Informations Rapides ·
26 March 2026 · n° 76
In March 2026, the business climate has slightly rebounded in retail trade and in
trade and repair of motor vehicles Monthly survey of retailing - March 2026
In March 2026, the business climate has slightly rebounded in the whole sector comprising retail trade and trade and repair of motor vehicles. At 99, the synthetic indicator has gained one point and has moved closer to its long-term average (100). This improvement mainly results from the increase in the balance related to ordering intentions.
Collection information
Responses to this survey have been collected between 26 February and 23 March 2026; in terms of turnover, about three quarters of responses have been collected after the beginning of the war in the Middle East (28 February 2026).
Sommaire
In March 2026, the business climate has slightly rebounded in the whole sector comprising retail trade and trade and repair of motor vehicles. At 99, the synthetic indicator has gained one point and has moved closer to its long-term average (100). This improvement mainly results from the increase in the balance related to ordering intentions.
tableauComposite indicator
| Business climate synthetic indicator | |
|---|---|
| 2026-03 | 99.2 |
| 2026-02 | 97.8 |
| 2026-01 | 99.3 |
| 2025-12 | 104.3 |
| 2025-11 | 96.5 |
| 2025-10 | 98.7 |
| 2025-09 | 91.9 |
| 2025-08 | 92.7 |
| 2025-07 | 98.6 |
| 2025-06 | 99.4 |
| 2025-05 | 98.1 |
| 2025-04 | 97.8 |
| 2025-03 | 101.8 |
| 2025-02 | 98.5 |
| 2025-01 | 97.7 |
| 2024-12 | 99.5 |
| 2024-11 | 98.9 |
| 2024-10 | 99.4 |
| 2024-09 | 98.5 |
| 2024-08 | 98.2 |
| 2024-07 | 93.7 |
| 2024-06 | 100.5 |
| 2024-05 | 101.3 |
| 2024-04 | 103.4 |
| 2024-03 | 102.1 |
| 2024-02 | 101.8 |
| 2024-01 | 105.7 |
| 2023-12 | 99.9 |
| 2023-11 | 97.2 |
| 2023-10 | 97.8 |
| 2023-09 | 102.2 |
| 2023-08 | 103.3 |
| 2023-07 | 103.6 |
| 2023-06 | 100.5 |
| 2023-05 | 97.2 |
| 2023-04 | 101.6 |
| 2023-03 | 97.1 |
| 2023-02 | 101.9 |
| 2023-01 | 100.6 |
| 2022-12 | 101.3 |
| 2022-11 | 96.3 |
| 2022-10 | 99.2 |
| 2022-09 | 94.7 |
| 2022-08 | 99.1 |
| 2022-07 | 96.6 |
| 2022-06 | 94.5 |
| 2022-05 | 95.8 |
| 2022-04 | 91.7 |
| 2022-03 | 102.9 |
| 2022-02 | 109.2 |
| 2022-01 | 108.1 |
| 2021-12 | 109.9 |
| 2021-11 | 110.5 |
| 2021-10 | 106.2 |
| 2021-09 | 109.0 |
| 2021-08 | 112.8 |
| 2021-07 | 115.6 |
| 2021-06 | 116.8 |
| 2021-05 | 109.4 |
| 2021-04 | 96.1 |
| 2021-03 | 100.5 |
| 2021-02 | 93.1 |
| 2021-01 | 96.6 |
| 2020-12 | 97.2 |
| 2020-11 | 71.0 |
| 2020-10 | 105.3 |
| 2020-09 | 102.5 |
| 2020-08 | 100.4 |
| 2020-07 | 95.5 |
| 2020-06 | 91.2 |
| 2020-05 | 60.2 |
| 2020-04 | 55.4 |
| 2020-03 | 97.5 |
| 2020-02 | 111.2 |
| 2020-01 | 110.3 |
| 2019-12 | 111.6 |
| 2019-11 | 109.5 |
| 2019-10 | 107.2 |
| 2019-09 | 108.3 |
| 2019-08 | 100.8 |
| 2019-07 | 106.9 |
| 2019-06 | 104.5 |
| 2019-05 | 107.0 |
| 2019-04 | 111.7 |
| 2019-03 | 107.0 |
| 2019-02 | 104.5 |
| 2019-01 | 103.3 |
| 2018-12 | 101.7 |
| 2018-11 | 108.6 |
| 2018-10 | 107.6 |
| 2018-09 | 112.5 |
| 2018-08 | 118.5 |
| 2018-07 | 115.6 |
| 2018-06 | 115.7 |
| 2018-05 | 115.9 |
| 2018-04 | 115.6 |
| 2018-03 | 114.7 |
| 2018-02 | 118.0 |
| 2018-01 | 119.1 |
| 2017-12 | 117.7 |
| 2017-11 | 118.5 |
| 2017-10 | 119.7 |
| 2017-09 | 114.5 |
| 2017-08 | 111.3 |
| 2017-07 | 112.0 |
| 2017-06 | 110.9 |
| 2017-05 | 107.7 |
| 2017-04 | 106.6 |
| 2017-03 | 110.0 |
| 2017-02 | 110.1 |
| 2017-01 | 111.9 |
| 2016-12 | 110.5 |
| 2016-11 | 102.4 |
| 2016-10 | 101.8 |
| 2016-09 | 103.7 |
| 2016-08 | 106.0 |
| 2016-07 | 105.2 |
| 2016-06 | 106.1 |
| 2016-05 | 107.7 |
| 2016-04 | 103.0 |
| 2016-03 | 106.3 |
| 2016-02 | 103.4 |
| 2016-01 | 104.7 |
| 2015-12 | 103.4 |
| 2015-11 | 107.7 |
| 2015-10 | 110.9 |
| 2015-09 | 108.0 |
| 2015-08 | 109.5 |
| 2015-07 | 104.2 |
| 2015-06 | 107.4 |
| 2015-05 | 106.1 |
| 2015-04 | 106.8 |
| 2015-03 | 105.3 |
| 2015-02 | 106.0 |
| 2015-01 | 102.7 |
| 2014-12 | 95.4 |
| 2014-11 | 94.0 |
| 2014-10 | 89.9 |
| 2014-09 | 88.2 |
| 2014-08 | 90.4 |
| 2014-07 | 98.2 |
| 2014-06 | 94.9 |
| 2014-05 | 96.9 |
| 2014-04 | 97.5 |
| 2014-03 | 96.8 |
| 2014-02 | 95.3 |
| 2014-01 | 95.8 |
