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In the fashion accessories sector, French consumers have sparked a fashion revolution, innovating multiple aspects of online sales and purchases. This article explores some of the trends in the French market regarding purchasing habits, key fulfillment needs your fashion accesories may need, the most popular products among French clients, and more...


The Fashion Accessory Industry in France is Shinning

The industry encompassing jewelry, accessories, and watches is often referred to as the "fashion accessories" industry. This market encompasses a wide range of products beyond just jewelry, such as handbags, scarves, belts, hats, hijabs, sunglasses, and many more. 

In France, the fashion accessory market is one of the most popular, with revenues expected to reach $422.4 million by 2024 and projected to grow in the following years. Several factors contribute to this growth, including increasing mobile usage and internet penetration. By 2029, mobile internet penetration in France is estimated to reach 88.21 percent. This convenience has significantly boosted the demand for fashion accessories through e-commerce channels, driving exponential growth in the sector. Easy access to a wide range of products and the ability to compare prices and reviews online have further fueled this demand.

Additionally, French consumers are increasingly seeking unique and trendy fashion accessories to complement their outfits and express their personal style. This desire drives many consumers to engage in cross-border shopping, hoping to find attractive, stylish, and refined items.

Guide for Cross-Border E-Commerce in the European Union


 

French Trends Habits Towards Fashion Accessories

This category includes accessories that serve as religious symbols, such as hijabs, reflecting the identity of many people, as well as items that enhance an outfit, such as traditional watches, whether pocket or digital. These pieces become essential accessories for many and are adapted to different seasons. Scarves and hats are popular in winter, while sunglasses and lightweight scarves are favored in summer.

While fashion accessories encompass a variety of products, each requiring special care and fulfillment, the habits that French consumers consider when buying their fashion accessories are unique to this market.

- Timely and Reliable Delivery: In France, timely and reliable delivery is importance to customers, with 35% of online shoppers indicating that they are inclined to switch brands following a poor delivery experience.

- Choice of Delivery Carrier: Another crucial aspect related to delivery is the choice of delivery method. For French customers, it is highly significant to have the option to select their preferred delivery carrier. This underscores the importance of flexibility and convenience throughout the delivery process.

- Influencer Endorsements: French fashion icons and designers set trends that are followed globally. Their influence keeps fashion accessories in high demand as consumers seek to emulate their styles. Statistics reveal that one in three internet users follows an influencer, with 75% of these followers having made a purchase based on influencer recommendations.

- Marketplaces and more: As expected, marketplaces such as Amazon, Cdiscount and Leroy Merlin are popular in France. However, they are not the only sales channels. New alternatives to fashion consumption are gaining traction among the French, especially those committed to sustainability and ethical production, which brings us to our next point....

- Sustainability and Ethical Production: For 91% of French, sustainability is a priority when buying products online. Also, there is a growing awareness and preference for ethically sourced and sustainably produced jewelry among French consumers, who value transparency and responsible business practices.

Sustainable e-commerce supply chain e-book

Which Services Should e-Commerce Businesses Consider When Fulfilling Orders for Fashion Accessories?

When fulfilling orders for fashion accessories e-commerce businesses should consider a range of services to ensure efficient and secure delivery to their customers. These services are crucial for maintaining the integrity of high-value items and providing a positive customer experience. Here are some key considerations:

Secure Storage and Handling

  • Security measures such as 24/7 surveillance, biometric access control, and alarm systems are part of ensuring the security of the products.

    Additionally, it is crucial that the warehouse has climate-controlled storage to prevent tarnishing and damage from environmental factors like humidity. Also, staff should be trained in handling delicate items, ensuring that jewelry, watches, and accessories are treated with care to avoid any damage.

Specialized and Protective Packaging:

  • High-quality, padded materials help to protect accessories during transit. Materials such as anti-tarnish strips for silver jewelry and shock-absorbent materials for watches are recommended.

Protective packaging can play a significant role in the branding of an e-commerce company by pushing to an unboxing experience, reinforcing brand identity, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Creating a meaningful brand experience starts from the moment the customer receives the package. And of course, don't forget that sustainability is a crucial factor for French customers; packaging can also demonstrate your commitment to the environment. Maintaining an environmentally friendly approach will also earn you points in this market.

