Summer sales trends show mixed results in France and Algeria

The summer 2026 sales period is approaching its conclusion, showing divergent trends in France and Algeria.

In France, the sales period was extended to July 28 following a heatwave in late June. However, retailers report a disappointing season. Data from the Joko application, covering 1.5 million transactions, indicates a decline in both sales value and volume compared to 2025. While consumer participation remains stable, the average basket size has decreased. The CCI Paris Île-de-France reports that 51% of merchants are dissatisfied, with 75% seeing very limited revenue growth. Despite discounts of 40% to 50%, 55% of merchants still hold significant stock.

In Algeria, particularly in Algiers, families are utilizing the final days of the sales period to prepare for the upcoming school year. Discounts ranging from 20% to 70% are being used by households to manage expenses related to clothing, footwear, and school supplies. For many Algerian consumers, these promotions are a strategic way to preserve purchasing power ahead of the high costs associated with the back-to-school season.