The leather goods market - France

Leather goods include the manufacture and distribution of small, fine leather goods, generally in the luxury sector. This includes leather bags, wallets, bracelets, belts, saddlery and car accessories, for example, but excludes glove-making and shoe-making. France excels in this sector of high value-added activities requiring a skilled workforce. Its companies, major international luxury groups, export the "made in France " brand image to perfection, particularly in Asia where demand has been growing for several years. But leather goods figures are also growing within France, boosted by a flourishing tourism industry after a drop in 2016, as well as a favorable economic context for individuals. The leather goods industry is thus evolving in a high competitive environment, where fashion effects are obviously present; it is therefore appropriate for companies present in the market to adapt as finely as possible to demand, especially for new players who must build a brand image.Finally, the leather industry in general is threatened by a growing environmental and animal awareness of the population, favoring alternative products that are more environmentally friendly and of vegetable or synthetic origin. The COVID-19 health crisis has drastically reduced activity in the luxury sector, and therefore in the leather goods segment. Indeed, as a large part of the activity is determined by external demand and the arrival of tourists in France, the leather goods sector has suffered an overall drop in sales.