French swimwear revenues take a tumble in 2016

After four years of consecutive growth in the French swimwear market, a decline has finally occurred. Spread over five years, France's swimwear market growth remains positive with a 55% gain in revenues since 2012. This is despite a drop in sales for 2016.

Ahead of the upcoming swimwear and lingerie tradeshow Mode City, which takes place July 8 to 10 in Paris, the IFM has published the country's swimwear revenues for 2016. According to the French fashion institute, total swimwear market revenues fell 9%, 558.3 million euros; a result that is more of a decline than a major drop, according sector analysts, adding that total market revenues for swimwear in 2012 were just 360.2 million euros.

The drop in revenues was blamed on the effects of stock, as well as unusual weather patterns, with a delayed summer last year. The most under-performing month was June -- it usually ranks in fifth position for the number of swimwear sales in France -- but last year it accounted for just 8% of annual sales.

July remained the sales leader by month, representing 25% of total yearly revenues, followed by August (16.6%), April (11.2%) and September (10.7 %). There was a breakthrough in sales for the months of November and December, accounting for 12% of annual sales, double the amount seen in 2015, thanks to a surge in "spa and sun holidays," said Mode City organisers.

In 2016, quality swimwear -- over quantity -- was preferred by French customers. This saw the volume of swimwear sales drop 15%, while the mid-range to high end markets remained steady.

The results, in combination with the overall growth of the French swimwear market, show the French consumer is looking to invest more into swimwear pieces, and the trend looks to continue in 2017.

French swimwear revenues take a tumble in 2016

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