9% increase in sales. This reflects the enduring commitment of pet owners to their animals, even during periods of economic constraint. Toy and gift shops likewise performed strongly, with an 11.6% increase, fueled in part by the “kidult” phenomenon – adults purchasing toys for themselves. Both sectors benefit from a strong emotional connection that makes purchases less sensitive to budgetary pressures and encourages in-store visits.
Value for money remains a key consideration for consumers. Second-hand goods sales increased by 5.3%, demonstrating a sustained presence in shopping centres across all age groups. Specialized large-surface retailers in personal equipment bucked the trend of a generally struggling apparel sector, achieving a 4% increase. Gourmet food offerings rose by 1.7%, and restaurant sales rebounded with a 1.1% increase, indicating a continued desire for leisure experiences, albeit with a more discerning approach.
Conversely, sectors heavily exposed to digital competition are facing significant challenges. Women’s ready-to-wear sales plummeted by 7.2%, fashion accessories by 11.7%, and leather goods by 8.1%. Physical video game sales have collapsed by 8.4% due to the rise of online gaming, and cinema attendance declined by 13.6%, with only 157 million tickets sold across France in 2025.
The data from Fact suggests a repositioning of physical retail towards experiences that cannot be easily replicated online. This presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses adapting to the evolving consumer landscape.
