Key figures
Focus on the French market for women’s lingerie
In 2005, spending on lingerie by French consumers over 15 years of age amounted to nearly 2.6 billion euros (+1.3% in value compared to 2004). The share of lingerie in their expenditure on clothing increased slightly, by 19%, in 2005 compared to 18.8% in 2004, and remains the same as the figure for 2003 (19%).
French women appreciate bras, which account for 42.7% of their spending on lingerie compared to 42.6% in 2004. However, the share of panties, thongs and knickers in their spending on lingerie has fallen: 31.1% compared to 32.4% in 2004. Nightwear has remained stable at 14.2% (14.3% in 2004).
French women each bought an average of more than two bras, a little over five pairs of panties, knickers or thongs per year, one item of nightwear every 15 months, and a bathing costume every two years and eight months.
Young women between 15 and 24 years are a particularly interesting target, with an average budget of 133.1 euros in 2005: they generate 19.7% of the turnover in lingerie but only account for 14.9% of the number of consumers. Between 25 and 44 years, the average budget devoted to lingerie by women gradually decreases as they get older (115.2 euros for the 25 to 34 age group and 103.2 euros for the 35 to 44 age group). Women between 45 and 64 years with a limited budget buy fewer articles but demand greater quality.
The largest number of lingerie consumers is employees, accounting for 32% of expenditure on lingerie in 2005 (29% in 2004).
The biggest consumption market is in the Paris region, with 517 million euros, i.e. nearly 20% of expenditure on lingerie in France. The Mediterranean region is in second position (379 million euros, 14.6% of expenditure), followed by the South East of France (342 million euros, 13.1% of expenditure).
As for the change of seasons, this is not reflected significantly in lingerie, even if the warm season seems to have boosted purchases in the last few years. On the other hand, the market for swimwear depends very much on the season, with 84% of the volume of purchases made between April and September.
How much is spent on underwear ?
Among the major European countries, French women have a good position, spending an average budget of 100.8 euros in 2005, a slight increase (+ 0.4% compared to 2004), and occupy second position behind English women and before Italians.
If purchases are broken down, it is French women who devote the highest budgets to daytime lingerie and corsetry (80.2 euros) and English women for nightwear and loungewear (36.6 euros).
The portion of the budget set aside for daytime lingerie is 80.2 euros in the case of French women, 73.6 euros for British women, 61.2 euros for Italians and 56.1 euros for Germans.
If purchases are broken down, it is French women who devote the highest budgets to daytime lingerie and corsetry (80.2 euros) and English women for nightwear and loungewear (36.6 euros).
The portion of the budget set aside for daytime lingerie is 80.2 euros in the case of French women, 73.6 euros for British women, 61.2 euros for Italians and 56.1 euros for Germans.
Where is lingerie bought ?
The French lingerie market continues to be dominated by the food distribution sector, which put up a good resistance in 2005.
Food distribution, the leading distribution circuit in France, has recovered, rising by 0.3 points in the market share. Specialised chains (with an increase of 0.6 points) continued to advance in 2005. After years of progress, distance selling suffered its strongest fall, with 1.8 points less in the market share.
For further details, please consult the documentation section
Food distribution, the leading distribution circuit in France, has recovered, rising by 0.3 points in the market share. Specialised chains (with an increase of 0.6 points) continued to advance in 2005. After years of progress, distance selling suffered its strongest fall, with 1.8 points less in the market share.
For further details, please consult the documentation section
