The household linen market - France

Household linen manufacturers have only partially benefited from the French public's growing interest in interior design in recent years. In fact, consumption patterns based on frequent renewal of medium-quality products at attractive prices have benefited more from imported products (mainly from Asia). French manufacturers, who produce high-quality but much more expensive decorative textile products, are increasingly focusing on top-of-the-range products and exports: notions of tradition and know-how are more appreciated in countries with higher incomes than in France, such as Switzerland or Germany. Once the preserve of specialist stores, the distribution of household linen such as toiletries and table linen is now multi-channel. While mass retailers offering their own brands have made great strides (30% of sales), distance selling (30%) remains important thanks to the expansion of e-commerce. All major brands now offer an online sales site. In France, market leaders include Linvosges, the Fremaux-Delorme group, Anne de Solène, Alexandre Turpault, Garnier-Thiebaut and Beauvillé.