Good beginning balances in department stores in Paris
Sales at department stores conducted between last Wednesday, the first day of sales, and next Saturday are up 10-17% in Paris and about 6% in the province over the same period of 2009, told Reuters Claude Boulle, Chairman of the Union of the great trade center (UCV).
This period, during which traders are allowed to sell at a loss, will end Aug. 3.
"We are surprised by such enthusiasm," said Claude Boulle, who gives the rain, precipitation related to the timing of sales compared with the academic pace and demands of tourists, especially from emerging countries like Asians or Brazilians.
Claude Boulle, however, refuses "to be triumphalist" for now because, he says, should not at this very good start followed by a drop in purchases after July 15.
"The balances are played on a shorter and shorter," he observes.
As every year, the discounts offered in the department stores were included in 30 and 50% and new markdowns could be proposed "if there are still things to sell," added Claude Boulle.
The TCU brings together nearly nine billion euros in turnover with 600 stores in 300 cities in France, such as Galeries Lafayette, Printemps or C & A.