| 2013-12 | 93.8 |
| 2013-11 | 94.1 |
| 2013-10 | 95.5 |
| 2013-09 | 100.3 |
| 2013-08 | 94.2 |
| 2013-07 | 84.3 |
| 2013-06 | 86.2 |
| 2013-05 | 83.8 |
| 2013-04 | 85.5 |
| 2013-03 | 88.3 |
| 2013-02 | 91.7 |
| 2013-01 | 82.9 |
| 2012-12 | 88.9 |
| 2012-11 | 88.4 |
| 2012-10 | 87.0 |
| 2012-09 | 84.9 |
| 2012-08 | 92.3 |
| 2012-07 | 91.2 |
| 2012-06 | 94.2 |
| 2012-05 | 91.2 |
| 2012-04 | 95.8 |
| 2012-03 | 92.6 |
| 2012-02 | 91.7 |
| 2012-01 | 87.2 |
| 2011-12 | 93.0 |
| 2011-11 | 94.6 |
| 2011-10 | 94.6 |
| 2011-09 | 94.1 |
| 2011-08 | 98.1 |
| 2011-07 | 99.7 |
| 2011-06 | 100.7 |
| 2011-05 | 103.7 |
| 2011-04 | 103.7 |
| 2011-03 | 104.4 |
| 2011-02 | 108.2 |
| 2011-01 | 108.9 |
| 2010-12 | 109.8 |
| 2010-11 | 105.4 |
| 2010-10 | 110.4 |
| 2010-09 | 107.6 |
| 2010-08 | 108.4 |
| 2010-07 | 101.4 |
| 2010-06 | 103.6 |
| 2010-05 | 102.8 |
| 2010-04 | 105.2 |
| 2010-03 | 98.3 |
| 2010-02 | 99.7 |
| 2010-01 | 97.9 |
| 2009-12 | 97.1 |
| 2009-11 | 100.8 |
| 2009-10 | 95.7 |
| 2009-09 | 93.0 |
| 2009-08 | 90.0 |
| 2009-07 | 89.6 |
| 2009-06 | 80.3 |
| 2009-05 | 81.8 |
| 2009-04 | 73.8 |
| 2009-03 | 88.0 |
| 2009-02 | 76.1 |
| 2009-01 | 76.0 |
| 2008-12 | 73.5 |
| 2008-11 | 87.7 |
| 2008-10 | 78.4 |
| 2008-09 | 101.3 |
| 2008-08 | 92.3 |
| 2008-07 | 94.8 |
| 2008-06 | 100.9 |
| 2008-05 | 105.9 |
| 2008-04 | 103.8 |
| 2008-03 | 114.0 |
| 2008-02 | 111.0 |
| 2008-01 | 111.0 |
| 2007-12 | 117.1 |
| 2007-11 | 112.4 |
| 2007-10 | 112.5 |
| 2007-09 | 110.6 |
| 2007-08 | 116.0 |
| 2007-07 | 119.3 |
| 2007-06 | 123.1 |
| 2007-05 | 116.4 |
| 2007-04 | 115.4 |
| 2007-03 | 113.0 |
| 2007-02 | 115.7 |
| 2007-01 | 109.5 |
| 2006-12 | 110.1 |
| 2006-11 | 112.9 |
| 2006-10 | 112.0 |
| 2006-09 | 110.7 |
| 2006-08 | 110.4 |
| 2006-07 | 108.4 |
| 2006-06 | 108.5 |
| 2006-05 | 105.6 |
| 2006-04 | 105.0 |
| 2006-03 | 103.1 |
| 2006-02 | 104.8 |
| 2006-01 | 104.2 |
graphiqueComposite indicator
- Source: INSEE.
The balance of opinion on ordering intentions has rebounded
In March 2026, the balance of opinion related to ordering intentions has rebounded and has returned to its long-term average. Conversely, the balance related to the general business outlook has sharply retreated and has moved back just below its own. The balances related to both past and expected sales have decreased, below their respective average.
The balance related to the current level of stocks has sharply decreased for the third month in a row, and has fallen below its average. It has reached a level unobserved since May 2023.
The balance of opinion on expected selling prices is stable, above its average level. The bi-monthly one on past selling prices has increased for the third two-month period in a row, and has moved away from its own.
The bi-monthly balance related to cash position has rebounded, but remains below its long-term average since December 2022.
The balance related to expected workforce size has increased and has moved closer to its long-term average. Conversely, the one related to past workforce size has retreated and has moved away from its own.
Lastly, the balance on felt economic uncertainty is stable, below its long-term average.
tableauTendency in retail trade and in trade and repair of motor vehicles
Balances of opinion, in %, S.A.
| Ave. (1) | Dec. 25 | Jan. 26 | Feb. 26 | Mar. 26 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business climate | 100 | 104 | 99 | 98 | 99 |
| General business outlook | -27 | -24 | -24 | -23 | -28 |
| Recent sales | -9 | -15 | -13 | -15 | -18 |
| Expected sales | -4 | -5 | -10 | -9 | -11 |
| Ordering intentions | -9 | -4 | -10 | -12 | -9 |
| Stocks | 10 | 21 | 15 | 13 | 8 |
| Past selling prices (2) | -3 | 5 | 8 | ||
| Expected selling prices | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Cash position (2) | -15 | -24 | -21 | ||
| Past workforce size | -1 | -10 | -10 | -5 | -8 |
| Expected workforce size | -4 | -9 | -11 | -11 | -7 |
| Economic uncertainty felt (3) | 36 | 34 | 35 | 33 | 33 |
- (1) Average since 1991 (except 2004 for recent and expected sales and ordering intentions, and April 2021 for uncertainty felt).
