The Bookseller.com

2nd December 2008

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Books boost internet sales in France

13.10.08 Barbara Casassus

Books, CDs and DVDs remain the second most popular category for distance shopping in France, according to the lifestyle research agency Crédoc. Some 5% or 2.4m more French people bought goods and services online, via mail order or on the telephone during the last 12 months than they did in 2006, bringing the total to 78% of the population.

Books, CDs and DVDs were bought by 54% of consumers, behind clothes and shoes with 62%, but ahead of travel with 50% and computer products with 44%.

The study, conducted between 5th September and 10th for the French e-commerce and distance selling federation (FEVAD), the postal system and Reed/Chambers of Commerce and Industry, showed that 55% of distance purchases were made through the internet, compared to 43% by mail and 27% by telephone.

Altogether, internet sales have jumped by 51% in eight years, and have boosted their share of overall distance purchases from 41% in 2006, 23% in 2004 and 4% in 2000. Consumers using the internet only rose to 23% this year from 13% in 2006 and 7% in 2004. More than 25% of distance buyers adopted the practice less than two years ago.

The study also showed that 88% of consumers preferred to receive their purchases at home, and 47% preferred to collect them from a point of sale, while 41% obtained information about new products and promotions from catalogues and the post, against 35% by email. Of the total respondents, 38% bought from abroad through the internet, compared to 28% for other distance buyers.

International Barbara Casassus France Barbara Casasus