French store cards market led by Groupe Crédit Agricole

In terms of value transactions, the French store cards market increased by 3% through 2012 to hit a market value of €12.3 billion, while the number of cards in circulation increased by 2% to reach 32 million.

Whilst the number of transactions increased in 2012, value sales increased by 3% in current terms. As a result, the average spend per transaction increased.

This can in part be explained by an improvement in consumer confidence. In fact, according to the European Commission Business and Consumer Survey, the index tracking consumer confidence improved regularly in the first five months of 2012, to reach -16.0 in May 2012, whilst the long term average was -18.1.

Groupe Crédit Agricole continued to be the leading issuer of store cards in France during 2011. This player accounted for a 28% share of all the cards in circulation, and for a 31% share in value terms.

In France, major retailers offer store cards to their customers in order to boost their sales, as this type of card allows customers to pay later for goods without using a loan or a credit card.

The number of store cards in circulation is expected to increase only moderately through to 2017, while the transaction value of store cards is expected to increase by a constant value CAGR of 1% between 2012 and 2017.

This low growth can largely be explained by the fact that the major retailers already have their own cards, and consequently there is low room for growth. At the same time, the number of transactions and the value generated by these transactions are forecast to increase.

For more information on the French store cards market, see the latest research: French Store Cards Market

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