- (2) Bimonthly question (odd-numbered months).
- (3) Non-seasonally adjusted balance.
- Source: INSEE - monthly survey in retail trade and in trade and repair of motor vehicles.
tableauRecent sales and ordering intentions
| Ordering intentions | Recent sales | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-03 | -9.2 | -17.9 |
| 2026-02 | -12.2 | -14.5 |
| 2026-01 | -10.4 | -12.5 |
| 2025-12 | -3.9 | -15.1 |
| 2025-11 | -13.5 | -9.2 |
| 2025-10 | -9.3 | -17.1 |
| 2025-09 | -16.9 | -14.7 |
| 2025-08 | -18.2 | -4.7 |
| 2025-07 | -11.1 | -16.5 |
| 2025-06 | -9.8 | -14.4 |
| 2025-05 | -11.1 | -17.0 |
| 2025-04 | -10.2 | -21.6 |
| 2025-03 | -7.1 | -15.5 |
| 2025-02 | -10.0 | -19.4 |
| 2025-01 | -12.8 | -5.9 |
| 2024-12 | -9.6 | -13.0 |
| 2024-11 | -11.6 | -8.6 |
| 2024-10 | -10.3 | -13.2 |
| 2024-09 | -12.1 | -11.3 |
| 2024-08 | -11.2 | -15.4 |
| 2024-07 | -15.8 | -17.8 |
| 2024-06 | -9.1 | -14.1 |
| 2024-05 | -9.2 | -11.0 |
| 2024-04 | -7.2 | -5.7 |
| 2024-03 | -7.9 | -9.3 |
| 2024-02 | -7.8 | -13.2 |
| 2024-01 | -5.8 | 1.2 |
| 2023-12 | -11.2 | -11.1 |
| 2023-11 | -13.7 | -13.7 |
| 2023-10 | -13.0 | -6.0 |
| 2023-09 | -9.0 | -1.9 |
| 2023-08 | -9.9 | 4.3 |
| 2023-07 | -8.8 | -2.5 |
| 2023-06 | -10.7 | -8.2 |
| 2023-05 | -14.3 | -7.3 |
| 2023-04 | -9.4 | -2.0 |
| 2023-03 | -13.9 | -3.1 |
| 2023-02 | -8.5 | -1.7 |
| 2023-01 | -10.5 | 6.5 |
| 2022-12 | -8.5 | -0.7 |
| 2022-11 | -14.5 | 0.7 |
| 2022-10 | -10.0 | -3.8 |
| 2022-09 | -14.9 | -7.2 |
| 2022-08 | -9.6 | -13.0 |
| 2022-07 | -11.4 | -19.7 |
| 2022-06 | -14.2 | -15.1 |
| 2022-05 | -12.8 | -13.1 |
| 2022-04 | -16.7 | -18.0 |
| 2022-03 | -4.1 | -9.9 |
| 2022-02 | -1.2 | -7.5 |
| 2022-01 | -1.9 | -4.7 |
| 2021-12 | -0.7 | -5.4 |
| 2021-11 | -0.5 | -12.7 |
| 2021-10 | -5.6 | -18.6 |
| 2021-09 | -2.5 | -13.8 |
| 2021-08 | 0.9 | 10.0 |
| 2021-07 | 2.0 | 1.7 |
| 2021-06 | 0.6 | 1.8 |
| 2021-05 | -4.6 | -9.3 |
| 2021-04 | -12.2 | -7.3 |
| 2021-03 | -7.0 | -14.9 |
| 2021-02 | -13.8 | -14.2 |
| 2021-01 | -11.2 | -5.6 |
| 2020-12 | -10.3 | -20.8 |
| 2020-11 | -36.9 | 7.8 |
| 2020-10 | -0.9 | -2.9 |
| 2020-09 | -6.2 | 4.4 |
| 2020-08 | -6.6 | -10.0 |
| 2020-07 | -8.7 | -42.4 |
| 2020-06 | -13.4 | -47.4 |
| 2020-05 | -45.0 | -56.3 |
| 2020-04 | -54.4 | -3.8 |
| 2020-03 | -10.8 | -1.8 |
| 2020-02 | 0.8 | 1.2 |
| 2020-01 | -1.3 | 11.3 |
| 2019-12 | 1.2 | -1.5 |
| 2019-11 | -1.0 | -6.2 |
| 2019-10 | -4.0 | -6.8 |
| 2019-09 | -3.4 | -1.4 |
| 2019-08 | -12.0 | -5.0 |
| 2019-07 | -4.2 | -3.0 |
| 2019-06 | -7.1 | -7.2 |
| 2019-05 | -3.2 | -9.0 |
| 2019-04 | 3.1 | -12.8 |
| 2019-03 | -1.5 | -16.6 |
| 2019-02 | -4.6 | -10.3 |
| 2019-01 | -5.3 | -9.0 |
| 2018-12 | -5.2 | -7.4 |
| 2018-11 | -0.4 | -5.9 |
| 2018-10 | -2.9 | -6.5 |
| 2018-09 | 2.3 | 2.4 |
| 2018-08 | 8.9 | 2.0 |
| 2018-07 | 5.1 | 0.0 |
| 2018-06 | 5.7 | -6.0 |
| 2018-05 | 5.1 | -5.0 |
| 2018-04 | 4.9 | -7.9 |
| 2018-03 | 3.1 | -5.7 |
| 2018-02 | 5.4 | 6.1 |
| 2018-01 | 6.8 | 3.3 |
| 2017-12 | 5.4 | 0.8 |
| 2017-11 | 8.1 | -6.2 |
| 2017-10 | 9.0 | -1.4 |
| 2017-09 | 2.3 | -1.6 |
| 2017-08 | -0.8 | -1.0 |
| 2017-07 | -1.4 | 5.5 |
| 2017-06 | -1.0 | -5.9 |
| 2017-05 | -3.2 | -5.5 |
| 2017-04 | -3.5 | -11.9 |
| 2017-03 | 0.2 | -1.8 |
| 2017-02 | -0.4 | 4.2 |
| 2017-01 | 1.5 | 1.0 |
| 2016-12 | -0.1 | -1.2 |
| 2016-11 | -9.2 | -6.3 |
| 2016-10 | -8.2 | -10.7 |
| 2016-09 | -6.1 | -10.5 |
| 2016-08 | -3.9 | -4.1 |
