France household spending up 0.4% in June as e‑commerce returns surge after summer sales

French household consumption rose by 0.4% in June, driven primarily by a 1.4% increase in energy expenditure as record heat prompted higher electricity use for cooling. The INSEE noted that despite the monthly rise, energy consumption fell by 1.7% over the second quarter and food spending also declined, while manufactured goods saw a modest overall gain.

During the same period, France's e‑commerce sector handled an unprecedented volume of orders, surpassing 3.2 billion transactions in 2025. The surge in sales during the summer sales period intensified product returns, turning post‑payment service into a critical customer‑experience factor. Retailers now bear the full cost of logistics, inspection, reconditioning and restocking, as free returns remain financially burdensome for brands.