Doing Business In (Insert Country Name Here) - BNA

Direct Marketing and E-Commerce Business-to-Consumer (ECC) Return to top
Overview Return to top
2006 2007* 2008 *
Total Market Size 22.5 25.8 29
Total Local Production N/A N/A N/A
Total Exports N/A N/A N/A
Total Imports N/A N/A N/A
Imports from the U.S. Euro 0.8 Euro 0.7 Euro 0.7
(Figures in USD millions; * Estimated figures)
Best Products/Services Return to top
French direct marketing for consumer products and services is one of the largest
markets in the world and one of the fastest growing in Europe, with a 17 percent growth
rate between 2005 and 2006. This market represents over 5 percent of the non-food
retail business in France. It was valued at USD 22.5 billion (18 billion euros) in 2006,
with product sales accounting for 65 percent of total sales, and sales of services
accounting for 35 percent.
In 2006, 73 percent of the French used distance purchasing through mail order, Internet,
telephone and mobile phones. A general downward trend has been observed in recent
years in sales made through the mail due to rapid expansion in Internet sales.
The total number of Internet users in France and the total number of commercial
websites has increased drastically. Currently, there are approximately 30 million Internet
users and over 19 million online buyers in France.
Retail online sales estimates (B-to-C) in 2006 were USD 14.9 billion (11.9 billion euros)
and accounted for 66 percent of total direct marketing sales, while they represented only
8 percent in 2000. Among total direct marketing sales, France has the highest rate of
Internet sales in Europe. Total online sales of products and services increased by 37
percent from 2005 to 2006, confirming the expected prominent role that the Internet will
have in the future of direct marketing sales. Today 63 percent of Internet users have
already purchased on-line, primary services and travel packages, followed by hi-tech
and cultural products. The average purchase on-line is (90 euros).
Opportunities Return to top
The categories of products that reported the best growth rates in 2006 are
miscellaneous services (subscriptions, downloading, tickets sales), consumer
electronics; computers, cameras, mobile phones and cultural products; books, CDs,
DVD’s. Purchases of products and equipment for the home also increased by 10%.
2/15/2008 Country Commercial Guide for France 68
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© 2007. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.