| 2016-07 | -5.1 | -5.1 |
| 2016-06 | -3.7 | -4.0 |
| 2016-05 | -3.8 | 4.8 |
| 2016-04 | -8.7 | 1.5 |
| 2016-03 | -3.5 | -5.2 |
| 2016-02 | -6.8 | -9.2 |
| 2016-01 | -6.1 | -4.9 |
| 2015-12 | -5.2 | -15.3 |
| 2015-11 | -3.5 | 3.0 |
| 2015-10 | 0.3 | 4.4 |
| 2015-09 | -2.6 | 1.6 |
| 2015-08 | -1.5 | 8.0 |
| 2015-07 | -6.3 | -0.6 |
| 2015-06 | -1.3 | -8.3 |
| 2015-05 | -3.0 | -4.4 |
| 2015-04 | -2.2 | -2.6 |
| 2015-03 | -3.3 | -5.4 |
| 2015-02 | -1.9 | -4.3 |
| 2015-01 | -4.9 | -8.6 |
| 2014-12 | -12.7 | -10.2 |
| 2014-11 | -13.6 | -14.7 |
| 2014-10 | -16.8 | -23.7 |
| 2014-09 | -18.4 | -30.6 |
| 2014-08 | -17.3 | -19.8 |
| 2014-07 | -10.3 | -5.9 |
| 2014-06 | -13.8 | -11.9 |
| 2014-05 | -11.3 | -14.8 |
| 2014-04 | -9.6 | -21.3 |
| 2014-03 | -11.1 | -16.9 |
| 2014-02 | -13.3 | -13.1 |
| 2014-01 | -12.7 | -10.7 |
| 2013-12 | -15.2 | -10.6 |
| 2013-11 | -13.5 | -12.9 |
| 2013-10 | -13.4 | -11.5 |
| 2013-09 | -7.5 | -12.8 |
| 2013-08 | -13.4 | -18.3 |
| 2013-07 | -23.1 | -26.0 |
| 2013-06 | -19.4 | -24.4 |
| 2013-05 | -21.7 | -29.8 |
| 2013-04 | -19.6 | -31.8 |
| 2013-03 | -17.1 | -25.9 |
| 2013-02 | -14.0 | -27.2 |
| 2013-01 | -25.5 | -17.3 |
| 2012-12 | -17.7 | -21.2 |
| 2012-11 | -18.5 | -16.4 |
| 2012-10 | -19.3 | -23.0 |
| 2012-09 | -21.7 | -23.8 |
| 2012-08 | -15.1 | -8.3 |
| 2012-07 | -15.4 | -19.5 |
| 2012-06 | -12.9 | -18.3 |
| 2012-05 | -16.8 | -14.8 |
| 2012-04 | -13.7 | -8.1 |
| 2012-03 | -16.0 | -12.3 |
| 2012-02 | -15.4 | -15.4 |
| 2012-01 | -19.9 | -20.3 |
| 2011-12 | -13.9 | -17.5 |
| 2011-11 | -12.6 | -13.0 |
| 2011-10 | -13.5 | -15.7 |
| 2011-09 | -13.1 | -17.4 |
| 2011-08 | -11.3 | -6.5 |
| 2011-07 | -11.6 | -9.4 |
| 2011-06 | -11.4 | 0.1 |
| 2011-05 | -7.9 | 3.6 |
| 2011-04 | -7.2 | 1.7 |
| 2011-03 | -5.8 | -6.4 |
| 2011-02 | -2.4 | 1.6 |
| 2011-01 | -1.8 | 4.3 |
graphiqueRecent sales and ordering intentions
- Source: INSEE.
tableauWorkforce size in retail trade
| Past workforce size | Expected workforce size | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-03 | -7.5 | -7.2 |
| 2026-02 | -4.7 | -11.2 |
| 2026-01 | -10.2 | -10.9 |
| 2025-12 | -10.3 | -8.7 |
| 2025-11 | -8.2 | -8.8 |
| 2025-10 | -9.9 | -14.1 |
| 2025-09 | -13.9 | -12.1 |
| 2025-08 | -9.0 | -12.8 |
| 2025-07 | -12.5 | -5.9 |
| 2025-06 | -12.8 | -6.4 |
| 2025-05 | -10.5 | -5.0 |
| 2025-04 | -10.9 | -12.0 |
| 2025-03 | -8.0 | -11.3 |
| 2025-02 | -6.8 | -8.6 |
| 2025-01 | -7.4 | -11.1 |
| 2024-12 | -5.6 | -12.6 |
| 2024-11 | -3.9 | -10.0 |
| 2024-10 | -4.5 | -8.0 |
| 2024-09 | -7.0 | -6.8 |
| 2024-08 | -7.4 | -7.0 |
| 2024-07 | -7.3 | -8.8 |
| 2024-06 | -8.2 | -7.5 |
| 2024-05 | -6.0 | -8.0 |
| 2024-04 | -11.1 | -3.8 |
| 2024-03 | -6.6 | -7.2 |
| 2024-02 | -10.6 | -8.0 |
| 2024-01 | -6.1 | -8.4 |
| 2023-12 | -8.6 | -5.8 |
| 2023-11 | -12.5 | -11.5 |
| 2023-10 | -9.2 | -10.2 |
| 2023-09 | -7.8 | -9.3 |
| 2023-08 | -6.5 | -8.4 |
| 2023-07 | -5.5 | -5.6 |
| 2023-06 | -9.2 | -7.2 |
| 2023-05 | -11.2 | -9.1 |
| 2023-04 | -7.2 | -7.8 |
| 2023-03 | -7.7 | -8.6 |
| 2023-02 | -6.0 | -6.7 |
| 2023-01 | -5.4 | -7.6 |
| 2022-12 | -4.8 | -9.9 |
| 2022-11 | -7.0 | -8.9 |
| 2022-10 | -9.6 | -7.9 |
| 2022-09 | -5.1 | -6.2 |
| 2022-08 | -8.3 | -5.5 |
| 2022-07 | -8.9 | -12.8 |
| 2022-06 | -7.3 | -9.1 |
| 2022-05 | -8.5 | -5.2 |
| 2022-04 | -6.7 | -7.1 |
| 2022-03 | -1.1 | -7.6 |
| 2022-02 | -4.9 | -6.1 |
| 2022-01 | -8.3 | -6.1 |