Inventory Management and Tracking

  • Inventory management helps you to have detailed access to reports and analytics on inventory levels, order statuses, and shipping updates. An advanced inventory management system offers a real-time tracking of stock levels, locations, and movements.

French consumers value security and trust when making online purchases, especially for high-value items like jewelry. Tracking allows them to monitor the status of their order, ensuring it is safely en route and will arrive on time.

Shipping and Delivery

  • Reputable Carriers: Partnering with carriers known for their expertise in handling high-value and delicate items with care also adds value to your online business, demonstrating your commitment to ensuring the product arrives in good condition to the customer.  As mentioned before, it's also crucial that customers can choose the delivery method that suits them best. And keep in mind that French customers value their delivery companies highly and trust them.

This brings us to the next point: collaborating with a delivery company that provides insured shipping options to safeguard against potential loss or damage during transit helps foster trust with your customers.


 


 

Fashion Accessories that are in Vogue in France

The country's appreciation for art and luxury is reflected in the high demand for fashion accessories that complement and enhance personal style. Here are some of the most popular fashion accessories in France:

Watches & Jewelry

Watches & Jewelry

The demand for luxury watches and jewelry continues to thrive in France, driven by a blend of historical significance, cultural traditions, fashion influence, artistic craftsmanship, personal and expression. According to Statista, the estimated revenue per person in the jewelry and watch sector is projected to reach US$95.81 in 2024.

On one hand, the jewelry section includes items such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and brooches made from various materials like precious metals, gemstones, pearls, and costume jewelry. The revenue in France's jewelry market is predicted to reach US$3.84 billion in 2024

On the other hand, watches are viewed as functional accessories that also serve as fashion statements. Analog, digital, smart, and luxury styles are among the most popular watches in France. While traditional brands remain famous, 2022 saw a growing interest in independent watchmakers in France. It is estimated that by 2024, customers in France will spend an average of US$36.66 per person on watches.


Bags and Handbags

Bags and Handbags

The popularity of bags and handbags in France is fueled by fashion consciousness, practicality, cultural significance, and a rich tradition of quality and craftsmanship. 

In 2021 alone, France ranked second in Europe for handbag sales. Their popularity is due to the strong demand for a variety of styles, including purses, clutches, backpacks and tote bags made from materials such as leather, fabric, canvas and synthetics. By 2024, The market is expected to reach US$247.6 million.


Headwear

Headwear

In general, headwear is associated with elegance and sophistication, fitting well with the French emphasis on refined and chic appearances. Notably, some accessories like beanies have become essential, driving the headwear market in the region. 

This category includes a variety of innovative products such as bucket hats, sun hats, berets, beanies, caps, headbands, hijabs, fedoras, and many more. Due to this variation, France ranks as the third-highest country in headwear sales, with revenue expected to reach US$96.6 million by 2024.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses

France's outdoor lifestyle, characterized by sidewalk cafés, outdoor dining, and leisurely strolls, encourages people to spend time outdoors, making sunglasses a practical and stylish accessory for these activities. This is reflected in the numbers, as the sunglasses industry alone accounts for 32.7% of the Fashion Accessories e-commerce market in France, and by 2024, the market is expected to reach US$138.0 million.

The market is expected to experience significant growth between now and 2027, with estimates indicating an average increase of 87.9%.

How byrd Services Can Help You Fulfill Your Fashion Accessories 

A fulfillment company like byrd can play a crucial role in optimizing your online businesses with the logistics for your fashion accessories products. One of our primary benefits is streamlined inventory management, which allows businesses to maintain real-time visibility of their inventory levels. This ensures that popular fashion items are always available for purchase, minimizing stockouts and optimizing sales opportunities.

We provide an extensive range of services, including cross-border shipping and sustainable packaging solutions. Moreover, our warehouses in France and across Europe are certified to handle delicate products with meticulous fulfillment processes, ensuring your products arrive in excellent condition and providing peace of mind to both you and your customers.