The difficult economic situation has had an adverse effect on retail trade, with a 5% drop in turnover between 2006 and 2012, while charges continued to rise over the same period. Retail rents, which are linked to the French construction cost index (ICC), have risen by almost 15% on average over the past 5 years, to a level (including service charges) representing almost 14% of retail turnover in 2012, i.e. the equivalent of the total wage bill. The Contribution Economique Territoriale (CET), a local business tax, has raised taxation levels by an average of 30% in the retail industry. The CNC is calling for a reduction in charges, which represent an excessive burden on the retail industry.
Fédération Française
de la Tannerie Mégisserie
French Federation of Tanners