| 2021-12 | -5.0 | -5.1 |
| 2021-11 | -6.1 | -4.7 |
| 2021-10 | -6.2 | -5.9 |
| 2021-09 | -5.7 | -9.7 |
| 2021-08 | -8.9 | -6.4 |
| 2021-07 | -7.4 | -6.0 |
| 2021-06 | -11.5 | -6.1 |
| 2021-05 | -11.5 | -9.4 |
| 2021-04 | -10.7 | -12.6 |
| 2021-03 | -13.7 | -8.3 |
| 2021-02 | -17.8 | -12.8 |
| 2021-01 | -8.0 | -5.6 |
| 2020-12 | -16.7 | -13.8 |
| 2020-11 | -11.4 | -27.3 |
| 2020-10 | -14.7 | -12.4 |
| 2020-09 | -16.6 | -11.0 |
| 2020-08 | -17.0 | -9.7 |
| 2020-07 | -21.9 | -16.5 |
| 2020-06 | -24.3 | -21.5 |
| 2020-05 | -20.1 | -33.1 |
| 2020-04 | -16.6 | -34.9 |
| 2020-03 | -11.7 | -15.5 |
| 2020-02 | -4.0 | -10.3 |
| 2020-01 | -7.1 | -7.5 |
| 2019-12 | -3.4 | -6.9 |
| 2019-11 | -7.2 | -10.9 |
| 2019-10 | -4.8 | -7.6 |
| 2019-09 | -11.8 | -6.5 |
| 2019-08 | -12.1 | -10.0 |
| 2019-07 | -2.0 | -4.2 |
| 2019-06 | -3.1 | -3.4 |
| 2019-05 | -3.5 | -0.8 |
| 2019-04 | -4.6 | -0.7 |
| 2019-03 | -5.2 | -3.8 |
| 2019-02 | -1.1 | -5.0 |
| 2019-01 | -2.5 | -4.9 |
| 2018-12 | -0.9 | -4.1 |
| 2018-11 | 0.8 | -1.4 |
| 2018-10 | -0.5 | -2.9 |
| 2018-09 | -0.1 | -1.5 |
| 2018-08 | 4.9 | -2.7 |
| 2018-07 | 3.3 | 3.9 |
| 2018-06 | 4.0 | 2.0 |
| 2018-05 | 5.1 | -0.5 |
| 2018-04 | 3.9 | 0.8 |
| 2018-03 | 4.4 | 0.4 |
| 2018-02 | 4.8 | 1.1 |
| 2018-01 | 4.8 | -1.6 |
| 2017-12 | 0.1 | 0.4 |
| 2017-11 | 4.5 | -1.1 |
| 2017-10 | 2.4 | -1.8 |
| 2017-09 | 2.4 | -2.1 |
| 2017-08 | 2.7 | -1.3 |
| 2017-07 | 0.6 | -2.3 |
| 2017-06 | 3.7 | -0.7 |
| 2017-05 | 0.9 | -2.5 |
| 2017-04 | 0.2 | -4.4 |
| 2017-03 | -0.1 | -0.4 |
| 2017-02 | -3.5 | -2.8 |
| 2017-01 | -0.8 | -4.9 |
| 2016-12 | -1.8 | -3.6 |
| 2016-11 | -4.9 | -5.3 |
| 2016-10 | -3.7 | -3.2 |
| 2016-09 | -0.1 | -5.8 |
| 2016-08 | -1.6 | -2.9 |
| 2016-07 | -3.7 | -2.9 |
| 2016-06 | -1.1 | -5.8 |
| 2016-05 | -2.9 | -5.1 |
| 2016-04 | -4.4 | -4.9 |
| 2016-03 | -5.1 | -6.9 |
| 2016-02 | -3.8 | -6.1 |
| 2016-01 | -3.0 | -3.9 |
| 2015-12 | -3.7 | -5.9 |
| 2015-11 | -5.1 | -7.8 |
| 2015-10 | -1.9 | -2.3 |
| 2015-09 | -2.4 | -3.7 |
| 2015-08 | -5.1 | -4.3 |
| 2015-07 | -1.5 | -4.8 |
| 2015-06 | -1.2 | -6.1 |
| 2015-05 | -1.0 | -6.1 |
| 2015-04 | -2.1 | -7.4 |
| 2015-03 | -7.3 | -4.7 |
| 2015-02 | -2.1 | -5.8 |
| 2015-01 | -5.7 | -8.2 |
| 2014-12 | -4.3 | -8.4 |
| 2014-11 | -5.0 | -9.2 |
| 2014-10 | -3.3 | -11.3 |
| 2014-09 | -2.1 | -11.0 |
| 2014-08 | -2.8 | -9.3 |
| 2014-07 | -0.8 | -7.1 |
| 2014-06 | -2.6 | -7.5 |
| 2014-05 | -2.5 | -4.9 |
| 2014-04 | -2.5 | -3.8 |
| 2014-03 | -6.5 | -6.6 |
| 2014-02 | -4.5 | -7.8 |
| 2014-01 | -4.9 | -7.3 |
| 2013-12 | -5.3 | -7.2 |
| 2013-11 | -8.0 | -11.9 |
| 2013-10 | -7.9 | -5.2 |
| 2013-09 | -8.8 | -6.1 |
| 2013-08 | -7.2 | -7.2 |
| 2013-07 | -10.4 | -11.6 |
| 2013-06 | -8.9 | -12.3 |
| 2013-05 | -10.4 | -11.3 |
| 2013-04 | -9.5 | -12.0 |
| 2013-03 | -7.8 | -12.3 |
| 2013-02 | -9.4 | -10.0 |
| 2013-01 | -9.1 | -9.7 |
| 2012-12 | -6.7 | -12.4 |
| 2012-11 | -6.0 | -8.0 |
| 2012-10 | -7.3 | -5.8 |
| 2012-09 | -6.6 | -9.2 |
| 2012-08 | -6.3 | -8.9 |
| 2012-07 | -6.9 | -13.3 |
| 2012-06 | -6.5 | -8.0 |
| 2012-05 | -9.5 | -10.3 |
| 2012-04 | -5.6 | -6.9 |
| 2012-03 | -3.9 | -7.4 |
| 2012-02 | -7.1 | -10.5 |
| 2012-01 | -10.6 | -7.5 |
| 2011-12 | -7.3 | -4.4 |
| 2011-11 | -3.8 | -6.5 |
| 2011-10 | -4.0 | -6.9 |
| 2011-09 | 0.0 | -7.7 |
| 2011-08 | -3.7 | -4.9 |
| 2011-07 | -1.4 | -4.7 |
| 2011-06 | -1.8 | -5.8 |
| 2011-05 | -0.8 | -4.3 |
| 2011-04 | -2.7 | -4.7 |
