A distorted view? In a survey by OpinionWay published in August for Bonial (an app that lists store promotions), the French respondents maintain a view of rising prices, but an increase that is quite far from reality. 74% of respondents still consider that prices are rising for essential purchases and 72% for food purchases, which is statistically true. However, the perceived price increase is largely overestimated.
A distorted assessment of price increases
According to respondents, the average percentage increase in prices would be 17% in one year, while in reality it is 1.8% in one year according to the latest INSEE figures. Increases driven mainly by energy (22% increase according to respondents), closely followed by food products and the costs of holidays and leisure activities.
These figures must be linked to the perceptions of respondents’ purchasing power. They are essentially negative at 76% (worried, unhappy, helpless, etc.). But at the same time, positive feelings (36%) remain stable and at their highest level since 2022. A figure that can be compared with the CSA Research barometer for Cofidis which showed that a significant proportion of respondents considered themselves to have high purchasing power.
72% of respondents believe that their income allows them to finance their monthly expenses
In detail, 72% of respondents believe that their purchasing power allows them to finance expenses until the end of the month, a figure that rises three points compared to June. Almost seven out of ten respondents believe that it allows them to live with dignity, referring to the debates on the living wage, highlighted in particular by the president of Michelin last May.
As for free shopping, 54% of respondents believe that their income allows them to enjoy it, a figure that is lower but which also increases by three points in the period.
Lidl and Action in pole position to save money
As a result of their room for manoeuvre, which is still perceived as limited, the proportion of respondents willing to change their purchasing behaviour remains significant: almost three out of four respondents. Main intentions: to remain price-conscious and look for more promotions.
On the podium of brands that improve purchasing power, Lidl occupies the first position in food and Action in non-food. Finally, for back-to-school shopping, E.Leclerc was the favourite.
The survey was conducted on a sample of 1,010 people, a representative sample of the French population aged 18 years or over. The sample was constituted on the basis of the quota method, and was interviewed during the period from July 31 to August 2, 2024.
Source: BFM TV
