The end of the year is a period of great consumption for the French. And yes, thanks to or because of the end of year celebrations, the French consume a lot more: decorations, food and gifts.


Moreover, recently, the Black Friday has appeared in France. This promotion day, which has now become more like a promotion week, seduces more and more French people.


Small problem in sight, with the war that broke out in Eastern Europe and the post Covid, inflation has pointed the tip of his nose.


Between inflation, Black Friday and Christmas: how do the French consume?


Recently, we can observe changes in the consumption habits of the French. Inflation has been there for a few months now, and we have to be careful. The French government even invites the French to be sober, especially to be energy sober. That is to say, to be careful with their heating consumption, for example.


As a result, sales of thermal clothing have exploded. Thermal clothing is clothing that is much warmer. And it is a perfect investment to keep without increasing the heating.


We can observe that the French are tightening their belts more. The shopping carts in the supermarkets are less full than a few years ago. Meat is replaced by cheaper alternatives or starchy foods.


French people with modest incomes prefer "private labels". Private labels are brands created by supermarkets, the products of these brands are less expensive than the big brands.


Concerning Christmas, one French person out of 3 will not spend anything at Christmas. Faced with inflation, we have to be careful and save money. The budget normally planned for Christmas may be reduced or even eliminated. French people's spending during Black Friday and Christmas is likely to decrease by 11.5%. A big loss for the merchants.


On the other hand, despite the tense economic situation, other French people will instead take advantage of Black Friday to prepare for Christmas and anticipate Christmas gifts.


Are you interested in talking about this topic in French? This week, we are going to talk about this topic.

 

Yes, in my French conversation group, we will talk this week about consumption (Black Friday, Christmas and consumption in general).

At Ohlala French Coffee, You will practice your French orally with other students, you will learn to hold conversations in French on various topics and you will receive corrections and feedback from the teacher on your vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation.
 

 

Vocabulary :

Let's see, the vocabulary used in this podcast episode:
 

Les fêtes de fin d’année = holiday season
 

Un cadeau = a gift
 

Une promotion = a special offer
 

L’inflation = inflation
 

Pointer le bout de son nez = to show up
 

La sobriété = sobriety
 

Le chauffage = heating
 

Exploser (familier) = to shoot up
 

Un investissement = investment
 

Se serrer la ceinture (familier) = tighten your belt
 

Un chariot = a cart / a trolley
 

Coûteux(euse) = expensive
 

Un revenu modeste = low income
 

Plebisciter = to appreciate
 

Les marques de distributeurs = store brand
 

Une marque = a brand
 

Dépenser = to spend
 

Faire des économies = Saving money
 

Une perte = a loss
 

Un commerçant = storekeeper
 

Profiter de quelque chose = to enjoy