French consumers adopt new habits to protect purchasing power and savings

Recent studies in France reveal significant shifts in consumer behavior and savings strategies driven by economic uncertainty. According to an OpinionWay survey for Caisse d’Epargne, 89% of French citizens have adopted specific habits to preserve their purchasing power. Key strategies include price comparisons (97%), seeking discounts or cashback (90%), and reducing non-essential spending (91%). Many are also reselling unused items or sharing costs through carpooling and shared subscriptions.

Spending cuts have primarily targeted leisure (53%) and clothing (51%), though 18% of respondents have also reduced food expenditures. Families with children and lower-income households are the most active in these cost-saving measures.

Separately, a survey by FAIR, France Active, and OpinionWay highlights a growing interest in solidarity-based savings. While many citizens view savings as a protective barrier against uncertainty, younger generations (ages 18-24) show a strong inclination toward social impact, with 73% viewing their savings as a vote for the future of society. Despite this interest, 63% of French people report being poorly informed about solidarity-based financial products, particularly regarding ecological transition and social inequality.