Bulk, these products sold without packaging and for which the consumer himself chooses the quantity he wants, will not experience growth this year, believes Réseau Vrac. A first since the creation of this professional association in 2015. It relies on stable sales of 1.3 billion euros.
The situation is especially difficult for specialist shops (10% of the bulk market): they have lost around 30% of their footfall since May 2021. However, these are often shops that have been established for less than two years and have not lots of cash. According to a survey conducted in December by Réseau Vrac with 400 professionals, 40% of traders believe they will have to close in the next six months. While 21% of suppliers fear they will be in suspension of payments within a year.
900 bulk grocery stores
However, the market has experienced strong development in recent years. From around twenty specialized stores in 2015, it has grown to around 900 today, with growth of 70% in 2018 and 40% in 2019. Growth has subsided to 8% in 2020. With fear virus, the fact of handle products without packaging was able to cool the customers.
While the industry was hoping for a return to normal this year, the second semester was more difficult. “The need to return to the office has added a sudden amount of travel time”, analysis Didier Onraita, founder ofDay by Day specialist sign, which notes a report to products “All ready” and home delivery.
In a letter sent to the government in December 2021, Réseau Vrac asks the government for financial aid and the launch of a communication campaign to encourage the French to buy in bulk.
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