| 2011-03 | -2.6 | -3.9 |
| 2011-02 | -2.1 | -2.7 |
| 2011-01 | -2.4 | -3.2 |
graphiqueWorkforce size in retail trade
- Source: INSEE.
The business climate is stable in retail trade (excluding motor vehicles), at its long-term average
In March 2026, the business climate in retail trade (excluding motor vehicles) is stable, at its long-term average (100). The balance of opinion related to ordering intentions has slightly rebounded and has returned to its average. The one related to past sales has sharply fallen again, below its long-term average. The balance on expected prices has significantly risen, reaching its highest level since January 2024.
In trade and repair of motor vehicles, the business climate has gained one point, below its average. The balance of opinion on ordering intentions has rebounded and has moved closer to its own. The balances related to past and expected sales have increased again, while remaining well below their long-term average.
tableauBusiness climate synthetic indicator in retail trade and in trade and repair of motor vehicles
| Trade and repair of motor vehicles | Retail trade | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-03 | 97.5 | 100.1 |
| 2026-02 | 96.2 | 99.6 |
| 2026-01 | 97.0 | 101.1 |
| 2025-12 | 99.1 | 106.7 |
| 2025-11 | 91.7 | 101.6 |
| 2025-10 | 99.8 | 97.1 |
| 2025-09 | 90.9 | 94.3 |
| 2025-08 | 87.7 | 99.1 |
| 2025-07 | 88.6 | 106.7 |
| 2025-06 | 91.3 | 106.5 |
| 2025-05 | 90.8 | 104.3 |
| 2025-04 | 94.0 | 101.0 |
| 2025-03 | 96.0 | 106.0 |
| 2025-02 | 94.4 | 102.0 |
| 2025-01 | 96.1 | 99.6 |
| 2024-12 | 94.1 | 103.9 |
| 2024-11 | 96.0 | 101.8 |
| 2024-10 | 99.8 | 99.2 |
| 2024-09 | 98.4 | 99.3 |
| 2024-08 | 96.0 | 100.5 |
| 2024-07 | 93.3 | 95.8 |
| 2024-06 | 99.9 | 101.2 |
| 2024-05 | 99.7 | 102.7 |
| 2024-04 | 100.0 | 105.8 |
| 2024-03 | 101.0 | 102.7 |
| 2024-02 | 99.9 | 102.9 |
| 2024-01 | 99.3 | 109.9 |
| 2023-12 | 100.5 | 99.9 |
| 2023-11 | 102.2 | 94.6 |
| 2023-10 | 99.5 | 97.7 |
| 2023-09 | 100.6 | 103.5 |
| 2023-08 | 100.0 | 105.8 |
| 2023-07 | 101.2 | 105.3 |
| 2023-06 | 95.8 | 104.9 |
| 2023-05 | 99.1 | 96.9 |
| 2023-04 | 98.4 | 103.9 |
| 2023-03 | 98.6 | 96.8 |
| 2023-02 | 102.5 | 100.9 |
| 2023-01 | 102.3 | 99.1 |
| 2022-12 | 105.7 | 96.8 |
| 2022-11 | 100.2 | 94.1 |
| 2022-10 | 99.4 | 98.7 |
| 2022-09 | 99.1 | 92.1 |
| 2022-08 | 97.6 | 99.6 |
| 2022-07 | 98.3 | 95.2 |
| 2022-06 | 93.7 | 95.9 |
| 2022-05 | 91.0 | 100.0 |
| 2022-04 | 89.1 | 95.4 |
| 2022-03 | 100.9 | 102.7 |
| 2022-02 | 106.0 | 109.2 |
| 2022-01 | 104.5 | 108.6 |
| 2021-12 | 103.5 | 112.6 |
| 2021-11 | 100.5 | 115.5 |
| 2021-10 | 100.8 | 109.6 |
| 2021-09 | 104.1 | 111.2 |
| 2021-08 | 107.4 | 114.2 |
| 2021-07 | 108.7 | 118.4 |
| 2021-06 | 115.4 | 116.1 |
| 2021-05 | 107.4 | 110.0 |
| 2021-04 | 100.2 | 92.8 |
| 2021-03 | 98.8 | 100.3 |
| 2021-02 | 90.6 | 95.8 |
| 2021-01 | 96.9 | 96.2 |
| 2020-12 | 100.9 | 93.9 |
| 2020-11 | 79.5 | 72.1 |
| 2020-10 | 106.4 | 102.3 |
| 2020-09 | 107.3 | 97.7 |
| 2020-08 | 104.6 | 95.8 |
| 2020-07 | 101.1 | 88.9 |
| 2020-06 | 90.9 | 91.0 |
| 2020-05 | 59.2 | 69.7 |
| 2020-04 | 56.1 | 67.2 |
| 2020-03 | 100.1 | 96.1 |
| 2020-02 | 110.6 | 109.3 |
| 2020-01 | 113.2 | 106.3 |
| 2019-12 | 110.0 | 110.3 |
| 2019-11 | 109.0 | 108.0 |
| 2019-10 | 110.2 | 103.6 |
| 2019-09 | 109.6 | 105.9 |
| 2019-08 | 108.6 | 95.5 |
| 2019-07 | 106.4 | 106.0 |
