Deux-Sèvres stands out as the most economical area for shopping. A study by UFC-Que Choisir shows significant price differences between French regions. What factors influence these differences and how can consumers take advantage of them?
Consumer association UFC-Que Choisir unveiled a comparative study of prices charged in supermarkets on October 12. This analysis highlights. the lightthe light Significant regional disparities in the price of everyday purchases. Deux-Sèvres stands out as the department offering the most advantageous prices with a difference of 4.1% from the national average. This finding raises questions about the factors influencing these price variations and their impact on French consumers.
Price map in France: notable differences between regions
The UFC-Que Choisir study provides a contrasting panorama of race prices in France. After Deux-Sèvres, we find:
- Côtes-d’Armor (-4%);
- Loir-et-Cher and Vendée (-3.6%);
- Territoire de Belfort (-3.5%);
- Tarn and Mayen (-3.3%).
Conversely, the most expensive departments are mainly located in the Paris region and the southeast:
- Paris (+10.4% above the national average);
- Hauts-de-Seine (+5.3%);
- Val-de-Marne, Corsica-du-Sud and Haute-Corse (+3.6%);
- Alpes-Maritimes (+2.3%).
These significant differences raise questions about the economic and logistical factors that influence price formation in different French regions.
Methodology and Scope of the Study
To perform this comparative analysis, UFC-Que Choisir adopted a methodology. Noé Bauduin, the association’s research manager, explains: ” Today, the majority of department stores have drive-thru service. “The team collected the prizes through Supermarkets’ online platforms supplement this data with field surveys to check for consistency between prices displayed online and prices charged in stores.
The study focused on everyday products, including:
The comparison covered both national brands and distributor brands, ensuring that products with similar composition and packaging were compared. This rigorous approach allows us to obtain a faithful picture of price disparities at the national level.
Factors Explaining Price Differences
Several factors help explain these regional price variations:
|
Postman |
Effect on prices |
|
Location of brands |
Strong influence on local competition |
|
Store size |
Larger stores allow economies of scale. |
|
Urbanization |
High logistics costs in dense urban areas |
|
Local purchasing power |
Influences the brand’s pricing strategy. |
In Deux-Sèvres, for example, Système U and E. Leclerc are 17% and 7% higher, respectively, than the national average. These brands, known for their competitive prices, exercise a pressurepressure Downside across the local market. In contrast, Carrefour, typically more expensive, is 17 percent less established in the sector.
The size of the store also plays an important role. Large stores in peripheral shopping areas benefit from economies of scale that allow prices to be kept low, in contrast to urban convenience stores facing higher logistics costs.
Consumer Outlook
Although Deux-Sèvres appears to be the most economical area to buy at the moment, Noé Bauduin emphasizes that this ranking could change. On the other hand, ” The cheapest department may change, but it is always the same area. He says This trend in the western zone is something that has not been seen since this month. ».
For consumers, this information offers ways to optimize their shopping budget:
- Support large areas in peripheral shopping areas.
- Compare prices between different local brands.
- Take advantage of Drive Services to compare prices.
- Pay attention to the progress in the establishment of brands in your area.
This UFC-Que Choisir study highlights the importance of regional dynamics in price formation, offering consumers the key to better understand and navigate the complex landscape of French mass distribution.