| 2019-06 | 108.9 | 100.3 |
| 2019-05 | 108.9 | 103.9 |
| 2019-04 | 107.8 | 111.9 |
| 2019-03 | 108.3 | 104.0 |
| 2019-02 | 107.0 | 101.2 |
| 2019-01 | 106.2 | 99.7 |
| 2018-12 | 108.2 | 95.5 |
| 2018-11 | 111.7 | 104.0 |
| 2018-10 | 112.1 | 102.9 |
| 2018-09 | 112.4 | 110.1 |
| 2018-08 | 112.5 | 119.1 |
| 2018-07 | 112.5 | 114.8 |
| 2018-06 | 113.7 | 114.2 |
| 2018-05 | 115.8 | 112.5 |
| 2018-04 | 116.7 | 111.6 |
| 2018-03 | 116.4 | 110.9 |
| 2018-02 | 120.9 | 112.2 |
| 2018-01 | 119.8 | 115.0 |
| 2017-12 | 117.1 | 115.6 |
| 2017-11 | 118.1 | 115.7 |
| 2017-10 | 117.0 | 117.9 |
| 2017-09 | 115.4 | 111.5 |
| 2017-08 | 109.9 | 110.6 |
| 2017-07 | 110.9 | 111.2 |
| 2017-06 | 109.2 | 110.4 |
| 2017-05 | 108.2 | 105.9 |
| 2017-04 | 110.1 | 102.8 |
| 2017-03 | 110.7 | 107.3 |
| 2017-02 | 107.3 | 110.2 |
| 2017-01 | 106.4 | 113.6 |
| 2016-12 | 107.8 | 110.5 |
| 2016-11 | 106.9 | 99.8 |
| 2016-10 | 106.8 | 98.5 |
| 2016-09 | 105.6 | 101.9 |
| 2016-08 | 109.9 | 102.5 |
| 2016-07 | 111.5 | 100.7 |
| 2016-06 | 111.3 | 101.8 |
| 2016-05 | 108.9 | 106.1 |
| 2016-04 | 109.1 | 99.2 |
| 2016-03 | 109.9 | 103.0 |
| 2016-02 | 109.9 | 98.8 |
| 2016-01 | 109.7 | 100.8 |
| 2015-12 | 110.0 | 98.4 |
| 2015-11 | 110.7 | 104.7 |
| 2015-10 | 108.2 | 110.9 |
| 2015-09 | 109.2 | 105.7 |
| 2015-08 | 109.9 | 108.1 |
| 2015-07 | 105.6 | 103.1 |
| 2015-06 | 111.9 | 103.0 |
| 2015-05 | 110.8 | 102.0 |
| 2015-04 | 109.7 | 103.7 |
| 2015-03 | 107.5 | 102.6 |
| 2015-02 | 105.7 | 104.4 |
| 2015-01 | 107.2 | 98.8 |
| 2014-12 | 103.5 | 90.7 |
| 2014-11 | 100.7 | 90.5 |
| 2014-10 | 96.1 | 87.0 |
| 2014-09 | 92.2 | 87.1 |
| 2014-08 | 98.3 | 86.6 |
| 2014-07 | 100.8 | 96.4 |
| 2014-06 | 97.9 | 93.7 |
| 2014-05 | 100.7 | 94.8 |
| 2014-04 | 99.9 | 95.8 |
| 2014-03 | 99.6 | 95.0 |
| 2014-02 | 96.4 | 95.1 |
| 2014-01 | 98.2 | 94.7 |
| 2013-12 | 96.1 | 93.3 |
| 2013-11 | 96.4 | 93.0 |
| 2013-10 | 98.4 | 93.8 |
| 2013-09 | 98.6 | 100.7 |
| 2013-08 | 93.8 | 94.8 |
| 2013-07 | 92.7 | 81.1 |
| 2013-06 | 90.4 | 84.8 |
| 2013-05 | 88.3 | 82.7 |
| 2013-04 | 85.8 | 86.6 |
| 2013-03 | 86.0 | 90.3 |
| 2013-02 | 90.3 | 92.4 |
| 2013-01 | 83.5 | 85.4 |
| 2012-12 | 84.9 | 92.6 |
| 2012-11 | 84.3 | 92.2 |
| 2012-10 | 74.4 | 97.4 |
| 2012-09 | 82.2 | 89.0 |
| 2012-08 | 88.0 | 96.0 |
| 2012-07 | 82.3 | 98.1 |
| 2012-06 | 86.2 | 99.9 |
| 2012-05 | 89.9 | 93.2 |
| 2012-04 | 93.3 | 97.6 |
| 2012-03 | 88.1 | 96.6 |
| 2012-02 | 90.6 | 92.8 |
| 2012-01 | 84.4 | 91.5 |
| 2011-12 | 94.9 | 92.2 |
| 2011-11 | 93.1 | 96.2 |
| 2011-10 | 97.5 | 92.8 |
| 2011-09 | 93.6 | 94.7 |
| 2011-08 | 98.2 | 98.2 |
| 2011-07 | 101.2 | 99.1 |
| 2011-06 | 99.9 | 102.1 |
| 2011-05 | 99.4 | 106.8 |
| 2011-04 | 100.5 | 105.8 |
| 2011-03 | 102.1 | 105.6 |
| 2011-02 | 104.2 | 109.9 |
| 2011-01 | 104.6 | 110.7 |
| 2010-12 | 103.7 | 112.6 |
| 2010-11 | 103.3 | 105.9 |
| 2010-10 | 102.7 | 113.3 |
| 2010-09 | 101.4 | 110.1 |
| 2010-08 | 98.6 | 113.6 |
| 2010-07 | 97.7 | 103.7 |
| 2010-06 | 96.9 | 107.0 |
| 2010-05 | 95.4 | 107.7 |
| 2010-04 | 99.2 | 108.4 |
| 2010-03 | 93.1 | 102.0 |
| 2010-02 | 97.6 | 101.7 |
| 2010-01 | 101.2 | 97.1 |
| 2009-12 | 94.6 | 99.8 |
| 2009-11 | 99.9 | 101.7 |
| 2009-10 | 94.0 | 97.7 |
| 2009-09 | 94.7 | 92.8 |
| 2009-08 | 95.6 | 87.6 |
| 2009-07 | 90.9 | 90.1 |
| 2009-06 | 86.6 | 79.2 |
| 2009-05 | 95.6 | 75.4 |
| 2009-04 | 76.9 | 76.8 |
| 2009-03 | 94.8 | 84.6 |
| 2009-02 | 75.5 | 81.0 |
| 2009-01 | 74.3 | 81.7 |
| 2008-12 | 72.0 | 79.6 |
| 2008-11 | 87.8 | 89.1 |
| 2008-10 | 78.3 | 81.6 |
| 2008-09 | 101.3 | 99.8 |
| 2008-08 | 90.6 | 94.9 |
| 2008-07 | 93.5 | 96.4 |
| 2008-06 | 97.8 | 102.1 |
| 2008-05 | 105.7 | 104.3 |
| 2008-04 | 98.0 | 107.5 |
| 2008-03 | 110.5 | 113.0 |
| 2008-02 | 103.7 | 114.0 |
| 2008-01 | 105.0 | 113.8 |
| 2007-12 | 108.6 | 120.1 |
| 2007-11 | 112.1 | 110.6 |
| 2007-10 | 111.5 | 110.6 |
| 2007-09 | 111.0 | 108.6 |
| 2007-08 | 110.5 | 117.1 |
| 2007-07 | 109.8 | 122.5 |
| 2007-06 | 118.4 | 121.7 |
| 2007-05 | 106.9 | 119.9 |
| 2007-04 | 110.2 | 115.8 |
| 2007-03 | 107.8 | 113.8 |
| 2007-02 | 112.7 | 114.0 |
| 2007-01 | 108.2 | 108.1 |
| 2006-12 | 104.7 | 111.7 |
| 2006-11 | 106.6 | 115.0 |
| 2006-10 | 104.1 | 115.9 |
| 2006-09 | 105.0 | 112.9 |
| 2006-08 | 107.0 | 110.7 |
| 2006-07 | 108.9 | 106.4 |
| 2006-06 | 109.4 | 106.0 |
| 2006-05 | 104.6 | 105.5 |
| 2006-04 | 105.6 | 103.6 |
| 2006-03 | 104.2 | 101.5 |
| 2006-02 | 106.5 | 102.4 |
| 2006-01 | 103.2 | 103.9 |
graphiqueBusiness climate synthetic indicator in retail trade and in trade and repair of motor vehicles
- Source: INSEE.
tableauBalances of opinion by sub-sector in retail trade and trade and repair of motor vehicles
Balances of opinion, in %, S.A.
| Ave. (1) | Dec. 25 | Jan. 26 | Feb. 26 | Mar. 26 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail trade | |||||
| Business climate | 100 | 107 | 101 | 100 | 100 |
| General business outlook | -28 | -24 | -24 | -22 | -25 |
| Recent sales | -8 | -11 | -5 | -10 | -17 |
| Expected sales | -2 | 1 | -3 | -2 | -6 |
| Ordering intentions | -8 | -1 | -9 | -10 | -8 |
| Past workforce size | -1 | -14 | -11 | -4 | -7 |
| Expected workforce size | -4 | -10 | -11 | -14 | -8 |
| Trade and repair of motor vehicles | |||||
| Business climate | 100 | 99 | 97 | 96 | 97 |
| General business outlook | -26 | -25 | -24 | -28 | -36 |
| Recent sales | -10 | -23 | -28 | -23 | -20 |
| Expected sales | -9 | -16 | -24 | -23 | -22 |
| Ordering intentions | -11 | -10 | -14 | -16 | -12 |
| Past workforce size | -7 | 2 | -5 | -6 | -9 |
| Expected workforce size | -5 | -5 | -10 | -1 | -4 |
- (1) Average since 1991 for retail trade and 2003 for trade and repair of motor vehicles (except 2004 for recent and expected sales and ordering intentions, and April 2021 for uncertainty felt).
- Source: INSEE - monthly survey in retail trade and in trade and repair of motor vehicles.
Revisions
The business climate for February 2026 in retail trade (including trade and repair of motor vehicles) has not been revised (after rounding).
For more information
The whole sector “retail trade and trade and repair of motor vehicles” is composed for 66% of retail trade and for 34% of trade and repair of motor vehicles.
For the three-modality questions, a balance of opinion is the difference between weighted percentage of “increase” or “above normal” answers and weighted percentage of “decrease” or “below normal” answers.
This survey is part of the Joint Harmonised EU Programme of Business and Consumer Surveys, partly funded by the European Commission.
The responses of this survey were collected between 26 February and 23 Mars 2026; most companies answer during the first two weeks of collection.
Next issue: 23 April 2026 at 8:45 am.
Pour en savoir plus
: bureau-de-presse@insee.fr